Asia Programme Manager

About Us

The Australian Academy of Science (AAS) 

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished Australian scientists, championing science for the benefit of all. The Academy is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organisation delivering sought after science advice that influences Australia’s actions and contributes to global science.

The Academy strives to advance Australia as a nation that embraces scientific knowledge and whose people enjoy the benefits of science. The Academy’s office is located on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country in Canberra, ACT.

The International Science Council (ISC) 

The ISC is an international NGO with a mission to act as the global voice for science to promote science as a global public good. The ISC works at the global level to catalyse and convene scientific expertise, advice, and influence on issues of major concern to both science and society.

The ISC has a unique global membership that brings together over 220 diverse organisations from all fields of science across all regions of the world. It is the largest international non-government science organisation of its kind.

The Regional Focal Point (RFP-AP) 

The ISC’s Asia-Pacific team, known as the Regional Focal Point, is based at the Australian Academy of Science. It works to ensure that regional needs and priorities are adequately represented in the ISC’s global agenda, that regional voices are actively engaged in ISC governance, and that the region benefits from the results of that work. The Asia Program Manager position is based in Australia.

Employee Benefits

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support. Staff benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• free parking in the city
• up to 17% superannuation
• salary packaging options
• flexible working
• additional paid days over Christmas
• additional personal leave provisions
• employee assistance program
• professional development support.

Our Culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff, investing in them to nurture and develop them as professionals.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic and culturally grounded individual with an excellent understanding of the science, research and innovation ecosystem in both Australia and the Asia region.

You will have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• Strong understanding of Asian cultures, networks, and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience in programme and project management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully across diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous knowledge holders.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and advancing the role of science in sustainable development for the Asia-Pacific region.

The Position

The Asia Programme Manager will play a key role in the planning, coordination, and delivery of activities that use science, innovation and research to build capacity, connection, careers and growth in Asia and Australia.

This includes:

• Supporting the governance of large and complex research collaborations.
• Mapping and managing a network of Asian researchers and organisations.
• Leading and managing time-bound programmes and activities.
• Organising and coordinating meetings, workshops, and symposia.
• Acting as a connector between the ISC, AAS, and Asian regional partners.
• Solid understanding of scientific ecosystems and research infrastructure, particularly within Asian context, including the interplay between local knowledge systems, regional institutions, and global scientific networks.

This position is for a 0.8 FTE appointment. It is a fixed term contract to 30 June 2028.

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• Strong professional and cultural ties to the Asia region and experience working within it’s networks and cultures.
• Background in transdisciplinary research practice and/or large-scale collaboration and program design.
• Demonstrated understanding of the research ecosystem in the Asia region.
• Demonstrated experience in program and project management, including budget management, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with program management tools, including budget and financial reporting.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience drafting high-level reports (e.g. council papers, government reports, program outputs).
• Ability to prepare communications content such as briefs, reports, and stakeholder updates.

Communication & Cultural Competence

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills; Knowledge of Asian languages an advantage.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, Traditional knowledge holders, and regional organisations.
• Experience engaging respectfully with diverse knowledge systems, including Local and Traditional Knowledge.
• Cultural sensitivity and deep understanding of Asian traditions and values.

Relationship Management & Teamwork

• Demonstrated ability to proactively build and maintain stakeholder networks across the Asia region.
• Skilled in diplomacy and interpersonal engagement.
• Collaborative approach, contributing positively to team and organisational success.

Strategic & Leadership Skills

• Ability to lead complex projects and support governance of collaborative networks.
• Capacity to identify risks and emerging opportunities relevant to Asian priorities.
• Commitment to diversity, workplace participation, health and safety, and equity principles.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work autonomously while supporting collective goals.

Contact Details

Further information on the position is available from Ronit Prawer, Director, International Science Council Regional Presence for Asia Pacific at hr@science.org.au

How to Apply

Please apply via Seek or Employment Hero by Friday 20 November 2026 with your resume and a 1-2 page statement outlining why you are the right person to join our team.

If you have any questions, please contact People & Culture.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability.

The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.