Senior Communications Officer

Position Description

Program: Strongim Bisnis

Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands with provincial travel

Duration: Full time, fixed term

Line manager and directly report to: Communications and Engagement Director (DTL), Strongim Bisnis

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

This position is open to Solomon Islands nationals or third-country residents with a valid work permit to work in the Solomon Islands. Proof of eligibility will be required.

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 Senior Communications Officer supports the Communications team in executing campaigns and activities aligned with the communications strategy. This role supports the effective coordination of communications activities, including events, content production, and media releases. It plays an operational role in ensuring smooth planning, administration, and delivery of high-quality outputs across the communications function in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Coordination Support:

1. Under the guidance of the Communications and Engagement Director lead event planning and coordination in collaboration with the Communications team, implementation team, and program partners.

2. Support the coordination of travel arrangements, including the creation and management of Travel and Event TEAF (Travel, Event, and Activity Forms) where applicable.

• Social and traditional media coordination:

1. With the guidance of the Communications and Engagement Director support the coordination and delivery of social media content for the DFAT and Srongim Bisnis social media.

• Finance and Administration:

1. Work with the Communications Officer to track, process, and report on communications expenses and invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with program budgets.

2. Work with the Communications Officer to process cash advance requests and document acquittals for communication events.

3. Provide comprehensive administrative, financial, and event coordination support to the Communications and Engagement Director.

• Website Monitoring and Updates:

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

2. Ensure content accuracy, relevance, and quality to align with program goals.

• Branding and Style Guidelines:

1. Support the Communications team to ensure all materials follow the correct use of Strongim Bisnis branding and Australian Government style guidelines.

• Media Monitoring:

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

• Content Strategy Implementation:

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

2. Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure execution of campaigns and activities in line with the communications plan.

• Stakeholder Collaboration:

1. 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.

Qualifications:

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

Skills and Experience:

• At least one year of experience working in similar communications, or event coordination 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

Solomon Islanders or third-country residents with work permit should only apply.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Any questions should be sent to operations@Strongimbisnis.sb.com

Please use the following title: Communications Officer

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

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, people with disabilities, Indigenous and ethnic minority groups, and nationals of Pacific countries 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.