Communications Officer, PNG

Pacific People (AVI)·Other

Office & Admin·Contract

1 day ago

About the company

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government agency specialising in agricultural research-for-development. ACIAR brokers and funds research partnerships between Australian scientists and their counterparts in developing countries to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods through collaborative research. In Papua New Guinea, ACIAR supports research initiatives covering biosecurity, climate-resilient livelihoods, agribusiness development, fisheries, forestry, crop improvement and sustainable land management, working through partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, universities, civil society organisations and development partners.

About the role

AVI Pacific People is recruiting on behalf of ACIAR for an experienced Communications Officer to lead and implement communication and outreach activities in Papua New Guinea. The role is based in Port Moresby within the ACIAR PNG Country Office and works closely with the Canberra-based Outreach Team to build awareness of ACIAR's research-for-development programs and impact. The successful candidate will coordinate communications initiatives, develop content across multiple platforms, build relationships with stakeholders and media, and promote outcomes of ACIAR-funded research projects spanning agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural livelihoods across PNG. This is a full-time contract position running to 30 November 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of ACIAR's PNG communications and stakeholder engagement activities
• Develop high-quality communication products including success stories, media releases, presentations, briefs, videos, photography, social media content and promotional materials
• Increase awareness and understanding of ACIAR's mission, research programs and achievements across Papua New Guinea
• Support the promotion and dissemination of communication products through local, regional and global communication channels
• Coordinate media engagement activities, including maintaining media networks and preparing media materials
• Organise and support outreach events, stakeholder engagement activities and public-facing initiatives
• Travel to project locations to gather stories, conduct interviews and produce multimedia content showcasing project outcomes
• Work collaboratively with ACIAR staff, research partners, government agencies and Australia's diplomatic network to strengthen ACIAR's visibility and reputation, and provide communications advice and operational support to the PNG Office and Outreach Team

About the successful candidate

• Tertiary qualifications in Journalism, Communications, Public Affairs, Social Sciences, International Relations, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in development communications, ideally within agriculture, forestry, environmental management, natural resources, or international development sectors
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills, with experience developing content across digital, print and multimedia platforms
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies and plans
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build strong professional relationships with diverse audiences
• Experience with social media, web content management, photography, videography and event coordination
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills; fluency in a local language will be highly regarded
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and contribute positively within a collaborative team environment