Communications Officer, South Asia

Pacific People (AVI)·Other

Office & Admin·Contract

1 day ago

About the company

AVI Pacific People is recruiting on behalf of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), an Australian Government agency that funds and supports agricultural research partnerships between Australian scientists and research institutions across the Asia-Pacific and Africa. ACIAR's South Asia Office leads engagement with partners across the region and supports more than 20 research projects aligned with ACIAR's 10-Year Strategy 2018-2027.

About the role

This is a full-time contractor position located at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, running on contract to 30 November 2027. The Communications Officer will lead and implement ACIAR's internal and external communications and advocacy activities across South Asia, working closely with the ACIAR South Asia Office and the Outreach team in Canberra. The role involves developing high-quality communication products, promoting ACIAR's research-for-development outcomes, and building relationships with regional stakeholders including local media and the Australian High Commission network. A key objective is enhancing awareness and understanding of ACIAR's mission, programs and impact across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka through stories, digital content and multimedia products.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the ACIAR South Asia communications and advocacy strategy
• Produce high-quality communication content including key messages, briefs, success stories, articles, photos, videos, social media posts and presentations
• Strengthen ACIAR's visibility by coordinating distribution of communication products across regional and global platforms
• Engage actively with local and regional media; prepare press releases, media briefs, talking points and Q&As, and coordinate media events
• Support and coordinate outreach activities, events and stakeholder engagement across South Asia
• Represent ACIAR professionally at forums, meetings and events, ensuring adherence to brand, messaging and style guidelines
• Provide communications advice, administrative support and collaboration within the South Asia office and across ACIAR teams
• Travel to ACIAR project sites to collect and produce communications materials such as stories, interviews, photos and video

About the successful candidate

• Tertiary qualifications in Journalism, Communications, Public Affairs or a similar discipline
• Experience in development or science communications
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written, digital and multimedia content
• Experience leading or coordinating communication strategies and plans
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant design or content tools
• Excellent written and verbal English; fluency in a local language is an advantage
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and contribute to a small, high-performing team