About the Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science was founded by Royal Charter in 1954 and annually admits Australia’s leading scientists to its Fellowship.

The Academy is an independent non-profit organisation that recognises outstanding contributions to science and research, provides expert advice to government, contributes to the development of science policy, promotes science education and public understanding of science, and fosters international scientific relations.

This position is part of a Secretariat who work as a team to support activities undertaken by the Academy.

Employee Benefits

We offer our valued employees:

• Free parking in the city
• Work in a beautiful heritage site and surrounds
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Options to salary sacrifice

• Flexible working hours
• Paid Christmas closedown
• Generous employee assistance program
• Professional Development support

About the Role

The International Science Council (ISC) works at the global level to catalyse and convene scientific expertise, advice, and influence on issues of major concern to both science and society. The ISC has a growing global membership that brings together over 220 organisations, including international scientific unions and associations from the natural and social sciences, and national and regional scientific organisations such as academies and research councils. It is the largest international non-governmental science organisation of its kind.

The International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC RFP-AP) is based at the Australian Academy of Science. It began its operations in 2023 and is working to ensure that regional needs and priorities are adequately represented in the ISC's global agenda, that regional voices are actively engaged in the governance and management of the ISC's work, and that the region benefits from the results of that work.

The Project officer will provide essential operational support to the ISC RFP-AP secretariat.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, managing engagement with the ISC regional members, supporting, and promoting engagement of scientists in the region with the programs of the Regional Focal Point and with calls to action from the ISC Headquarters, event preparation and support.

The successful applicant will need to be highly efficient and organised. They will need to be able to confidently coordinate a large group of diverse stakeholders and interact professionally with domestic and international stakeholders, particularly in research and adjacent sectors. The position will suit someone who thrives in a busy and professional environment, who is experienced in supporting a complex portfolio, working with multiple stakeholders and has a passion for international engagement.

This position is available on a fixed term 4-year contract. The role is part time, 30 hours per week, based in Canberra.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to Director, ISC RFP-AP:

• Support and promote the ISC RFP AP work and engagement through providing logistic support to the ISC RFP AP Director and Communications Manager
• Foster engagement and participation of scientists from Asia and the Pacific in ISC programs and calls to action.
• Work with internal and external stakeholder groups to increase the awareness and visibility of ISC and the ISC Regional Focal Point.

Qualifications and Experience

• Formal qualification in project management or equivalent experience.
• High-level skills in, or ability to pick up platforms including Salesforce, Jira, and SharePoint.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and international relations, preferably in scientific settings
• Tertiary qualification or strong interest in science and international engagement preferred.
• Understanding of science systems and/or research sector preferred

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to oversee a complex portfolio of activities with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders.
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement and participation in projects, consultations and related activities.
• Experience preparing and coordinating reports.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Initiative and self-motivation, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• A commitment to workplace diversity, workplace participation, WHS and equity principles.