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

The Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU) is a new initiative designed to enhance the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) international scholarship program delivery by providing operational, technical and analytical services. The AA GSU consists of the Global Support Unit (GSU) - responsible for operational and technical services to DFAT and the scholarship delivery network, and the Global Research Unit (GRU) – responsible for analytical and research services for international scholarship programs. Palladium delivers the GSU and cooperates with DFAT to ensure effective functioning with the GRU. 

The role

The Business Services Manager plays a key role in delivering high quality frontline, public-facing services to DFAT’s global scholarships network. You will support achievement of program deliverables by leading a small team to provide high quality policy and program responses from the Australia Awards enquiries inbox, as well as building and maintain positive relations across DFAT, the Australia Awards network and the GSU. 

As part of this role, the Business Services Manager will supervise and quality-assure the work of a team of Business Support Officers. The team delivers high-quality responses to enquiries from key Australia Awards delivery partners, including institutions and DFAT program management teams. They also support the implementation of scholar surveys, collate and synthesise institutional performance reporting, and provide training, administrative and secretariat support, as well as respond to ad hoc requests as needed.

The role will also be required to guide complex policy interpretation, extract and share data in clear format, and alongside the scholarships system manager, troubleshoot and support users.

As part of the business services team, it is a requirement that some members have NV1 security clearance, so please note if you do not have a clearance already, you may be required to obtain and maintain this clearance as part of the role. 

About you

With significant experience in managing a busy client support function or office, you will bring:   

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as business administration and/or; an equivalent combination of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing a high-volume client support function, providing support and training to others in a diverse and fast paced environment. Previous experience in higher education and/or international scholarship programs is desirable. 
• Strong experience leading a high performing team including workforce planning to respond to changing priorities and workflows.
• Superior skills developing, monitoring and improving business support procedures to ensure effective and efficient service delivery to a high standard.
• Notable project coordination and administration skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse stakeholders in a multi-cultural environment including advanced skills in problem resolution, conflict management and relevant protocol development.
• Problem solving approach that generates pragmatic solutions, anticipates impact of the decision on others and demonstrates ability to involve others appropriately in managing problems
• Previous experience working with DFAT or within DFAT-funded programs is highly desirable.

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 HR.AAGSM@thepalladiumgroup.com

Closing date: Sunday 9 November 2025, 11.59pm AEDT

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 accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com 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.