Recruitment

Employment Opportunities

Policy and Research Officer

The Australian Embassy in Riyadh is seeking a highly capable Policy and Research Officer to conduct research, analysis and prepare written reports and cables on foreign policy, regional security, trade, economic, domestic and social matters on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Oman and Yemen. This is a Locally Engaged Staff (LES) position.  The starting salary for this position (LE4-1) will be SAR 13,030 per month in addition to 3 months’ salary for housing allowances and a months’ salary for Eid bonus among other terms and benefits.

The successful candidate may be required to leave Saudi Arabia on a final exit visa and return on a new work visa sponsored by the Australian Embassy.

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy in Riyadh does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] with the position number and your name in the subject:

• Curriculum Vitae outlining personal details, relevant work experience, educational qualifications and skills (max. 2 pages)
• Contact details of two referees
• Provide a pitch of no more than 750 words outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job. Try to avoid simply repeating information already included in the CV.
• Residence status in Saudi Arabia- copy of iqama.

**Please note that incomplete applications or those that do not follow submission guidance in this notice will not be considered.

 Submission of applications by close of business on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

The Australian Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the Australian Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Saudi Arabian employment law.

                                                LES Position Description

About The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.  This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government.  DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position

The Policy Officer researches, analyses and prepares written reports and cables on foreign policy, regional security, trade, economic, domestic and social matters on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Oman and Yemen.  The Policy Officer is also responsible for monitoring English and Arabic language media and other sources and preparing a daily media and social media report.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Monitor English and Arabic language media, think tanks and other sources in relation to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Prepare daily media and social media reports, as well as ad hoc alerts as issues arise.
• Research, analyse and prepare reports and cables on foreign policy, regional security, trade, economic, domestic and social matters in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen as well as Australia’s engagement with the GCC.
• Prepare a range of high-quality written materials including briefings, reports, talking points and speeches.
• Arrange meetings for Embassy staff and develop visit programs for visiting Australian ministers and officials in countries of accreditation, including drafting third person notes and liaising with contacts.
• Support ministerial and other high-level visits including arranging meetings, developing written programs, and preparing records of conversation.
• Develop, maintain and strengthen key relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including in government, think tanks, academia, media, other embassies, the business community and alumni. Harness these contacts to obtain information of relevance to Australia’s interests.
• Translate political and economic reports, articles and other documentation and act as back up Translator as required.
• Assist with public diplomacy, event organisation and preparing social media material as necessary.
• Perform other duties and back up other officers in the Political and Economic team, as required.

Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in international relations/politics, economics or trade.
• Knowledge of the Middle East region, and a sound understanding of international relations and the economy.
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills including initiative to seek out information and draft reports for the Embassy.
• Professional-level fluency in English and Arabic.
• Ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to produce high-quality written translations of political and economic documents including diplomatic notes, newspaper articles and Government statements.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within a small team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Proven IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office software.