Application
This unit applies to Public Affairs Officers within Defence who are involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of public affairs projects as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.
The unit requires the application of high level, fully independent, complex judgements with a detailed knowledge of the Defence organisation. It requires analysis of complex data and the production of documents detailing the required outcomes of specialised functions in the public affairs context. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Define the scope of the project | 1.1 Clarify aim, purpose, product, outcome of project and the most up to date technology appropriate/available for that project. 1.2 Develop a project budget and confirm with relevant parties. 1.3 Determine and confirm a resources strategy for the project, including finance, personnel, equipment requirements. 1.4 Determine the level of responsibility of those working on the project. 1.5 Communicate responsibilities clearly to all those involved. |
2. Develop project plan | 2.1 Develop the project plan including timeline, schedules, deliverables and contribution from project stakeholders. 2.2 Develop a strategy for risk management and resource management for the project. 2.3 Clarify and confirm resource requirements and availability. 2.4 Specify and confirm timeline and milestones. 2.5 Brief relevant personnel of the project plan, the deadlines and project responsibilities. |
3. Monitor the project | 3.1 Implement project plan. 3.2 Support all those involved in the project to ensure that project outcomes can be achieved. 3.3 Use sound interpersonal skills to build trust and co-operation with the project team. 3.4 Assess progress against milestones and take contingency action where and as required to ensure that project deadlines are met. 3.5 Adjust project plan in line with contingencies. 3.6 Establish and maintain a file of all relevant documentation and correspondence. 3.7 Provide feedback to those co-ordinating sections of the project. 3.8 Finalise project within the agreed timelines. 3.9 Provide reports to management/stakeholders as required. |
4. Evaluate project outcomes | 4.1 Evaluate project outcomes against the aim and purpose. 4.2 Evaluate the quality of the outcome. 4.3 Review the project plan. 4.4 Share information from the project evaluation with appropriate personnel and incorporate into future project planning and management. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
Applying legislation, regulations and policies to public affairs Planning and coordinating a range of events/activities for different audiences Publicising events and activities to encourage public participation Preparing speeches Responding to diversity, including gender and disability Applying procedures relating to work health and safety and the environment in the context of project management |
Required Knowledge |
legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to public affairs, such as privacy, confidentiality, copyright, libel, slander event planning and coordination using the mass media evaluation in the context of public affairs events and activities equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles public sector legislation such as work health and safety and the environment in the context of project management |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to manage a public affairs project, including: defining the project requirement developing a project plan monitoring the project Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and should be observed in a range of actual or simulated work contexts. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements. Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual manage a public affairs project. Specific resources for assessment Access to an advertising brief, relevant standards, policy and instructions related to public affairs. |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Projects may include: | video/film productions radio productions, drama documentaries multimedia projects major events exercises air show |
Resources may include: | finance personnel equipment supplies |
Relevant personnel may include: | directors producers financial managers department heads managers of specialist sections artists presenters contractors |
Evaluation may include: | aim/purpose budget quality of outcome risk management meeting of deadlines legal and regulatory requirements |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.