AddressThe Planning Institute of Australia is seeking a part-time National Projects Officer. This role is work from home or can be based in our Sydney or Canberra offices.
PIA's National Projects Officer will be crucial in supporting, delivering, and contributing to key National Projects for PIA, and you will be working on projects with purpose and impact.
This position requires a hands-on approach to project delivery, providing project administration and coordination support. The roles works closely with the CEO and the National General Manager and involves working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
About PIA
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the national body representing planners and the planning profession.
Our mission is to inspire planners and elevate their role in shaping Australia’s future. We do this through championing the value of planners and planning, leading the profession, strong advocacy, and contemporary education.
PIA has around 30 staff nationwide, and we connect with more than 10,000 planning professionals annually.
Key responsibilities
This role will support delivery of a range of key strategic projects. These will change over time to meet evolving priorities (as identified by the CEO, National General Manager and PIA Business Plan).
In addition, there are two key ongoing projects that this role will also support:
- Planning with Country Knowledge Circle. This is PIA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led reconciliation advisory body, and the National Project Officer will be expected to work closely with the Knowledge Circle in a culturally appropriate way. This role will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the Knowledge Circle’s strategic priorities and actions.
- PlanTech Working Group . This is PIA’s working group responsible for advising on the digitalisation of planning. This role will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the Working Group’s strategic priorities and actions.
Overall, the National Projects Officer’s work will include:
- Project delivery: This role will “do the doing” – executing the delivery of National Projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This will include project administration support.
- Stakeholder engagement: This role will collaborate closely with PIA staff and external stakeholders to facilitate effective project coordination, communication, and knowledge sharing.
- Volunteer coordination and support: Volunteers are critical to PIA’s work, and you will be required to effectively engage and manage volunteers involved in National Projects. This will require clear communication, empowerment, task allocation, and ongoing support.
- Resource management: From time to time, this role may be called upon to help identify the resources required for successful project implementation and may be working with consultants to help deliver particular projects.
Selection criteria
The National Projects Officer requires someone who can make things happen with a focus on delivery. The role requires strong initiative, sound judgement, an understanding of project management, and a desire to make an impact.
Key skills needed for the role will include:
- Adaptability and flexibility: Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp new concepts, work with evolving project requirements, and effectively adapt to shifting project needs and deadlines.
- Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Problem-solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address challenges in project implementation.
- Organisational skills: Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
- Cultural awareness and cultural responsiveness: An awareness of the cultural, social and historical factors significant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and an ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples in culturally appropriate ways.
- Team player: Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Technology proficiency: Proficiency in project management tools, Microsoft Office, and other relevant software applications.
- Independent work ability: Demonstrated capability to work effectively and autonomously, taking initiative and making informed decisions with good judgement when necessary.
Experience and qualifications
- Proven hands-on experience in project management, with a track record of successful project delivery where you were actively involved in doing the work (ideally 2 years +).
- Qualifications in a relevant field (e.g., project management, planning, public policy etc.)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
- Knowledge of urban planning or related fields.
- Experience working in a membership association.
- Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- The position is part-time (~ 20 to 25 hours per week to be agreed) and remuneration will be negotiated based on experience.
- The position could be based in PIA’s Canberra or Sydney office or work remotely (to be agreed with the successful applicant).
- We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
