Senior Program Officer, Partnerships

ACIAR is a small agency with a domestic and international focus. It comprises three branches:
Research, Partnerships and Corporate.

The Senior Program Officer, Country Partnerships (SPO) provides high-level program, operational and corporate support to the Country Partnership Lead in the effective management and coordination of ACIAR’s network of international offices and broader country partnership activities.

The position plays a key role in connecting ACIAR’s international offices with Canberra-based functions and ensuring that operational, financial, contractual, administrative and reporting requirements are delivered effectively and consistently across the international network. The SPO is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of activities, including contract and financial management for international offices; procurement and contract administration for Country Partnerships activities; coordination of high-level international and domestic visits, meetings and events;

support for international office recruitment and personnel matters; corporate reporting and briefing; and the development and implementation of effective business processes.

Working in an international and culturally diverse environment, the SPO develops and maintains productive relationships with ACIAR staff, Australian Government stakeholders, international partners, service providers and other stakeholders. The position is required to exercise sound judgement and discretion when dealing with sensitive, complex or confidential matters and to provide practical advice consistent with relevant Commonwealth and ACIAR policies, procedures and governance requirements.

The role requires a motivated and highly organised individual who can work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deadlines, and respond flexibly to emerging requirements and competing priorities. The successful candidate will have strong written and interpersonal communication skills, excellent judgement and attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate across organisational and cultural boundaries.

The SPO is expected to take a proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements to systems, processes and ways of working, including opportunities to improve data quality, reporting, workflow management and automation. Experience coordinating complex events, high-level delegations or international engagement activities is highly desirable.

Under the general direction of the Country Partnership Lead, the Senior Program Officer will: