Call for Volunteers - Strategic & Operations Support

Strategic & Operations Support (Canberra, ANU Campus)

Location: Australian National University (Canberra, ACT)

Duration: 3–6 months (flexible, depending on availability)

Start date: To be agreed

Type: Volunteer position — professional experience in international relations and science diplomacy

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

AFRAN is seeking a motivated volunteer to contribute to its strategic development and operational activities. Under the supervision of the Strategy and Operations Manager, based at ANU, the volunteer will undertake a mapping of Australian incubators, innovation hubs, and R&D funding mechanisms to strengthen AFRAN’s knowledge base and inform future cooperation initiatives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience at the intersection of international relations, research policy, and innovation ecosystems, in a bilingual and cross-cultural setting.

Main Tasks

• Identify and classify incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs across Australian states and territories.

• Map key research and development funding schemes (public programs, grants, partnerships, and private investment channels).

• Build a structured database and produce an analytical summary for AFRAN and its network.

• Prepare a short presentation or policy brief to support AFRAN’s outreach and partnership activities.

• Participate in selected AFRAN meetings, seminars, or networking events.

  
  

Profile of the Volunteer

• Student or early-career professional in international relations, science & technology policy, innovation management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated interest in science diplomacy and innovation ecosystems.

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills (English required, French desirable).

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

  
  

Supervision and Benefits

• Direct supervision by AFRAN’s Strategy & Operations Manager.

• Integration within a dynamic international and academic environment at ANU.

• Exposure to real-world policy and cooperation networks between France and Australia.

• 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).

  
  

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short motivation letter (in English or French) to: afran.org@gmail.com

Subject line: Volunteer — Strategy & Operations – ANU – [Your Name]

Deadline: 23th January 2026

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