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Position Description
Global Victoria

Strategic Advisor, Southeast Asia

The Strategic Advisor is responsible for providing executive level, strategic advice to the Commissioner for Victoria
to Southeast Asia, as well as operational support for the Southeast Asian Victorian Government Trade and
Investment (VGTI) offices. This will be underpinned by a sound understanding of the Victorian economy and
Government priorities, particularly Victoria’s key industries and investment and trade agendas.

The role requires demonstrated experience working in at least one of the major Southeast Asian countries and
exposure to relevant corporate decision making processes and business culture.

Through sophisticated and well-developed business coordination skills and a strategic mindset, the role will provide
high level support to new partnerships, expand Victoria’s influence throughout the region and capture economic
development outcomes for the state.

The Strategic Advisor will work collaboratively across the four offices and all markets in Southeast Asia, to support
the Commissioner and team in achieving the VGTI objectives and key initiatives in-market.

Position Title: Strategic Advisor, Southeast Asia

Classification: Locally Engaged Staff (LES)
Role Level: 18
Group/Branch: Global Victoria
Usual Work Location: Victorian Government Trade & Investment office in Jakarta, Indonesia
Usual Hours of Work: Full Time
Tenure: Ongoing
Further Information: Holly Butler
Phone: +65 9820 7762
Position Reports To: Commissioner for Victoria to Southeast Asia

About the department

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is firmly focused on driving a strong and resilient economy
that benefits all Victorians – by creating more opportunities for people through jobs and skills; supporting
businesses and industries to grow and prosper; and building vibrant communities and regions.

Established on 1 January 2023, our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and
operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices. We oversee various public entities, including
public corporations, regulatory authorities and specialist boards.

The Department strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and offers
reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.

Our values are accountability, integrity and respect, and underpin everything we do.

For more information about the department, please visit our website: www.DJSIR.vic.gov.au.

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The Group
Trade and investment portfolio
To support the promotion and growth of the State's trade and investment interests, the Victorian Government has a
dedicated Administrative Office that combines Invest Victoria, Global Victoria and CarbonNet, working together
across the Trade and Investment portfolio.
Comprising a Melbourne-based team and a global network of 23 international offices, the Trade and Investment
agency focusses on creating jobs and prosperity, by developing opportunities for Victorian businesses to expand
internationally and by attracting investment into Victoria.

Invest Victoria

Invest Victoria is responsible for Investment attraction by:

• sourcing and supporting Foreign Direct Investment opportunities of state significance;

• attracting international companies in state priority industries to expand their activities into
Victoria;
• improving the business investment environment through the development of new investment
attraction measures (such as debt and equity), identifying areas for improvement, and leveraging
additional economic development benefits from a range of government activities;
• developing whole-of-government mechanisms (such as facilitation services) and associated
frameworks; and
• managing and co-ordinating the State’s investment pipeline.

Global Victoria

Global Victoria is responsible for trade promotion and facilitation by:

• connecting Victorian businesses to global trade opportunities and building their export capability;
• promoting the State’s world class industry capabilities to international audiences and seeking to
attract and retain the best global talent through migration;
• promoting the State’s world-class education capabilities, and quality student experience, to
international audiences; and
• taking a leadership role for global engagement across Government and advocate for the best
policy settings for Victoria to be globally competitive.

CarbonNet

The CarbonNet Project is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth governments to investigate the feasibility
of commercial scale carbon capture and storage in Gippsland. The CarbonNet project has progressed an extensive
program of feasibility investigations across a wide range of areas since 2010. The project has progressed to Stage
3, Project Development and Commercial Establishment, which will involve the delivery of a fully designed and
permitted CO2 pipeline network from the Latrobe Valley to the Pelican site in Bass Strait, and a commercialisation
program to ready the project for a Final Investment Decision.

Victorian Government’s network of Trade and Investment offices (VGTI

offices)
The Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) international network underpins Victoria’s offshore
investment attraction and trade promotion operations, supports government and business engagement between
Victoria and relevant market and coordinates Ministerial visits to the country.

The VGTI offices form part of the network for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI), the attraction of
additional investment from established investors, the facilitation of exports and more generally, the promotion of
Victoria as an international destination for business, students and tourists. VGTI offices are currently located in
Beijing, Bangalore, Boston, Chengdu, Dubai, Frankfurt, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur,
London, Mumbai, Nanjing, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Santiago, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv,
Tokyo, and Washington D.C.

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All Locally Engaged Staff (LES) based in Jakarta report to the Commissioner for Victoria to Southeast Asia and
work collaboratively with Australian based staff, particularly within Global Victoria as well as with other Victorian
government departments with international interests and objectives. An annual Business Plan, which focuses on
the direct trade, ministerial support and investment objectives, with specified performance indicators and targets, is
prepared in conjunction with the Commissioner for Victoria to Southeast Asia and relevant CEOs and Deputy
Secretaries.

Key Accountabilities
1. Conduct high level research and develop clear, concise reports relating to trade and investment opportunities
within various markets in Southeast Asia.

2. Identify, investigate and evaluate opportunities and strategic business alliances that are in line with the
Department’s strategic plan and supported by the Commissioner.

3. Support the Commissioner with operational management, including business and workforce planning, and
review operating practices and lead on continuous improvements where necessary.

4. Design, research and lead on VGTI markets insights, to ensure that real time, relevant and reliable data and
insights are shared internally and externally.

5. Collate and analyse relevant background information regarding clients, products/services and market sectors,
including the design of presentations and supporting documentation for key events and meetings.

6. Support the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in delivery of trade, education, government and
strategic partnerships and investment facilitation, in a range of operational and strategic deliverables, as
directed.

7. Manage specific project-based work, including the development of project plans, identification of resources,
coordination and evaluation.

8. Act as the key point of contact for coordination of inward and outward visits to and from the region, working
closely with the Regional Manager Southeast Asia and other partners, including Austrade and DFAT.

9. Liaise with internal staff at all levels in the Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore VGTI
offices, providing strategic support and guidance.

10. Enhance the use of client contact management systems and preparation of performance statistical returns for
all VGTI offices in Southeast Asia.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience in the provision of strategic advice in the areas of trade, investment, education and
government partnerships within a geographically diverse business environment.

2. Experience in managing complex and sensitive issues and the provision of considered, strategic advice and
solutions, often within short timeframes.

3. Highly developed consultation and negotiation skills, resulting in the establishment and maintenance of cross-
sector partnerships.

4. Knowledge of contemporary trends and developments, including legislation, economic climate and funding
initiatives, in an environment subject to rapid change and development.

5. Comprehensive understanding of the statutory and regulatory environment in major Southeast Asian countries,
as it relates to the operation of a foreign representative office.

6. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills in both English and other Southeast Asian languages
are essential in the development of effective relationships at senior levels.

7. Ability to provide effective support to staff in remote locations.

8. A global mindset and leader who can influence others and lead for impact.

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Desired Experience/Qualifications
This position has the following specific requirements:

• a relevant tertiary qualification

• experience in a regional business development/global engagement role, particularly in Southeast Asia
• excellent understanding of the Victorian and Australian environment, in particular experience working in
Australia or with Australian-based organisations.

Pre-employment Misconduct Screening Requirements

All applicants may be subject to the following pre-employment checks:

• National (and where applicable, International) Police Records Check

• Qualification Check (where a mandatory qualification is required)
• Declaration of private interests

Position Specific Requirements.

This position has the following specific requirements:

• to work reasonable additional hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional overnight travel, to ensure
that the duties and responsibilities of the position are adequately performed
• to travel within Southeast Asia and on occasion, internationally
• to display high levels of integrity, governance and accountability.

Health and Safety Requirements

The occupational health and safety requirements of this position include, but are not limited to activities involving:

• Driving
• Sedentary desk work
• Manual handling.

Employment Information
Applicants must be an Indonesian citizen, Permanent Resident or qualify for a valid work permit or visa

Applicants will be subject to a probationary period, where applicable

The collection and handling of applications and personal information will be consistent with the requirements of the
Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Terms and Conditions

Locally Engaged Staff (LES) based in the Jakarta office are covered by the Indonesia LES Conditions of Service
manual. All LES are required to comply with the LES Code of Conduct.

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