Senior Operations Coordinator – Southeast Asia Leadership Program
- Fixed term contract up to 30 June 2029
- Competitive salary and flexible work options
- Australia-based (remote or from a Palladium office in Canberra, Adelaide or Brisbane)
About Palladium
Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social, climate and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to help solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, the environment, and, most importantly, people's lives.
The Program
Southeast Asia Leadership Program
Under the Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM), Palladium delivers the Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) and two additional Southeast Asia leadership and scholarship programs on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
SEALP is a new initiative that contributes to greater high-level understanding and linkages between Australia and Southeast Asia by supporting emerging and current leaders and decision-makers across the region to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, as well as targeted shorter educational activities.
SEALP's three intended outcomes are:
- Alumni leaders apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute to defined areas of shared interest
- Australia has strong and enduring networks of influence across ASEAN countries, through targeted scholarships and training
- Alumni leaders actively engage and contribute to cooperation with Australia.
The Role
As the Senior Operations Coordinator, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of all Southeast Asia Service Orders under the Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM). Working closely with the Team Leader and program coordinators, you will lead and strengthen operational functions across the portfolio, ensuring activities are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and in line with DFAT requirements, Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), and Palladium procedures.
You will serve as the central focal point for procurement, administration, human resources, grants management, and records management, supporting the effective delivery of program activities and the continuous improvement of systems and processes.
Duties will include:
- Coordinate and maintain program operational policies, procedures, manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with DFAT requirements, Palladium policies and relevant legislation.
- Provide coordination and quality assurance across procurement, grants administration, human resources, administration and records management functions.
- Lead end-to-end procurement and contract management activities, including tender development, evaluation, due diligence, contract establishment and vendor management.
- Coordinate grants administration activities, including calls for proposals, assessments, grant awards, acquittals and compliance requirements.
- Support financial management activities, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and monitoring expenditure against Annual Work Plans.
- Contribute to program risk management by maintaining risk registers and supporting the implementation of mitigation measures.
- Work closely with program teams to coordinate travel, logistics, participant management and event delivery activities.
- Oversee HR administration, including recruitment, onboarding, timesheet management, leave administration and personnel records.
- Manage and maintain SharePoint filing systems and records management practices to ensure consistency, compliance and audit readiness.
- Supervise a small team of finance and administrative staff and contribute to the continuous improvement of systems, processes and service delivery across the program portfolio.
About you
You will possess:
- A degree in business, procurement, finance, law, public administration, or a related field.
- At least five years' experience in program or project operations management, preferably within international development or DFAT-funded programs.
- Strong procurement and contract management experience, including knowledge of Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) or similar regulatory frameworks. Grants management experience will be highly regarded.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multiple activities, and meet deadlines.
- Experience developing and maintaining operational systems, policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams, partners, and government stakeholders.
To Apply
Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.
Established working rights required for suitable candidates, there is no visa sponsorship or relocation support available.
For further information please email [email protected]
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early, as the position may close once a suitable candidate is identified.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.
Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at [email protected] and we will be in touch to discuss.
Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.
