Grants and Communications Officer

ABOUT ACTION ON POVERTY

Action on Poverty is a venture philanthropy accelerator focused on turning locally led solutions into scalable, evidence‑based answers to global poverty.

We exist because poverty persists not due to a lack of potential, but because proven solutions often lack the capital, connections and systems needed to scale. Our role is to identify what works, strengthen it, and help it grow to reach millions of people permanently.

For almost 60 years, we've partnered with entrepreneurs, communities and funders across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, supporting solutions that become embedded in markets, institutions or public policy rather than remaining reliant on ongoing aid.

The Engagement Team plays a critical role in how we communicate this work, build relationships with partners and supporters, and position Action on Poverty as a credible and strategic partner in international development and philanthropy.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Grants & Communications Officer provides practical, hands-on support across communications, digital content and grant writing.

Reporting to the Engagement team in Australia, this role is suited to an early-career professional who is interested in the intersection of communications, philanthropy and international development, and wants to build capability in both content and institutional funding.

You will support the delivery of communications and engagement activities, while playing an active role in the development of funding proposals and donor-facing materials that support the growth of Action on Poverty's solution portfolio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications & Content

• Draft clear, concise written content for digital channels, donor communications, newsletters and internal use
• Produce and edit short-form content for social media, including basic video editing
• Manage and schedule content across platforms, with a focus on LinkedIn
• Design digital assets using Canva in line with Action on Poverty's brand
• Support thought leadership and external communications, including research, drafting and content preparation

Prospect Research, Proposals & Fundraising Support

• Identify relevant grant opportunities aligned with Action on Poverty's priorities
• Maintain the grants calendar, tracking deadlines, submissions and reporting requirements
• Draft and contribute to grant applications, concept notes and proposals
• Translate program information and data into clear, structured funding narratives
• Review funding guidelines to ensure proposals are accurate and compliant
• Prepare donor reports and grant-related communications, coordinating inputs from program, finance and leadership teams
• Maintain accurate records of submissions and grant documentation

Events & Engagement

• Support the coordination and delivery of events, both in-person and online
• Assist with event communications, invitations, run sheets and follow-up activity
• Contribute to donor and partner engagement activities as required

Administration & Team Support

• Manage and triage shared grants, engagement and communications inboxes
• Support calendar management and meeting coordination
• Provide general administrative support to ensure smooth day-to-day team operations
• Monitor news and updates across the Australian philanthropy landscape

ABOUT YOU

This role would suit a graduate or early‑career professional with:

• A degree in Communications, International Relations, or a related field
• A strong interest in international development, philanthropy and systems‑change approaches to poverty
• Curiosity about how philanthropic funding decisions are made, and interest in prospect research and proposal development
• A demonstrated interest in grant writing, proposal development and donor communications
• A proactive and detail‑oriented approach

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Excellent written English skills, with the ability to structure clear and compelling narratives
• Strong attention to detail and editing capability
• Confidence using social media, particularly LinkedIn
• High competence in Canva
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently while taking direction

Desirable

• Experience supporting or contributing to grant writing or proposal development
• Understanding of funding or grant application processes
• Experience working with a CRM (HubSpot preferred)
• Basic videography and content production skills
• Exposure to PR or earned media
• Experience supporting events or campaigns
• Experience working in a cross-border or international context

You are passionate, driven and eager to learn. You can juggle multiple tasks, take initiative, and contribute thoughtfully to a small, collaborative team and have excellent attention to detail. You're looking to build a meaningful career in engagement within international development.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU

• Meaningful work contributing to poverty reduction and community empowerment.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Additional annual leave, sick leave, wellbeing and birthday leave.
• Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
• Professional learning and development opportunities.
• Cross-cultural working environment with global collaboration opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and engagement activities.
• Competitive benefits package in accordance with AOP policies.

At Action on Poverty, we empower our people to thrive. We offer a purpose-driven career, flexibility, and a supportive culture that values wellbeing, diversity, and growth.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are passionate about working for a purpose, making a positive impact, and enhancing your skills, we'd love to hear from you! 

Please submit your CV and cover letter to: [Confidential Information]

Subject line: [Your Full name] _ Grants and Communications Officer

Application deadline: 30 June 2026

Due to the high volume of applications, we anticipate receiving, only candidates selected for shortlisting will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

By providing your information, curriculum vitae, resume, and any document that contains your personal information to us, you confirm and agree that you consent to the collection and processing of your personal data by Action on Poverty.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

AOP celebrates diversity and is proud to be an inclusive, child-safe workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences, and are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected. Our recruitment decisions are guided by merit and our dedication to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 

As part of our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable people, all team members will participate in reference checks and relevant background screenings, including police and working with children checks. We believe that creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility, and we encourage every member of our team to look out for one another and to promote a culture of care, dignity, and wellbeing. 

At AOP, you'll join a team that values your unique contribution and is dedicated to your growth and success, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and integrity for everyone involved in our work. 

Note : This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass all the tasks and responsibilities that may be assigned or required.