Burnet Institute - Chief Public Affairs Officer

Chief Public Affairs Officer, Burnet Institute

Melbourne, Victoria

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Public Affairs Officer (CPAO) is a high-profile, strategic leadership role central to delivering Burnet’s 2030 Strategy. The CPAO drives stakeholder engagement, advocacy, corporate communications, brand reputation, and funding to support the Institute’s growth and impact.

About Burnet Institute

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit, organisation passionate about social justice, equality and evidence-based research.

Burnet Institute brings together a highly diverse skill base, with more than 600 staff and students working on cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health challenges. Institute-wide interdisciplinary health programs Disease Elimination, Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, and Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health are at the heart of our daily decision making. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with offices also located in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, Burnet is actively involved in research and public health programs throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Burnet is the only unaligned organisation in Australia that has dual accreditation with both the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Burnet 2030 Strategy

The Burnet 2030 Strategy focuses on growing our impact, placing equity at the centre of what we do, and paying close attention to the effects of a rapidly changing climate and environment. Our point of difference is our technical breadth–from laboratory-based discoveries to field research, to commercialisation to development programs; all to progress toward a more equitable world. This is what sets us apart. Our Strategy will also see us invest in our people, building our position as the aspirational workplace within the sector with ethical values and a culture committed to fostering talent for future leadership and rewarding careers.

This position is critical to planning and executing initiatives relating to the Research Program, Environment and People priorities.

Useful Links

Burnet – a more equitable world through better health

At Burnet, we are helping to create the future of health, placing equity at the centre of what we do, and paying close attention to the effects of a rapidly changing climate and environment. We’re working for a future where diseases are eliminated, where mothers and children are thriving, where the world is better prepared for health challenges, and where those at risk are supported to reduce harms to their health.

Reference #: Please use this reference number when applying: A040250
Application deadline: Monday, 17 March 2025
Please send us your application as soon as possible as we are continuously assessing candidates for this assignment.
All applications must include the following information so the panel can assess your suitability:
• Your current CV or resume;
• A brief cover letter informing the panel of your motivations and relevant experience for this position.