JAPANESE-SPEAKING RESEARCH & LIAISON OFFICER

• Sydney CBD
• Native English speaker with Japanese language ability
• Junior role - ideal for early‑career professionals

• Mon-Thu: 9:30-18:15
• Fri: 9:30-17:30
• Flexible start time (±1 hour)
• Hybrid working environment

A Japanese government-related organisation is seeking a junior Research and Liaison Officer based in Sydney CBD. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong career foundation within a semi‑government environment.

This position offers a unique chance to work closely with Japanese colleagues while conducting research on local government policies and initiatives in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

This junior role is particularly suited to candidates with native-level English, some Japanese language ability, and a strong interest in public policy, government, or international relations. JET Programme returnees are highly regarded.

About the Role

Working under the Executive Director and leadership team, your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating appointments with Australian and New Zealand government agencies and accompanying senior staff on official visits (e.g., sister‑city relations, multicultural policies, visits from Japan).
• Proofreading English documents drafted by Japanese staff.
• Conducting research into administrative systems and local government operations in Australia and New Zealand.
• Providing English-Japanese / Japanese-English interpretation and translation when required.
• Supporting smooth daily operations in a Japanese‑speaking work environment.
• Assisting with general office duties essential to the organization's operations.

Leave Entitlements

• 20 days annual leave
• 10 days sick/carer's leave

Required Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively in a Japanese-language workplace.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to conduct thorough research using online resources, literature review, interviews, and field studies.
• Excellent English business writing skills and sufficient Japanese to communicate and prepare written reports.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Preferred Background

• Experience in government agencies, public institutions, universities, or research environments is ideal but not mandatory
• JET Programme alumni highly valued.
• Experience writing academic papers or essays in Japanese (published work may be submitted).
• University degree required.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel for overnight business trips.

Contact 02 9978 1750 career@ssb.hoban.com.au

At HOBAN we encourage applications from people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people of all genders, LGBTI people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We provide reasonable adjustments; including alternate formats to the recruitment process for individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please email our Adjustments Coordinator at adjustments@hoban.com.au or visit hoban.com.au/adjustments for additional contact details.