Back Communications Adviser

The Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security (the CHS) is seeking a long-term adviser to manage the CHS’s communication platforms and products. The successful candidate will also take a lead role in identifying and organising public diplomacy opportunities for the CHS.

In October 2017, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs launched the Indo-Pacific Health Security Initiative to contribute to the avoidance and containment of infectious disease threats with the potential to cause social and economic harms on a national, regional or global scale. The Initiative is implemented by the CHS. Based in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Centre brings together expertise from relevant Australian government agencies on infectious diseases of humans and animals, public health policy and administration, and international development. Details on the Initiative can be found at https://indopacifichealthsecurity.dfat.gov.au/

Key Duties:

· Develop and implement a communications work plan for the CHS

· Develop communication material for the CHS, including newsletters, tweets, RSS feeds, social media posts, podcasts and other material

· Manage and update the CHS website, including the prompt publication of program- and strategy-related documents

· Monitor social and other media to identify relevant material for circulation and publishing

· Identify opportunities for public diplomacy and organise public events for CHS

· Provide public affairs and communication support for the Ambassador for Regional Health Security

· Organise public events including the annual Ruth Bishop Address

· Other duties as directed

Key Selection Criteria

· Sound skills and experience in developing and implementing communication products and platforms. Experience with public event management. Knowledge and experience in both development policy and public service is desirable. Experience should include a minimum of two years working in communications

· A university qualification in communications or a related field

· Demonstrated experience implementing and managing communication products and platforms and managing public events

· Excellent writing and interpersonal skills, including ability to write for web, social media, speeches and translating technical content

· Website management skills, including basic administration and graphic design

· Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, specifically InDesign and Premier Pro, Photoshop and Adobe Audition

· Highly organised and able to deliver to time constraints

· Ability to work effectively in a small, flexible team and to adapt according to any changing needs within the broader organisational context

· Security clearance at or above NV1 is highly desirable. This is negotiable for the right applicant, provided they are prepared to undergo a baseline security clearance and potentially work towards an NV1 clearance

· Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to express complex ideas in clear and simple language, both orally and in writing

· Experience in a health for development setting and/or experience translating technical content into plain English