Opportunity Summary

As part of an ambitious growth agenda in Asia and the Pacific, Abt is looking for a Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor to lead delivery of our communication and client engagement strategies in the Indo-Pacific international development market. The Senior Communications and Engagement Adviser will sit within Abt Australia’s International Technical Practice (ITP), which generates much of the content on program insights, lessons and impact. The Senior Communications and Engagement Adviser will lead the design, management and implementation of the regional communications strategy for Abt Global in Australia, East Asia and the Pacific. Reporting to the Technical Practice Lead, this role will work collaboratively with senior managers and communications staff of Abt-managed programs across the region, to identify and more effectively deliver on client strategic communications priorities in-country, build the capability of communications staff, and facilitate cross learning among programs. Working closely with ITP colleagues and the business development team, the Senior Communications and Engagement Adviser will design appropriate communications approaches and solutions for program proposals. The Adviser will also liaise with global marketing and communications colleagues to uphold Abt’s brand values and compliance.

Core Responsibilities

Lead strategic communications and engagement for Abt Australia. 

Deliver the communications and engagement strategy for the region in order to improve the profile and visibility of Abt with key clients and partners in the Indo-Pacific (in particular, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Australian government departments engaged in international development).  Work closely with technical experts, business development leads, the Abt Australia executive, program staff and Abt US and Britain communications leads to deliver on this framework and plans. 

Technical program communications guidance 

Work with program leadership and teams in-country to support program strategic communications priorities.  Produce, manage or mentor others to produce high quality communications products in line with client expectations and Abt Global corporate branding and marketing guidelines. Support the production of relevant events in Australia (e.g., roundtable discussions, high level briefings, seminars, etc.) and where appropriate, liaise with international colleagues to drive attendance and engagement.  Build the capability of Abt’s cadre of communications staff in programs across the region, providing technical guidance and mentoring and facilitating peer-to-peer learning through communities of practice, guidance notes, training and workshops.

Market engagement and business development 

Maintain strong internal and external networks in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific, to pre-empt and identify key policy shifts, external events or other trends that impact our communications and engagement approach.  Integrate this market knowledge into the communications and engagement framework, and related strategies and campaigns, to ensure activities remain strategic and relevant.  Stay abreast of best practice, including by monitoring and assessing the approaches of our competitors and non-Abt programs. ·  Draw on market insights and Abt good practice to develop high-quality technical approaches to communications and public diplomacy for program proposals. 

Communications management and content creation 

Manage, develop and advise on appropriate digital content in line with the communications strategy and ensure that the performance of campaigns and initiatives is monitored and evaluated.  Support or oversee graphic design for technical proposals and publications (layout, development of infographics and animations) to communicate complex ideas in clear and visually compelling ways.  Identify potential suppliers of communications services who can meet Abt’s timeliness and quality standards. 

One Global Abt communications: 

Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders - including senior communications staff in Abt US and Britain, and program Team Leaders and communications officers across the Indo-Pacific.  Contribute to global company marketing and communications initiatives  Ensure deep understanding of the company’s global capabilities, experience and results; so these can be tailored and projected into the various audiences of the Australian aid market.

What We Value

10-15 years’ experience in communications and marketing or advocacy, preferably at a strategic or organisational level Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading communications teams, preferably internationally and/or with differing contextual requirements  Experience developing and driving digital engagement across different platforms and to specific audiences  Demonstrated ability to set and lead client-focused communications and engagement strategies and work with diverse teams towards these goals  Entrepreneurial skills – including an ability to identify market or client trends and position marketing and communication plans in response.  Demonstrated experience in delivering or mentoring people with a range of technical backgrounds to deliver high quality communications products (e.g. blogs, social media campaigns, client events) that are both audience appropriate and technically sound.  The successful candidate must demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to equity and inclusion in all aspects of their work; including a proven ability to bring diverse voices to the fore in communications materials, and towork constructively as a member of a small and diverse team.  Experience working in international development strongly preferable.  Networks across, or experience working in, the Australian development sector and the Indo-Pacific region would be a significant advantage. Bachelor’s Degree + Twelve years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Ten years of relevant experience, or PhD+ Eight years of relevant experience

What We Offer

Abt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. 

Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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