Policy and Research Officer – DFAT Australian Embassy The Hague: International Law and Research Job Opportunity

The Australian Embassy in The Hague is seeking a highly capable and analytical professional to join the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as a Policy and Research Officer – LE4. This is a 12-month non-ongoing position for a locally engaged staff member, supporting Australia’s engagement with major international legal, accountability and diplomatic institutions based in The Hague. The position provides an opportunity to contribute to Australia’s international policy interests, particularly in relation to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC), international law, human rights, political affairs, accountability mechanisms and the ongoing international response to the July 2014 downing of flight MH17. Importantly, applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the Netherlands. The Australian Embassy in The Hague cannot provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance, and applications from individuals without an appropriate and valid Dutch residence and work permit will not be considered.

Opportunity Overview

The Policy and Research Officer will work within the Australian Embassy in The Hague and assist the Australian Government in advancing its interests across international organisations and institutions located in The Hague.

The role is particularly relevant to professionals with experience or qualifications in areas such as:

• International relations
• International law
• Political affairs
• Human rights
• Policy research
• Government and diplomacy
• International organisations
• Legal research and analysis
• Accountability and justice mechanisms

The successful applicant will be engaged on a non-ongoing 12-month contract as a Locally Engaged Staff member.

The employment conditions for Locally Engaged Staff are governed by the laws of the Netherlands. The Fair Work Act 2009 does not apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions.

About the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is responsible for advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.

Its responsibilities include strengthening Australia’s security, supporting Australia’s economic prosperity, delivering Australia’s overseas development assistance and helping Australian citizens travelling or living overseas.

DFAT provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government and works with other Australian Government agencies to coordinate Australia’s global, regional and bilateral interests.

Working at an Australian diplomatic mission therefore provides exposure to Australia’s international policy and diplomatic activities while supporting government priorities in a particular country or region.

About the Policy and Research Officer Position

The Australian Government is looking for a Policy and Research Officer to support Australia’s engagement with international organisations based in The Hague.

The Hague is home to a number of important international legal and accountability institutions, making this position particularly relevant to professionals interested in international law, diplomacy, international justice and government policy.

The successful candidate will assist with Australia’s engagement with institutions including:

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• The International Criminal Court (ICC)
• The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)
• The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
• Other international legal and accountability bodies and institutions

The Officer will undertake research and analysis, prepare briefings and reports, monitor developments, support meetings and visits, develop professional networks and provide broader policy and administrative assistance to the Embassy.

MH17 Accountability Work

One of the significant areas of responsibility associated with this position is supporting Australia’s ongoing pursuit of accountability relating to the July 2014 downing of flight MH17.

The Officer will monitor and report on relevant legal developments and support Australia’s participation in ongoing accountability efforts and commemorative activities.

The role may also involve work on international law, political affairs, human rights and budget-related issues, depending on Australia’s priorities and the needs of the Embassy.

This makes the position particularly suitable for candidates who have a strong interest in international justice, accountability, international legal proceedings and Australia’s role in international institutions.

Key Responsibilities

The Policy and Research Officer will be responsible for a broad range of policy, research, representational and organisational duties.

1. Support engagement with international legal institutions

The Officer will support Australia’s engagement with the ICJ, ICC and other international legal and accountability organisations.

This may involve:

• Conducting research and analysis
• Preparing briefing materials
• Providing administrative support
• Supporting effective governance
• Preparing information to advance Australian Government priorities
• Monitoring institutional developments
• Supporting Australia’s participation in relevant meetings and processes

The Officer must therefore be capable of understanding complex information and converting it into useful, accurate and concise material for government decision-makers and other stakeholders.

2. Monitor international developments

A key component of the role is monitoring developments that may affect Australia’s interests.

The successful candidate will research, analyse and report on developments in areas including:

• International law
• International politics
• Accountability
• Human rights
• Hague-based international organisations
• Other international policy issues relevant to Australia

The ability to identify important developments, understand their implications and communicate them effectively will be essential.

3. Represent the Australian Embassy

The Officer may be required to represent the Embassy at meetings involving international organisations based in The Hague.

These organisations may include the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

This responsibility requires strong interpersonal and representational skills, professionalism and the ability to communicate Australia’s interests appropriately in an international environment.

4. Support MH17-related accountability efforts

The successful candidate will monitor developments related to MH17 and assist with Australia’s participation in ongoing accountability activities.

Responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring legal developments
• Preparing reports and briefings
• Supporting Australia’s participation in accountability processes
• Assisting with commemorative activities
• Communicating relevant developments internally

5. Build and maintain professional networks

The Officer will establish, maintain and develop a network of contacts capable of providing useful information and supporting Australia’s interests.

This requires strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

6. Coordinate visits and briefings

The position may involve coordinating visit programs and managing briefings for Australian Government officials and high-level visitors.

The Officer must therefore be able to manage competing tasks, coordinate stakeholders and deliver accurate information within strict deadlines.

7. Provide broader Embassy support

The role may also include administrative, public diplomacy and policy support.

In emergency situations, the Officer may also be required to provide consular assistance.

This means applicants should be adaptable and comfortable working across different responsibilities in a small diplomatic mission.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a tertiary qualification in international relations, law or another relevant field, or an equivalent level of professional experience.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Strong research and analytical skills

Applicants should be able to conduct detailed research, evaluate information from different sources, identify relevant findings and produce accurate analysis.

Knowledge of international law is specifically relevant to the position.

Excellent communication skills

The role requires strong oral and written communication abilities.

Applicants should be able to prepare professional documents that present information in a logical, concise and persuasive manner.

English is essential, while Dutch is desirable.

Strong interpersonal and liaison skills

The Officer will interact with government officials, international organisations and other stakeholders.

Applicants should therefore be capable of establishing professional relationships, maintaining networks and communicating effectively with people from different organisations and backgrounds.

Strong organisational abilities

The successful candidate will need to manage several responsibilities simultaneously, meet tight deadlines and maintain accuracy while working under limited supervision.

Ability to work independently

Although the role involves working as part of a small team, applicants must be capable of taking initiative and completing tasks with limited supervision.

Security Clearance Requirements

This is a security-designated position.

The successful applicant must either already hold an Australian Government NV1 security clearance or have the ability to obtain one.

Applicants must also be willing to undergo the security checks required to obtain an Australian National Security clearance.

Importantly, the vacancy specifies that applications can only be considered from nationals of:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Applicants must be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance.

The position also specifies that candidates who hold dual Dutch nationality together with one of the listed nationalities are not eligible for the security clearance required for this position.

Applicants should carefully consider this requirement before applying.

Right to Live and Work in the Netherlands

A mandatory requirement for this position is an existing legal right to live and work in the Netherlands.

The Australian Embassy in The Hague:

• Does not provide visa sponsorship
• Does not assist with relocation
• Will not consider applications without an appropriate and valid visa or permit
• Requires successful applicants to meet Dutch legal requirements for employment

Any costs associated with taking up the position, including relocation expenses, are the responsibility of the successful candidate.

This requirement is particularly important for international applicants because meeting the nationality requirement alone does not automatically make someone eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must respond to each of the five listed selection criteria as part of their application.

Each response has a strict maximum of 250 words.

Applications may not be assessed if they are incomplete or if responses exceed the specified word limit.

Selection Criterion A: Communication

Applicants must demonstrate well-developed written and oral communication skills in English and Dutch for both traditional and digital platforms in a professional environment.

Candidates should provide examples demonstrating their ability to prepare written material that presents information logically, succinctly and persuasively.

Selection Criterion B: Research and Analysis

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to independently conduct high-quality, thorough and accurate research using a variety of sources, including data.

Candidates should demonstrate how they have analysed findings, monitored trends and presented research findings or reports to different internal and external stakeholders.

Selection Criterion C: Stakeholder Engagement

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to communicate and liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Relevant examples should show excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to establish effective stakeholder relationships and the capacity to build and maintain professional networks.

Selection Criterion D: Judgment and Problem-Solving

Applicants should demonstrate effective judgment, decision-making and complex problem-solving skills.

Candidates should provide examples showing their ability to use initiative and innovation when addressing challenges or developing solutions.

Selection Criterion E: Planning and Organisation

Applicants must demonstrate effective planning and organisational skills.

Examples should show the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, achieve required outcomes and meet tight deadlines while working with limited supervision.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Because the application requires a response to five specific selection criteria, applicants should avoid submitting generic statements.

A strong application should use specific examples from previous professional, academic or relevant experience.

For each selection criterion, candidates should consider using a structured example that clearly explains:

1. The situation or context.
2. The task or responsibility they were given.
3. The actions they personally took.
4. The result or outcome achieved.
5. What the example demonstrates about their suitability for the position.

Candidates should also ensure that each response remains within the 250-word limit.

It is important to address every part of the criterion rather than simply describing general skills.

English and Dutch Language Skills

English is explicitly identified as essential for the position, while Dutch is desirable.

However, the selection criteria request evidence of written and oral communication skills in both English and Dutch.

Applicants should therefore carefully review their own language capabilities and demonstrate relevant professional communication experience where applicable.

Dutch language ability may be particularly useful when interacting with local stakeholders and navigating the Dutch professional environment.

Locally Engaged Staff at Australian Overseas Missions

The position forms part of Australia’s Locally Engaged Staff workforce.

Locally Engaged Staff support and complement Australian Public Service employees working at Australia’s overseas posts.

They provide valuable local and professional knowledge, skills, networks and continuity across Australia’s diplomatic missions.

Australian Government overseas posts operate in more than 100 locations around the world, and locally engaged employees make an important contribution to Australia’s international objectives.

The position therefore offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the work of an Australian diplomatic mission while working in an international environment.

Recruitment and Application Process

The Human Resources Section based at the Australian High Commission in London manages recruitment processes for Australian diplomatic missions and other Australian Government overseas positions across the European region.

Applicants should use the Apply button associated with the vacancy to submit their application.

Questions regarding the recruitment process can be directed to the Human Resources Section at the recruitment contact provided in the vacancy announcement.

Applicants should ensure that their application is complete and that every selection criterion has been addressed within the required word limit.

Inclusive Workplace

The Australian Embassy states that it is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace in which employees are valued.

Applications are encouraged from people with diverse backgrounds who share the values of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Candidates should therefore focus their applications on demonstrating relevant skills, experience, qualifications and their ability to contribute effectively to the role.

Important Points Applicants Should Know

Before applying, candidates should carefully consider the following requirements:

• The position is a 12-month non-ongoing contract.
• It is a Locally Engaged Staff position at the Australian Embassy in The Hague.
• Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the Netherlands.
• The Australian Embassy does not provide visa sponsorship.
• The Embassy does not provide relocation assistance.
• Relocation and other costs associated with taking up the position are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
• Applicants must meet the specified nationality requirements for the security clearance.
• Eligible applicants must be nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.
• Dual Dutch nationals who also hold one of the listed nationalities are stated to be ineligible for the required security clearance.
• Applicants must be able to obtain an Australian Government NV1 security clearance.
• Applicants must be willing to undergo the required security checks.
• A tertiary qualification in international relations, law or another relevant field, or equivalent experience, is required.
• Knowledge of international law is relevant to the position.
• English communication skills are essential.
• Dutch is desirable and is also referenced in the selection criteria.
• Each selection criterion must be answered.
• Each selection criterion has a strict 250-word limit.
• Incomplete applications or responses exceeding the word limit may not be assessed.

Apply HERE 

Deadline

No application deadline is provided in the information supplied for this vacancy.

Applicants should therefore check the official vacancy page and application portal for the current closing date before submitting an application, as recruitment timelines can change.

Why This Position Could Be Valuable for International Policy Professionals

This opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals seeking experience at the intersection of international law, diplomacy, policy research, international organisations and government affairs.

Working in The Hague can provide exposure to an international environment where major institutions dealing with international justice, arbitration, private international law and accountability are located.

The responsibilities also extend beyond desk-based research. The successful applicant may participate in meetings, represent the Embassy, develop professional networks, coordinate high-level visits and support Australia’s engagement with international institutions.

For a professional with the appropriate nationality, Dutch work authorisation, qualifications and security-clearance eligibility, the role could provide meaningful experience in Australia’s international policy and diplomatic environment.

About the Commonwealth Government of Australia

The Commonwealth Government of Australia employs staff overseas to support the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Australian Government agencies at embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world.

These overseas employees contribute to Australia’s diplomatic, policy, consular and international objectives.

Locally Engaged Staff are an important part of this global workforce. Their knowledge, skills, networks and continuity help Australian diplomatic missions operate effectively in their host countries.

The Human Resources Section at the Australian High Commission in London manages local job vacancies across the European region, including various categories of employment and certain internship programs.

Learn more HERE

Privacy and Personal Data

Personal information provided during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with the relevant privacy notice and applicable data protection laws.

Applicants should review the applicable privacy information before submitting personal details as part of their application.

Conclusion

The Policy and Research Officer – LE4 position at the Australian Embassy in The Hague offers an opportunity for an appropriately qualified and security-clearance-eligible professional to contribute to Australia’s international policy interests in one of the world’s most important centres for international law and justice. The successful candidate will support Australia’s engagement with institutions such as the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, monitor international legal and political developments, conduct research and analysis, prepare briefings, represent the Embassy at relevant meetings, support MH17 accountability activities and build relationships with international stakeholders. However, applicants should pay particularly close attention to the eligibility requirements. The position requires an existing right to live and work in the Netherlands, does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance, and has specific nationality and security-clearance requirements. Candidates who meet these conditions and can demonstrate strong research, analytical, communication, stakeholder-management, judgment and organisational skills should prepare carefully structured responses to all five selection criteria, ensuring that every response remains within the strict 250-word limit. Because the supplied vacancy information does not state a closing date, prospective applicants should verify the official application portal for the current deadline and submit a complete application as early as possible.

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