About the Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished Australian scientists. For over 70 years the Academy has championed science for the benefit of all.

We are a non-government not-for-profit organisation convening the country’s leading experts from broad scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy that informs government policy, aids decision making across industry, guides public debate, supports STEM education outcomes and contributes to global science.

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.

International Science Council Regional Focal Point for the Asia and the Pacific

The International Science Council (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 growing global membership that brings together over 220 organisations, including international scientific unions and associations from the natural and social sciences, and national and regional scientific organisations such as academies and research councils. It is the largest international non-governmental science organisation of its kind.

The International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC RFP-AP) is based at the Australian Academy of Science. It began its operations in 2023 and is working to ensure that regional needs and priorities are adequately represented in the ISC's global agenda, that regional voices are actively engaged in the governance and management of the ISC's work, 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 the Role

The Asia Program Manager position will assist with the planning and implementation of activities and programmes specifically focusing on the priorities of ISC Asian member organisations.

It will include managing, and coordinating researchers, funding agencies and policy makers in Asia to deliver the Asia Mission Science Hub, leading and managing time-bound programs and activities, and organising and coordinating meetings, workshops, and symposia.

The Asia Program Manager is expected to be able to lead and manage large and complex research collaborations and their associated governance structures.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop, support and grow impactful programs of work through accessing and working with influential scholars and leaders from Asia to deliver, among other things, an Asia Mission Science Program.

This position is available on a 2-year fixed term contract, 30 hours per week.

Reporting to the Director, ISC RFP-AP this role will:

1. Work with RFP-AP staff, RFP-AP Advisory Council members, and the Council and staff of the Australian Academy of Science to deliver a program of work that aligns to the ISC RFP-AP Strategic Plan.
2. Manage the projects and programs, including mapping, planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting to RFP-AP on the activities and tasks set out in the work program.
3. Organise and coordinate activities, including workshops, seminars, and meetings relating to the Asia work program.
4. Liaise and network with ISC regional partners and members, with a specific focus on Asia.
5. Draft program documents and reports, including Council papers, Government reports, program output reports, and supporting the RFP-AP communications team with draft media briefs.
6. Advise the Director of ISC RFP-AP in relation to emerging opportunities and risks in the work program that require their input and management.

We are seeking candidates with an understanding of and strong interest in science and international engagement, along with experience working with and in the Asia region. To be successful in the role you will demonstrate:

1. The ability to oversee a complex portfolio of activities, facilitating engagement and participation with multiple stakeholders.
2. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, preferably in scientific settings.
3. High-level program management skills, including budget and financial management, preparing and coordinating reports.
4. High level capability in report and proposal writing and overall excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
5. Initiative and self-motivation, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
6. A commitment to workplace diversity, workplace participation, WHS and equity principles.

Don’t worry if you don’t tick all the boxes, we want to hear about your strengths and what excites you about this opportunity.

Further information on the position is available from Petra Lundgren and Director, International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific at [email protected], using the subject line: Asia Program Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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.