Senior Project Officer Education and Capability

Natural Hazards Research Australia; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Flexible working conditions

Multiple bases in Brisbane/Melbourne/S

Job summary

Natural Hazards Research Australia seeks a highly organised Senior Project Officer to deliver our Education and Capability program, including scholarships, internships, HDR and ECR initiatives.

Based in Melbourne, Brisbane or Sydney with flexible working conditions, you will drive education initiatives and translate research through professional development for practitioners and researchers in the natural hazards sector.

Qualifications

• Proven program management and coordination experience with stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication with a confident interpersonal style.
• Experience translating research outputs into education or professional development.
• Knowledge of HDR/scholarship programs within universities and research organisations.
• High initiative and ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage education and capability initiatives and programs.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders across universities, industry and government.
• Develop milestones, monitor progress and report outcomes to leadership.
• Translate research into practical education and professional development activities.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Initiative

Relationship-building

Education

University degree relevant to natural hazards or education

Job description

Applications close at 11.59pm AEST Sunday 6 September 2026.

• 12-month parental leave cover
• Based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney
• Flexible working conditions
• Salary $99,567 plus 12% superannuation

About The Position

Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) is seeking a highly organised and proactive Senior Project Officer to deliver our Education and Capability program.

This role is responsible for shaping and driving the Centre’s education and capability initiatives and programs, including scholarships, internships, Higher Degree Research (HDR), and Early Career Research (ECR). The position plays a crucial role in progressing and continuing professional development offerings within the natural hazards management sector and higher degree institutions to translate research through building the skills and expertise of practitioners and researchers.

This position demands a combination of skills which include strategic planning, program management and the ability to communicate at different levels internally and to a range of diverse stakeholders and networks.

Located in one of our nodes in either Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney, with flexible working conditions offered, the successful candidate will be employed in this parental leave position for 12 months.

About Us

Natural Hazards Research Australia is Australia’s national centre for natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction. We address the major challenges arising from natural hazards, including bushfires, floods, cyclones, heatwaves, storms and other hazards.

We undertake research that promotes resilience to the impacts of natural hazards and reduces disaster risk, supporting the needs of a variety of critical stakeholders – including emergency service agencies and communities – in mitigating impacts of, responding to and recovering from disasters caused by natural hazards.

Natural Hazards Research Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to an equitable, diverse and socially inclusive work environment. We actively encourage applicants with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, people with family caring responsibilities, people living with disability, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for this opportunity.

Selection Criteria

Education

• University degree, preferably in an area relevant to natural hazards, education and capability or business management, or equivalent work experience.

Specific Knowledge And Experience Required

• Proven experience in program management and coordination with an ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to liaise effectively with a mature, friendly and confident personal style, and build and maintain strong and effective relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Proven competence in managing opportunities to translate research outputs into practical applications through education, capability and professional development programs.
• Detailed knowledge and an understanding of higher degree research and scholarship programs within universities and research organisations.
• High level of initiative and self-motivation, with the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable knowledge and experience

• At least two years’ experience in a similar, or related role.
• Knowledge of the workings of government, industry, universities or research organisations.

More information is available in the attached position description.

Employment may be subject to a security screening process.

To be considered you must have the right to work in Australia.