• Location: North Melbourne and Forest Hill, Victoria (with community-based engagement across Victoria as required)
• Work Type: Part-time (2 days per week / 0.4 EFT), Fixed-term 12-month contract

ABOUT AISOV

AISOV is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organisation that has served the Iranian-Australian community since 1990 (Australian Iranian Society Of Victoria).

Our Vision: 'AISOV supports and builds solidarity among all Iranians, and aims to preserve cultural values, enhance mutual respect, and create rapport with the broader society.'

AISOV is a grassroots organisation built on the dedication of volunteers and community members. It is committed to trust, transparency, and independence, with no affiliations to any political or religious group.

AISOV has Four Focus Areas one of which is our Focus Areas 4 under which this project is commissioned:

Focus Area 4.  Promote Human Rights — Networking within our community and beyond to promote basic human rights and preserve equality, dignity, and respect for all humankind

POSITION PURPOSE

The Community Development Coordinator serves as the central liaison and key AISOV officer responsible for coordinating consultation  activities and other initiatives (including but not limited to data collection), while collaborating closely with subject matter experts to co-design community capacity-building programs with emphasis on social cohesion and trust building.

This role involves working with the AISOV management committee, a jointly formed advisory committee, other community stakeholders and members, to test and refine co-designed programs, providing essential support for ancillary capacity-building activities including administration and social media management.The role also includes developing a strategic implementation pathway that ensures program sustainability and that guides the organization beyond the initial 12-month project period.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate community engagement and structured consultation processes involving community members and volunteers, emerging leaders and government stakeholders, ensuring co-designed programs are community-led and culturally responsive.
2. Coordinate community needs analyses through surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews; analyse demographic trends; and produce research reports to inform program development and support future funding applications.
3. Collaborate with subject matter experts to co-design, test, and refine capacity-building programs across leadership, governance, volunteering, civic participation, and social cohesion; and establish and coordinate the Iranian Community Leaders Advisory Group in collaboration with other stakeholders.
4. Support the co-design and coordination of peacebuilding and democratic participation initiatives that promote trust, belonging, respectful dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, and informed civic engagement.
5. Support the development of culturally appropriate educational and communication materials; manage AISOV's social media platforms and publications.
6. Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, community organisations, universities, and multicultural bodies.
7. Monitor, evaluate, and report on all project activities against grant requirements under Grant OPP-211470, including preparation of progress and acquittal reports and the Final Report due by 17 August 2027.
8. Develop a strategic implementation pathway to ensure program sustainability beyond the initial 12-month project period.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in one or more of the following areas: Community Development, Social Work, Community Services, Social Policy, Sociology, Peace and Conflict Studies, Psychology, Education, Anthropology, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications are highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the not-for-profit sector, with demonstrated experience in at least three of the following: community development, social cohesion, multicultural engagement, peacebuilding, conflict transformation, community leadership, civic participation, stakeholder engagement, organisational capacity building, program design, research, evaluation, facilitation, co-design, or government-funded projects.
• Strong understanding of multicultural communities.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to design community programs, lead co-design processes, facilitate difficult conversations, build trust between diverse stakeholders, and manage competing interests.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a volunteer-led organisation.
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC), Current National Police Check and a valid driver's licence.

Desirable

• Experience working with Iranian or diverse communities in Victoria.
• Understanding of settlement services and multicultural sector frameworks.
• Experience working with universities, Victorian Government, or philanthropic organisations.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Exceptional emotional intelligence and cultural humility
• Political neutrality and sound judgement
• Integrity, diplomacy, and active listening
• Empathy and strategic thinking
• Innovation, resilience, and intellectual curiosity
• Excellent facilitation skills and ability to build trust quickly
• Collaborative leadership style
• Commitment to AISOV's values of inclusivity, non-partisanship, cultural respect, and human rights

Next steps

Click Apply Now to submit your application. 

Please contact Afrooz Rahimian for any further information on 0411 887 602.