Communications Assistant

Position: Communications Assistant

Program: Strongim Bisnis

Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands with provincial travel

Duration: Full time, fixed term

Line Manager and Direct Report To: Communications and Engagement Director (DTL), Strongim Bisnis

Works With: Communications, Partnerships, Finance and Operations, and MRM teams

Background
Strongim Bisnis is an innovative pro-business program funded by the Australian Government.

Strongim Bisnis supports Solomon Islands businesses to increase productivity, access greater income earning opportunities and higher value markets; with the intention of enabling greater resilience and creating jobs. Poverty reduction will be the desired result. Strongim Bisnis also supports the private sector and the Solomon Islands Government to work together effectively to increase opportunities for trade and investment and accelerate business growth. A key focus of the program ensures that Solomon Islands women, youth and people with disability have increased economic opportunities.

The program takes a market systems development (MSD) approach to unlocking opportunities for growth in selected sectors (cocoa, coconut, tourism, timber, horticulture, financial services, and waste management). MSD requires Strongim Bisnis to carefully select partnerships, and design interconnected activities that deliver tangible and measurable results. For each activity it must be possible to track progress from improving the performance of Solomon Islands enterprises, to achieving resilient systemic change in markets, and ultimately increasing income and employment. In this way, Strongim Bisnis avoids ad hoc activities and seeks deep engagement with market actors.

Strongim Bisnis activities may include developing and testing new business models, sharing the risk of new ventures in partnership with private sector actors, facilitating market access, supporting structural changes to the ‘business enabling environment’, product marketing to bring about greater scale, and improving women, youth, and people with disability’s participation in markets and their access and control over productive resources.

Position Summary and Justification for the Role
The Communications Assistant supports the Communications team in executing campaigns and activities aligned with the communications strategy. This role plays an operational part in ensuring effective financial management within the communications function and assisting with administrative and coordination tasks that enable the team to deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Event Coordination Support:

• Assist with event planning and coordination in collaboration with the Communications team, implementation team, and program partners.

• Support the coordination of travel arrangements including creating and managing Travel and Event TEAF (Travel, Event, and Activity Forms) where applicable.

2. Finance and Administration:

• Support the tracking and processing of communications expenses and invoices.

• Process cash advance requests and document acquittals for communication events.

• Provide administrative, financial, and event coordination support as required to the Communications Officer.

3. Website Monitoring and Updates:

• Support the Communications and Engagement Director to regularly update and publish new content on the website.

• Ensure content accuracy, relevance, and quality to align with programme goals.

4. Branding and Style Guidelines:

• Support communications copy and materials follow the correct use of Strongim Bisnis branding and Australian Government style guidelines.

5. Media Monitoring:

• Track and monitor media outlets to ensure accurate project exposure and capture relevant media coverage.

6. Content Strategy Implementation:

• Support the Communications team in implementing the Communications Content Strategy.

• Assist with the execution of campaigns and activities in line with the communications plan.

7. Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Support the communications team in obtaining approvals for content and ensuring alignment with program goals.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist the Communications and Engagement Director with various communications-related activities as needed.

Required Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in design, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• You must have a pre-existing right to work in Solomon Islands

Skills and Experience:

• At least one year of experience working in a similar administrative, communications, or event support role.

• Proven ability to support a fast-paced team with multiple priorities and tight deadlines.

• Familiarity with social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

• Strong competency in MS Office programmes (Excel, Word, etc.).

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and adherence to do-no-harm principles.

Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and an ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure environment.

• Proactive and adaptable with a positive, can-do attitude.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.

• High degree of professionalism and discretion.

The Following Skills/Experience Would Be an Advantage:

• Experience working in a Market Systems Development (M4P or MSD) programme or a private sector development programme.

• Experience working on Australian Aid-funded projects or with donor-funded programmes.

• Knowledge of the Solomon Islands business environment.

• A valid Solomon Islands driver’s licence.

How to Apply

Please submit your application to Recruitee.

Applications proccess include:

• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the position selection criteria

• A CV of no more than four pages

• Contact details of three professional referees

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm (Solomon Islands time) on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Salary level is negotiable, commensurate with experience and the Solomon Islands market. Applicable benefits and entitlements are in line with Strongim Bisnis policies and applicable Solomon Islands’ laws.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, we encourage you to reach out to Strongim Bisnis team via erin.tuahnuku@strongimbisnis.com.sb or call the Strongim Bisnis Office on +677 25664.