Summary
Internally known as the Senior Manager, ACIAR Learn, and reporting into the Head, International Development, you will occupy a pivotal leadership role within UQ International Development (UQID), serving as the primary strategic architect for a high profile, internationally recognised capacity development program funded by ACIAR. This position offers a rare blend of institutional leadership and direct engagement with Australia’s international agricultural research priorities.
Working in close collaboration with ACIAR, exercise expert judgement to refine the operating model and governance of the ACIAR Learn program. You will be a trusted advisor to both ACIAR and university partners, ensuring that program delivery is evidence led, risk resilient, and deeply aligned with policy objectives, including gender equality, disability equity, and social inclusion (GEDSI) and Indigenous engagement principles. This is an opportunity for an experienced international program leader to support ACIAR’s capacity development investment.
Description
This role provides senior strategic, operational and governance leadership for ACIAR Learn, ensuring the program is well positioned, effectively governed and contractually compliant, while delivering high-quality, impactful learning outcomes aligned with ACIAR, Commonwealth policy and The University of Queensland requirements.
- Provide senior strategic leadership for the design, positioning and delivery of ACIAR Learn, ensuring alignment with ACIAR strategies, Commonwealth policy, contractual obligations and UQ governance.
- Lead the development and ongoing refinement of ACIAR Learn frameworks, standards, delivery models and quality assurance mechanisms to maximise program impact.
- Direct the ACIAR Learn functional area, including workforce strategy and performance management of a multidisciplinary team and specialist consultants.
- Establish, oversee and assure program-wide quality, risk and compliance systems, including safeguarding, legal and contractual assurance.
- Integrate ACIAR Learn with complementary initiatives and events, and represent the program at internal and external forums in line with ACIAR-approved priorities.
- Lead procurement, negotiation and management of consultants and contractors, acting as the primary UQ interface for ACIAR Learn delivery matters.
- Embed Commonwealth and ACIAR policy principles, including locally led development, GEDSI and Indigenous engagement, into program governance, delivery and performance measures.
- Own enterprise planning, budgeting, reporting and risk management, including the Annual Implementation Plan, Annual Report and in-year financial resets.
- Institutionalise MEL-driven decision making, establish whole-of-program KPIs, commission evaluations, and drive evidence-based scaling, refinement or discontinuation decisions.
- Establish and support governance bodies and communications, including advisory forums, executive reporting, stakeholder narratives and compliance with contractual milestones.
