Communications Adviser – Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development

 The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time (up to 36 days PA), remote communications adviser to develop and deliver the communication plan for the newly established Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development program VAI4D. This program builds on the previous Roads for Development 2 program, expanding from roads into civil aviation, ports and marine, and public buildings.

We are seeking someone with the ability to establish new relationships within the Vanuatu Ministry for Public Utilities and work with the broader VAI4D team to promote the program’s message and to present the achievements of the GoA/GoV partnership in relation to VAI4D. The adviser will also support the capacity building of MIPU/PWD, particularly in knowledge management, the development of strategic communications, information-education-communication (IEC) materials and the use of social media.

This position will require some travel to and within Vanuatu.

The Program

The Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) program is a five-year (2024-2029) investment funded by the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). VAI4D supports the Government of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) to achieve sustainable and well-maintained infrastructure and services for all, through inclusive and effective partnerships. VAI4D continues Australia’s assistance to MIPU/PWD to effectively and efficiently managed Vanuatu’s public roads network while expanding support for strengthening the capacity of MIPU to deliver infrastructure projects in civil aviation, ports and marine, and public buildings.

The VAI4D investment is focused on three end of program outcomes (EOPOs):

EOPO 1: MIPU PWD manages Vanuatu’s public roads network effectively and efficiently.

EOPO 2: MIPU (civil aviation &/or ports and marine &/or public buildings) use improved systems, processes, and technologies.

EOPO 3: GoV agencies deliver infrastructure portfolios and projects more coherently, effectively, and efficiently, in coordination with GoA partners.

VAI4D also mainstreams and spotlights cross-cutting areas, including gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate change & disaster risk resilience, social and environmental safeguards, localisation, and asset management through the identification, planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

VAI4D Communications

Review the VAI4D Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan and align it with PWD communications strategy.

Review VAI4D report templates and work with Team Leader and ASI PM to apply DFAT branding guidelines and reporting requirement in the R4D2 reports.

Produce, source, update and disseminate, as required, external communication products (e.g. fact sheets, social media products, radio products, thought leadership articles, case studies, photos and presentations) to highlight VAI4D work with PWD and results.

Capture good news stories for VAI4D and use appropriate communication channels to disseminate media to effectively communicate key messages to stakeholders.

Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication materials on PWD and other stakeholders.

Develop and maintain an updated list of donors and special interest groups. 

Support preparation of background presentations/briefs for both PWD, DFAT and other high-profile partners.

Work closely with the GEDSI and MEL Advisers to promote Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion within the VAI4D program.

PWD Communications

Develop a communications strategy to enhance the awareness, understanding and knowledge of the role of PWD and its functions among key stakeholders in the government, private sector and civil society. The strategy should raise awareness at a national and community level, focusing on achieving the department’s objectives such as effective engagement and behaviour/perception changes.

Conceptualise, design and develop IEC materials about PWD with appropriate and relevant messages tailored for key stakeholders.

Specify appropriate communication channels, dissemination methods and media (such as video, print, web/online media, traditional media, social media, etc) to effectively communicate key messages to specific stakeholders.

Design a standard publication layout for the PWD to use for future publications.

Monitor and address communications-related risks and leverage opportunities for the MIPU/PWD brand.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in communications/public Relations/Marketing or similar related field.

• Proven track record in strategic communications planning, advertising, messaging and IEC development, ideally in an international development context.

• Good knowledge of the Pacific context, in particular the transport infrastructure sector, management issues related to public awareness, and an understanding of VAI4D stakeholders, is an advantage.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), web-applications and social media.

• Excellent command of English both written and oral.

• Ability to work with a team in a multi-cultural environment.

• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.

How to Apply

Please apply online. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications and experience, a CV of no more than three pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

Applicants are also requested to provide a sample of work of up to 10 pages with your CV. The sample may include external communication products, social media posts, briefing materials, or a previous strategy paper. Work samples should be in a PDF format and may be redacted to remove confidential information.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.