Project Officer

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

Job type: Two-year fixed-term contract

Full time/Part time: Part time, 0.8 FTE

Location: Canberra, Australia

Role classification: Level 5: $95,065–$106,328 (including up to 17% super)

About us

The 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.

We are one of five Learned Academies in Australia and a self-governing Fellowship that includes many of Australia’s distinguished scientists.

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 (ISC)

The ISC is an international NGO with a mission to act as the global voice for science 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 global 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 (RFP-AP)

The ISC’s Asia–Pacific team, known as the Regional Focal Point (RFP), 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.

Our culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust.

The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion; and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff.

We promote a culture that supports collaboration, initiative and ingenuity, investing in staff to nurture and develop them as professionals.

Employee benefits

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support. Staff benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• free parking in the city
• up to 17% superannuation
• salary packaging options
• flexible working hours
• paid Christmas closedown
• employee assistance program
• professional development support.

About you

We are seeking a highly organised and motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and has a strong interest in international engagement and science systems.

You will have:

• demonstrated experience managing a complex portfolio of activities involving multiple stakeholders
• demonstrated experience working with senior stakeholders, managing diaries, budgets and projects
• strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• confidence working with domestic and international stakeholders, particularly in research and related sectors
• initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• a commitment to workplace diversity, participation, equity, and wellbeing.

The position

The Project Officer provides essential operational support to the Director and ISC RFP-AP team, ensuring the smooth delivery of programs, events, and engagement activities.

The role assists with logistical coordination, prepares and supports meetings and events, and helps strengthen connections with regional scientists participating in ISC initiatives.

It also manages communication and engagement with ISC members and stakeholders across the Asia–Pacific region.

The position contributes to reporting and coordination across the secretariat’s portfolio by collating reports, preparing briefings, and synthesising complex information.

It also involves managing medium-scale projects, including grants and research activities, and undertaking a range of duties as required to support the secretariat’s broader objectives.

For more information, please read the position description.

Selection criteria

• Describe your relevant qualifications and experience in project management, including your role in supporting complex projects or programs.
• Provide examples of how you have built and maintained effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including engagement or consultation activities.
• Outline your experience preparing written documentation such as reports, briefings, or summaries of complex information.
• Describe your proficiency with project or program management tools (e.g. budgeting systems, Salesforce, Jira, SharePoint) and your ability to learn new platforms quickly.
• Provide an example demonstrating your organisational and coordination skills, including how you manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• Describe your communication skills, including how you have engaged with diverse domestic and international stakeholders or worked in cross‑cultural environments.
• Provide an example of how you have contributed positively to teamwork, collaboration, and constructive workplace communication.
• Describe your experience managing medium‑scale projects or networks, including how you identify risks and opportunities and how you prioritise work in a fast‑paced environment.

How to apply

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

• your résumé
• a cover letter (max. two pages) explaining why this role is for you and how you’ll contribute to our team. Please refer to the selection criteria.

Please apply directly to hr@science.org.au

Applications close 5.00 pm AEDT Monday 16 February 2026, however we will be processing applications as they arrive.

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; people 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.