James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an opportunity available for Project Support Officer to join our team within the College of Science and Engineering.

• Full-time; fixed term to 28 February 2027
• HEWL 5 $76,633 to $86,920 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas.

About the College of Science and Engineering

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Veterinary Science.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the opportunity

The Project Support Officer will support the delivery of an externally funded JCU project in Timor Leste, 'Ikan Adapt;' regarding fisheries co-management and biodiversity conservation planning. This position requires coordinating stakeholder engagement, curriculum development and delivery of training, and providing high-level administrative and project management support. The appointee will also assist with coordination of the overarching project, ensuring contractual agreements are met.

The role is well suited for a proactive, culturally sensitive individual with experience in community-based training and international development contexts. The applicant will need to have the capacity to attain a business visa for travel and work in Timor Leste, as well as work rights for Australia.

Key responsibilities of the role

• Foster and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders from coastal communities, provincial and national government and research / development partners in Timor-Leste.
• Evaluate the training needs of focal stakeholders (fisheries officers) to inform curriculum development.
• Assist in the design, evaluation, and delivery of fisheries co-management curriculum tailored to provincial government officers, including in-person workshops
• Keep stakeholders up to date by delivering high-quality and timely information packages.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for project activities, including coordination and reporting of team meetings, team travel requirements, preparation of project reports, to satisfy project governance and JCU institutional requirements.

What you can bring to the role

• Degree qualification in Environmental Management, Fisheries Science or a related field and a minimum of two years relevant experience in a similar international or cross-cultural context.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders in developing country settings to deliver project outcomes, preferably in Southeast Asia or the South Pacific.
• Strong visual design skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other tools (e.g. Adobe suite and CANVA) for creating visual presentations and training materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across cultures and disciplines.
• Sound organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage shifting priorities independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in delivering training programs to non-English speaking background (NESB) adult learners is preferable.

Why JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

What matters to us at JCU?

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button, create an applicant profile and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.

Applications close on Monday 6 October 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Naomi Gardiner via email at [email protected].

About our process

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.