Senior Communications Officer eWater Group

The Australian Water Partnership is a water for development initiative funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and managed by the eWater group, a not-for-profit corporation owned by Australian Federal, State and Territory governments.

We are a small, hard-working team comprising a General Manager, Specialist Program Leads, Managers and Program Officers.

The Role:

The Senior Communications Officer, working under the direction of the Senior Manager, Partnerships and Communications, is responsible for the delivery of AWP’s communications functions, including:

• The implementation of the AWP Communications Strategy
• Supporting with the design and execution of events, and
• Representing AWP at international and domestic conferences and events where required.

This position would suit an experienced communications all-rounder with a passion, passion for making a difference by communicating our work on inclusive international development, water and climate change. The candidate will be dedicated, organised, adaptable, collaborative within and across teams; and will be excited by the potential of storytelling to increase the impact of our work. The candidate will also have the capability and flexibility to work hands-on when needed, as well as manage inputs of other team members.

Core Accountabilities of the role are:

1. Strategic Communications & Branding as it relates to the operations of AWP:

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  • Implement AWP’s Communications Strategy.
  • Maintain AWP’s branding style guide and its relationship to DFAT’s Australian Aid brands.
  • Manage AWP’s strategic communications across multiple channels – website, events, partner communications, social media and publications.
  • Manage contractors in support of AWP’s communications strategy.
  • Develop and maintain an AWP branding style guide and design, and its relationship to DFAT’s Australian Aid and the Australia Water Partners for Development brands.
  • Manage the production and accessibility of AWP publications and International Standard Book Numbers.
  • Lead on proof reading and quality control of all communications (internal and external).

2. Content management

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  • In support of the strategy, plan and create content for AWP’s communications channels, focus on storytelling and supporting AWP’s brand and objectives.
  • Manage AWP’s social media accounts and partner communications through the AWP website and newsletter.
  • Identify, recruit and manage contractor inputs where required.

3. Website Management & Maintenance:

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  • Manage the look, feel and structure of the AWP website and oversee the development of graphics, imagery and content.
  • Oversee improvements to web functionality/design including liaising with ICT staff on its development.
  • Apply and adhere to usability and accessibility guidelines such Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0.)

4. Events:

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  • Support the planning and delivery of F2F and online events.
  • Represent AWP and eWater at key international and domestic events where required.

5. Administration

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  • Work with the Finance team and the Senior Partnerships Officer on finance using the Project Worx platform.

6. General/Other:

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  • Adhere to all eWater Group policies and procedures, including but not limited to; Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH); Child Protection; Fraud and Anti-Bribery.
  • Other duties as required.

Experience & Knowledge required:

• At least 10 years’ experience in communications in government, not for profits or the private sector.
• Substantial experience in developing and implementing successful communications strategies.
• (Desirable) experience as a manager of a small team working collaboratively with others.
• Excellent strategic communications skills.
• Strong partnerships development and management expertise.
• Strong knowledge and experience in communications and marketing for social benefit.
• Experience managing organisational communication channels including websites, social and digital media.
• Knowledge of the Australian water sector, international development, and/or climate change is highly valued.
• Practical knowledge on how to leverage media channels for impact and influence.
• Ability to develop practical solutions using a collaborative approach;
• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to the implementation of equity and workplace health and safety principles.

Competencies:

• Partnerships development and management
• Strategic communications
• Website and social media content development and management
• Project management
• Publications management and editing
• Events coordination, including online and hybrid events
• Newsletter/Electronic Direct Mail (EDM) management
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Ability to brief and liaise with contractors including designers, copywriters and editors
• Practical knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• The candidate must be eligible to work in Australia.
• The position is based in Canberra.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

This role appointment is in line with DFAT AWP agreement funding, currently fixed term to 30 June 2026 with mutual option to extend pending further funding.

If you have any questions please email careers@ewater.org.au using the subject line: SeniorCommunications Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.