About the BPaC Program

The Building Pacific Capacity Program (BPaC) is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by Cardno international Development. It provides Pacific Island Countries with a suite of flexible, fit-for-purpose options that support broad governance and stability development outcomes. BPaC works with partners and governments in Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru and FSM while also supporting other small Pacific Island states.

The Role

Reporting to the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Manager, the Communications Specialist will work closely with members of the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to promote evidence-based communication products, good practice and learning under BPaC.

The Communications Specialist will lead the development and implementation of a Communications and Outreach Strategy that supports DFATs public diplomacy work. The Strategy will guide BPaC’s communication to reflect strengthened relationships and Government of Australia’s (GoA) visibility in the region. The Specialist will identify new opportunities and innovative ways to promote learnings from BPaC to its various target audiences.

The role will be contracted for 12 months, plus the option for up to a 24 month extension. The successful candidate will be engaged on a competitive daily rate, up to 10 days per month, with days dependent on workload.

This role is open to applicants from the Pacific region (including Australia and New Zealand).

Key functions will include:

Lead the development and implementation of the BPaC Communications and Outreach Strategy, in collaboration with the MEL Manager and Team Leader.

• Develop branding guidelines, oversee the design of a program logo, and coordinate a program launch.
• Oversee the engagement of a third party to design and host the BPaC’s website.
• Design innovative communication products with a clear and consistent branding for all BPaC products.
• Manage and maintain the BPaC website, including developing design and content working closely with the Communications and Administration Assistant. Provide advice to increase audience and engagement.
• Lead the development and dissemination of high quality and timely communication products that draw on information generated through MERL activities and showcase stories of achievements and good practice.
• Lead the conceptualisation, planning and development of communication products that support DFAT’s public diplomacy, including use of multimedia, digital and social media.
• Facilitate knowledge building and sharing in collaboration with the MEL Team to identify, synthesise and disseminate good practices and lessons linked to BPaC goals and activities.
• Identify and develop new communication partnerships to enhance GoA’s visibility, manage and nurture existing partnerships.
• Support the development of program branding and communication materials for recruitment process aimed at attracting a diverse pool of candidates.
• Provision of mentoring and technical support to the Communications and Administration Assistant.
• Provide additional communications support including other BPaC programs where required.

The BPaC Support Unit Team

You will be joining a team of experienced development professionals that are committed to sustainability, strengths-based capacity development, genuine partnership, gender equality and disability inclusive development and its inclusion in Public Financial Management reforms.

We welcome applicants from all locations and encourage Pacific Islanders to apply. We have small ‘hubs’ in Suva, Canberra and Brisbane where office space can be accessed, however the Support Unit team is 100% remote working and dotted over Australia and the Pacific.

All About You

You are an experienced communications professional that has worked in international development. You are an excellent writer and are savvy with a range of mediums for supporting the development of an effective program brand and the communication of achievements.

You are interested in working in a flexible role for a multidisciplinary development program. You will enjoy variety in your work and can build rapport with others, ensuring great service and reliability. You are based in the Pacific region (including Australia and New Zealand) and can work from home.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant field
• At least 5 years of professional work experience in in a donor environment and/or on an international development program
• Excellent communication skills in English – both written and verbal. Ability to write for a range of different audiences and tell compelling stories
• Experience in the production of communication tools (video, text and multimedia)
• Experience in the design of easy-to-use communication guidelines, style guides, templates, and other tools for use by colleagues and partners
• Team player, happy to work remotely as part of a geographically distributed team, and flexible to support across the team as required

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Pacific Region
• Experience in website design and responsive to the need for regular content updates and maintenance

How to Apply?

All applications may be submitted by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button, and include the following:

• Your CV, including the names and contact details of two professional referees
• A cover letter, describing how your skills and experience are applicable to the selection criteria.

Please review the Terms of Reference before applying (copy and paste into your browser): https://bit.ly/3O5k7tZ
Applications will be considered as they are submitted. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] using the subject line: Communications Specialist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Due to the expected volume of applications, only candidates under positive consideration will be notified.

About Cardno International Development

Australia's development program invests in an open, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific. Australia’s efforts contribute to stability, restarting economies post-pandemic, and managing the effects of resurgent poverty and inequality.

For over 50 years, Cardno International Development has partnered with governments, communities, and the private sector to deliver practical, innovative, and sustainable solutions for an empowered and inclusive development in various disciplines such as education, health, governance, economic growth, gender and inclusion, climate change management, infrastructure, and environment. With over 1600 staff around the world and active projects in over 60 countries, we are helping communities and clients achieve their sustainability goals with a strong commitment to use and build local capacity and empower local voices.
For more information visit our website: cddid.com

Other Information

Amendments to the position’s Terms of Reference may be made during the period of the engagement as required.
Cardno is committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), Child Protection and bribery prevention. We want to engage with the right people to deliver our client programs.

As part of our approach you will be subjected to formal background screening, criminal record checks, employment verification, and periodic compliance checks. All Cardno staff receive safety, compliance and safeguards training and are responsible for contributing to a safer working culture.

Cardno is equal opportunity employer

Cardno encourages women to apply. Cardno recognises the moral and legal responsibility to provide an equal opportunity workplace by ensuring that all recruitment and selection decisions are based on the best qualified and experienced candidate who can perform the genuine inherent requirements of the position.