Pacific Programme Manager

Department/Team: International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific

Reports to: Director, International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific

Role status: 2-year fixed-term contract with possible extension

Role type: part-time 0.8 FTE or full-time

Location: Canberra (remote working arrangements in Australia may be considered for the right candidate)

Role classification: Level 6 or Level 7 depending on experience

Salary range: Level 6 – $107,035 – $114,915 (including up to 17% super); Level 7 – $117,540 – $127,008 (including up to 17% super)

About us

Australian Academy of Science

The Academy is a national Learned Academy of distinguished Australian scientists, championing science for the benefit of all. The Academy is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organisation delivering sought-after science advice that influences Australia’s actions and contributes to global science.

The Academy strives to advance Australia as a nation that embraces scientific knowledge and whose people enjoy the benefits of science.

The Academy’s offices are located in Canberra in the ACT, operating out of two iconic heritage-listed buildings, the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in the centre of the city.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Academy Fellows and employees live and work, and to their Elders, past and present.

The International Science Council

The International Science Council (ISC) is an international NGO with a mission to act as the global voice for science and to promote science as a global public good. The 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 unique worldwide membership that brings together more than 220 diverse organisations from all fields of science across all regions of the world. It is the largest international non-government science organisation of its kind.

The Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific

The ISC’s Asia–Pacific team, known as the Regional Focal Point, is based at the Australian Academy of Science. It works to ensure that regional needs and priorities are adequately represented in the ISC’s global agenda, that regional voices are actively engaged in ISC governance, and that the region benefits from the results of that work.

The Pacific Programme Manager position is based in Australia.

About you

We are seeking a dynamic and culturally grounded individual with strong professional and personal ties to the Pacific region. Pacific Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

You will have:

• a tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• strong understanding of Pacific Island Nations’ cultures, networks, and priorities
• demonstrated experience in programme and project management
• excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully across diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous knowledge holders
• commitment to equity, inclusion, and advancing the role of science in sustainable development for the Pacific.

The position

The Pacific Programme Manager will play a key role in assisting with the planning, coordination, and delivery of activities that reflect Pacific Island Nations’ priorities.

This includes:

• mapping and managing a network of Pacific researchers and organisations
• leading and managing time-bound programs and activities
• organising and coordinating meetings, workshops, and symposia
• supporting the governance of large and complex research collaborations
• acting as a connector between the ISC, the Academy, and Pacific regional partners
• solid understanding of scientific ecosystems and research infrastructure, particularly within Pacific context, including the interplay between local knowledge systems, regional institutions, and global scientific networks.

This position is for a 0.8 FTE or full-time appointment. It is a 2-year fixed term contract with possible extension.

Key requirements

Qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• Strong professional and cultural ties to the Pacific Islands; Pacific Islanders are especially encouraged to apply.
• Experience working within Pacific Island Nations’ networks and cultures.
• Background in transdisciplinary research practice and/or large-scale collaboration and program design.
• Demonstrated understanding of the research ecosystem in the Pacific region.
• Demonstrated experience in program and project management, including budget management, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting.

Technical skills

• Proficiency with program management tools, including budget and financial reporting.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience drafting high-level reports (e.g. council papers, government reports, program outputs).
• Ability to prepare communications content such as briefs, reports, and stakeholder updates.

Communication and cultural competence

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills; knowledge of Pacific languages an advantage.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, Traditional knowledge holders, and regional organisations.
• Experience engaging respectfully with diverse knowledge systems, including Local and Traditional Knowledge.
• Cultural sensitivity and deep understanding of Pacific traditions and values.

Relationship management and teamwork

• Demonstrated ability to proactively build and maintain stakeholder networks across the Pacific region.
• Skilled in diplomacy and interpersonal engagement.
• Collaborative approach, contributing positively to team and organisational success.

Strategic and leadership skills

• Ability to lead complex projects and support governance of collaborative networks.
• Capacity to identify risks and emerging opportunities relevant to Pacific priorities.
• Commitment to diversity, workplace participation, health and safety, and equity principles.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work autonomously while supporting collective goals.

Contact details

Further information on the position is available from Ronit Prawer, Director, International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific at hr@science.org.au

Applications

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• your resumé
• a cover letter outlining how you believe your skills and experience would be a good fit for the role (max 2 pages please).

Please note the video interview is OPTIONAL and will not be used for shortlisting purposes.

Applications close 5.00 pm AEDT Tuesday 25 November 2025.

Please apply via our HR Management system

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.