Applications are now CLOSED.

The North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILMSA) is seeking a full-time Communication and Project Support Officer for its Dugong and Marine Turtle Project.

Applications close 15 June, 2007.

It is located in Darwin at the Charles Darwin University. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position.

Position Title: Communication and Project Support Officer

Position Number: 6299 / 161

Position Classification: HEW Level 6

ORGANISATIONAL UNIT: North Australia Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) - Tropical Savannas Management Cooperative Research Centre (TS–CRC).

Tenure: 1 year (Full-time) with potential for extension subject to funding

Responsible to: Mr Joe Morrison through Dr Rod Kennett

Employment conditions 

HEW Level 6: $51 012 to $54 455 (pro rata) per annum. Total remuneration includes 9% University superannuation contribution on a salary component of $46,800 to $49 959 per annum (plus District Allowance as applicable and 6 weeks annual leave pro-rata).

Primary objective

The Communication and Project Support Officer will work with NAILSMA staff, NAILSMA partner organisations and Indigenous community groups engaged in the Dugong and Marine Turtle Project (DMTP) coordinated by the North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) and the Tropical Savannas CRC. 

The position will also liaise with other sectoral groups across northern Australia including research, government and NGO’s (non government organisations) on a day-to-day basis with emphasis on practical communication, dissemination and gathering of relevant information in relation to these projects. The position will also provide project management support to the NAILSMA DMTP Coordinator and project partners.

Key responsibilities

The duties specified are in accordance with the Natural Heritage Trust funding for project titled: Dugong and Marine Turtle Management Project (DMTP). They include:

• Provide communication support to the DMTP and other NAILSMA initiatives to ensure effective and culturally appropriate communication.
• In consultation with the DMTP Coordinator, implement the Communication Strategy for the DMTP
• Support the development, refining or creation of materials for improving communication to NAILSMA partners, the broader Indigenous community and others using relevant media;
• Inform DMTP partners and stakeholders and their organizations of recent developments and initiatives across northern Australia relevant to the DMTP and other initiatives under NAILSMA control.
• Develop on-going avenues for information exchanges between Indigenous groups engaged in these initiatives
• Develop strong relationships with key agency staff at the local, regional and north Australian levels to ensure appropriate communication is getting to TO’s (Traditional Owners) in the first instance and others as required.
• Support Indigenous representatives, including NAILSMA or, where applicable, represent those interests on appropriate forums dealing with communication issues and opportunities.
• Undertake other communication and project support related activities at request of the DMTP Coordinator
• Under direction of the DMTP Coordinator, provide project management assistance to DMTP partner organizations and participating communities in the delivery of the Regional Activity Plans and relevant cross-regional initiatives;
• Other duties as required by management.
  

Selection criteria

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in science, communication, natural resource management or similar disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, research organizations, NGO’s, government and funding bodies.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous society and culture, and ability to work effectively and sensitively with Indigenous people in natural and cultural resource management or related fields,
• High level written communication skills with a capacity to produce effective and culturally appropriate communication products (e.g. brochures, booklets, briefing documents, reports and web-based content) for a wide range of audiences.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team, meet deadlines, manage competing demands, and develop innovative solutions with limited supervision. 
• Computer literacy and sound knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite office programs.
• NT Drivers license.
• Knowledge, understanding and commitment to the University’s Equal Opportunity & Occupational Health and Safety policies.
  

Desirable

• Demonstrated ability to assist in the planning and delivery of community-based projects in the natural and cultural resource management or related fields.
• The ability to travel from time to time to remote project sites across north Australia
• Experience in a) website development and content management, and b) using publishing software
• An understanding of Australian Quality Training Framework and Australian University’s Quality Agency standards.
  

Direct informal inquiries to Joe Morrison, details below.