Call for Volunteers — Pacific Ocean Mapping Support

Location: Remote (desk-based), with optional meetings at ANU, Canberra

Duration: 1 month (part-time or full-time, flexible depending on availability, can be prolonged)

Start date: Early December 2026

Type: Volunteer position — professional experience in science diplomacy, ocean policy and research mapping

Organisation: AFRAN Inc (Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation)

About AFRAN

AFRAN is a not-for-profit association fostering scientific and innovation collaborations between France and Australia, within the Indo-Pacific region and with metropolitan France. Based in Australia, AFRAN connects researchers, innovators, and decision-makers across both countries, promoting bilateral exchange and cooperation in research, higher education, and technology.

About the Volunteer Role

Following the Nouméa Forum (2–4 September 2026), AFRAN is helping to develop regional project concepts for the Pacific. Three of them need mapping work first, to show where the interest and the gaps are:

• Project 1 — Transpacific Ocean Education Infrastructure Consortium (TOEIC): connecting existing marine education and research infrastructure across the Pacific.

• Project 3 — 2COLLAB: a collaborative living lab network for coastal nature-based solutions in the Pacific.

• Project 5 — Support for the International Alliance for Ocean Observing: strengthening the ocean observing system through commitments from Pacific countries.

  
  

The role can be carried by one volunteer or shared between several, depending on availability: you can take one project or more, and tell us which you prefer. Under the supervision of the Strategy and Operations Manager, in partnership with experts of the field, volunteers will build structured databases from public sources and write short analytical summaries. This is a chance to gain professional experience at the intersection of marine science, research policy and Pacific regional cooperation, in a bilingual and cross-cultural setting.

Main Tasks

•     Project 1: map marine stations, laboratories and university marine facilities in the Pacific: who runs them, where they are, what they offer, how researchers and students can access them, and existing networks and booking arrangements.

•     Project 3: identify and document coastal nature-based solutions projects already underway in the Pacific (“bright spots”): approach, funders, partners, community involvement, results and lessons. Start from existing regional portfolios such as the Kiwa Initiative.

•     Project 5: complete and verify a starter workbook on ocean observing in the Pacific: observing networks and their gaps, how Pacific countries use the data, who already supports the International Alliance for Ocean Observing and whom to approach.

For all projects: record every source (link and date) and flag the figures that need verification. Prepare a short summary (1–2 pages) per project and a short presentation for AFRAN and its partners. Participate in selected AFRAN meetings, seminars, or networking events.

Profile of the Volunteer

•   Student or early-career professional in marine science, environmental or Pacific studies, geography, international relations, science policy, or a related field.

•     Demonstrated interest in the Pacific, the ocean, or science diplomacy.

•    Strong research, analytical, and writing skills; comfortable organising data in spreadsheets (GIS skills are a plus, not required).

•     English required, French desirable (many sources are in French).

•     Reliable, organised, and able to work independently in a collaborative environment.

Supervision and Benefits

•   Direct supervision by AFRAN's Strategy & Operations Manager, with input from the scientific leads of the projects.

•   Exposure to real-world cooperation networks between France, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

•   Contribution acknowledged in the outputs where appropriate.

•  Upon completion, volunteers will receive an official certificate of participation and a reference letter recognising their contribution.

Conditions

•     This is an unpaid volunteer position. No financial remuneration or benefits apply.

•     Participation is on a voluntary basis — flexible hours (part-time or full-time arrangements possible).

•     The volunteer will be covered by AFRAN's volunteer insurance as applicable.

•   Candidates must hold the right to volunteer in Australia (citizens, residents, or visa holders with permission to engage in voluntary activities). Candidates based outside Australia may take part remotely: please contact us first.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short motivation letter (in English or French) to: afran.org@gmail.com. Tell us which project(s) interest you and your availability in December.

Subject line: Volunteer — Pacific Ocean Mapping – [Your Name]

Deadline: 27 November 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis; start in early December)

For questions about the role or eligibility, please contact: Kimberley Coulson, Strategy and Operations Manager – kimberley.coulson@anu.edu.au