Overview

Transparency International Australia (TI Australia), the Australian chapter of the world’s leading non-governmental anti-corruption movement, is seeking a Project Associate/Project Officer located in Melbourne to work within its Accountable Mining Programme.

TI Australia has led the Accountable Mining Programme for the global Transparency International movement since 2016, working in over 20 countries. This programme seeks to achieve real change in combatting corruption in the mining sector. The Project Associate/Project Officer will primarily work on implementing the project, 'Increasing Knowledge and Governance of China’s Global Mining Sector', while supporting the development and growth of the Accountable Mining Programme.

We are seeking a motivated and highly organised individual with exceptional skills in research and project management, as well as excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, to coordinate project implementation while supporting the overall growth of the programme. The successful candidate will have experience in engaging a diverse range of stakeholders and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They will be highly motivated, able to work in a small team, and willing to take on a diverse range of responsibilities. Experience working in the not-for-profit sector would be advantageous. 

Organisational Context

Transparency International (TI) is a global movement composed of more than 100 national Chapters worldwide and an International Secretariat in Berlin, Germany. We are united by our shared vision: a world where government, business, civil society, and the daily lives of people are free from corruption. For more than 20 years, TI has played a leading global role in combatting corruption, which is widely recognised to be a serious impediment to economic development and a destabilising social force.

TI Australia has operated as an accredited TI national chapter since 1995, focusing on ways in which governments, Australian-based companies, and institutions can address corruption issues both in Australia and abroad. TI Australia is currently undergoing a period of transition, and this is an opportunity time to help shape the organisation.

As Transparency International’s Centre of Expertise on mining, TI Australia leads the Accountable Mining Programme (AMP). Since 2016, the AMP has collaborated across the TI global network to examine where and how corruption impacts the governance of the mining sector. Our goal is to contribute to mining sector governance that is transparent, accountable, and participatory, promoting gender equality and ensuring the social and environmental interests of current and future generations are protected. We have worked in over 20 countries, from some of the world’s most resource-rich countries, to analyse the best ways to prevent corruption in the mining sector. Through two phases — research and action — we work to develop a rigorous evidence base that strengthens accountability and governance in the mining sector.

As part of this work, TI Australia has developed a range of business integrity tools and collaborative partnerships with global mining associations and initiatives. The Programme has established relationships with mining companies of different sizes, as well as with international organisations, civil society partners, government and communities involved in the mining sector. Recognising the key role that the Chinese mining sector is playing and will continue to play in the coming decades, the AMP has begun to focus its efforts to engage with Chinese extractive sector companies operating outside of China, as well as with key stakeholders in the industry.

The Role

The Project Associate/Project Officer will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the “Increasing Knowledge and Governance of China’s Global Mining Sector” initiative, as well as contributing to other workstreams within the Accountable Mining Programme.

The objective of this project is to enhance understanding and relationships with the global Chinese mining sector, foster collaboration with various stakeholders, and support mining sector governance that is transparent, accountable, and participatory, promoting gender equality and ensuring the social and environmental interests of current and future generations are protected.

The project’s short-term objectives are to enhance knowledge and understanding among civil society and communities about the Chinese mining sector, particularly those in the Global South connected to extraction sites. To strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the Chinese mining sector, facilitate engagement with companies operating outside of China, and promote improvements in ESG standards and community engagement, mainly. To increase transparency, integrity and accountability of Chinese mining companies involved in critical minerals, particularly those operating in Zimbabwe and Indonesia.

The Programme will achieve these outcomes through two key strategies: Knowledge Generation and Dialogue and Engagement. Our work in these areas will involve generating new evidence to enhance the Global South’s understanding of China’s global mining sector, fostering stronger relationships through engagement with Chinese mining companies, and supporting the adoption of international standards by these companies.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help lead a global initiative aimed at generating tangible and lasting change in the fight against corruption in the mining sector while directly contributing to TI Australia’s strategic development and international leadership. If you are passionate about driving positive change in the industry, we encourage you to apply.

Key Duties

Working with the Accountable Mining team at Transparency International Australia, the Project Associate/Project Officer will support the delivery of programme activities across several key areas. The role will involve the following duties:

• Support coordination of programme activities and reporting for selected workstreams within the Accountable Mining Programme, under the direction of the Research and Programme Manager.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement efforts, including background research and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events with key Chinese mining sector actors such as CCCMC, RCI, CREF, and relevant mining companies and associations.
• Contribute to the preparation of research and advocacy materials, including editing, formatting, and coordinating internal reviews, as well as assisting with the translation of materials into Mandarin where needed.
• Support the organisation of knowledge-sharing activities, such as webinars, workshops, and internal learning sessions, including preparing agendas, coordinating logistics, and tracking participation.
• Assist in compiling and updating policy and research content for reports, case studies, and communications products, including supporting the layout, design, and publication process.
• Coordinate administrative tasks related to project planning and delivery, including tracking deliverables, managing contact lists, and maintaining programme documentation and filing systems.
• Facilitate communication with participating TI Chapters and partners, supporting planning and implementation of national-level engagement activities and contributing to follow-up and information sharing.
• Monitor developments and opportunities in the mining sector, particularly related to Chinese stakeholder initiatives, and provide summaries or updates to inform project planning.

Key Competencies

To be successful in this role, the Project Associate/Project Officer will have:

Required Skills

• A university degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as international development, law, business, political science, or social sciences. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to contribute to written materials (e.g., reports, briefs, event summaries) and communicate effectively in meetings and workshops.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Fluency in spoken Mandarin is required; strong written Mandarin proficiency is highly desirable.
• At the Project Officer level: Experience supporting policy, research, or program activities. Familiarity with anti-corruption or business integrity issues is an advantage.

Desirable Skills

• An understanding of Chinese business practices and cultural context. Prior engagement with the Chinese private sector, particularly in the mining or extractives industries, would be beneficial.
• Experience working in the natural resource sector, with a distinct advantage in the mining sector.
• Experience in engaging stakeholders from the private sector, particularly those with experience in mining companies, industry associations, and initiatives (both nationally and internationally), is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in project monitoring, evaluation, and grant writing is desirable.
• Experience working on multi-country research projects and initiatives will be highly regarded.

Personal Characteristics

The Project Associate / Project Officer will demonstrate the following qualities:  

• Passionately committed to transparency, integrity and anti-corruption.
• Manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strategic, results-driven and proactive in identifying and pursuing opportunities to foster corporate accountability.
• Motivated to develop and support collaborative relationships to achieve common goals.
• At ease working with people from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds, as well as those with different languages.
• Motivated by the challenge and the opportunity to make a positive difference by combatting corruption both in Australia and around the world. 

How to apply

The position is based in Melbourne, Australia. Hybrid working arrangements are available, and interstate or international travel may be required.

To apply for this job, please follow the instructions via the Apply Now link.

For any queries, please contact [email protected], using the subject line: Project Officer / Project Associate - Accountable Mining Programme enquiry via EthicalJobs.   

A position description is attached.

TI Australia is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on the work of the Transparency International Accountable Mining Programme and TI Australia, please visit: www.transparency.org.au and mining.transparency.org.au.