Communications Specialist

ABOUT PACIFIC TRADE INVEST AUSTRALIA

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia drives trade, investment and tourism opportunities for Pacific businesses, acting as the region's lead private sector promotion agency. At the heart of PTI Australia's mission is a commitment to improving livelihoods across the Blue Pacific by enabling decent work and fostering sustainable economic growth.

PTI Australia is part of the global PTI Network, with offices in China, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. The Network operates under the mandate of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), supporting 16 member countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

As an agency of PIFS, PTI Australia is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're seeking a Communications Specialist to join our team on a part-time basis (three days per week) from January 2026. Reporting to the Communications and Investment Manager, you will support the delivery of PTI Australia's communications strategy, with a focus on digital channels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage PTI Australia's social media accounts, including strategy development, content creation, scheduling, and performance tracking.
• Track media coverage and prepare regular monitoring reports.
• Lead copywriting across all channels, including social media, newsletters, website, campaigns and reports.
• Write and coordinate the bi-monthly Pacific Focus e-newsletter
• Support the development of PTI Australia's Annual Report, Export Survey, and other flagship publications and reporting pieces.
• Collaborate with other business units to develop and deliver targeted eDMs, including message framing, audience segmentation, and performance reporting.
• Monitor and report on PTI Australia's communication activities with a focus on continuous improvement, audience engagement, and innovation
• Maintain and update PTI Australia's website, ensuring content accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with brand and messaging guidelines.
• Staying up to date with emerging digital trends, new channels and opportunities to strengthen PTI Australia's digital communications strategy
• Support effective use of PTI Australia's CRM system, including contact management, campaign integration, and reporting.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person events, including communications planning, stakeholder engagement, and post-event follow-up.
• Assist the Marketing and Communications Manager with ad hoc communications tasks, including media relations, internal communications, and stakeholder updates.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects that enhance PTI Australia's visibility, impact, and engagement across the Blue Pacific.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Storytelling:
  Ability to craft clear, compelling narratives that highlight impact and resonate with diverse stakeholders.
• Writing & editing:
  A natural wordsmith with strong writing and editing skills, producing accurate, engaging copy across newsletters, social media, reports and web content, with meticulous attention to detail, grammar and tone.
• Digital fluency:
  Proficient in both emerging and established digital communication tools and platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, video production, Umbraco CMS, CRM systems, AI-enhanced tools).
• Analytical skills:
  Skilled in tracking, monitoring and reporting on communications activities and media coverage, with a focus on improvement and innovation.
• Initiative:
  Demonstrates independence, proactive thinking, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Time management:
  Skilled at managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and delivering quality outcomes across multiple projects.
• Relationship & cultural capability:
  Proven ability to build respectful relationships and work effectively with Pacific peoples, organisations and communities. Shows openness to learning about Pacific cultures, and a commitment to developing cultural competence through a two-way process.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This role is ideal for early-career professionals looking to grow their skills in international communications and make a meaningful impact. You'll be supported to develop professionally while contributing to real-world outcomes across the Blue Pacific.

We're looking for someone with:

• Minimum of 3 years' professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, digital media, or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Confident interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and digital communication tools.
• Experience working in or with Pacific Island countries is highly regarded.
• Must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Prior experience in government, international development, or trade and investment promotion is desirable. The position may require travel from time to time a heath check may be required to determine physical and mental capabilities to undertake the tasks at hand with proficiency. A valid passport is necessary. PTI Australia is an equal opportunity employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support balance and wellbeing.
• A collaborative and purpose-driven work environment, where your contribution makes a tangible impact across the Blue Pacific.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to training, mentoring and a dedicated development budget.
• A dynamic role engaging with diverse Pacific countries, sectors and stakeholders where no two days are the same.
• An inclusive and supportive team culture that values learning, contribution and cultural connection.
• The opportunity to contribute to flagship projects such as the Annual Report, Export Survey and other high-profile initiatives.
• A central Inner Sydney office location, well connected to public transport and amenities.

HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your resume (including two referees) and a cover letter below.

In your cover letter, please tell us about a communications campaign you have worked on that you are most proud of.

If you have any questions, please email
 using the subject line: 
Communications Specialist enquiry.