Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Assistant Program Manager role on the Philippines Procurement, Administrative and Logistics Management Support Services (PALMSS) Phase 2. This role is based in Manila, Philippines and open to citizens of the Philippines.
Commencement: August 2026
Long term role, based in Manila, Philippines
Open to citizens of the Philippines
About the Program
PALMSS 2 is a DFAT‑funded Program Support Unit (PSU) that provides responsive, efficient and ethical sourcing, engagement and management of individuals and organisations required by the Australian Embassy in Manila to support the effective delivery of Australia’s development program in the Philippines. PALMSS 2 strengthens Embassy capacity through high‑quality technical advisory, administrative, logistical and procurement services delivered in line with DFAT contractual requirements.
About the Opportunity
Abt Global is seeking an Assistant Program Manager to provide core operational, administrative and coordination support to PALMSS 2. Reporting to the PALMSS 2 Program Lead, this role plays a central role in the day‑to‑day functioning of the program and supports the efficient and compliant delivery of services to the Australian Embassy in Manila.
The Assistant Program Manager works closely with the Program Lead, DFAT colleagues, advisers and service providers and will support recruitment, contracting, mobilisation, logistics, reporting and financial administration activities. This role is hands‑on and detail‑oriented, with a strong focus on maintaining effective systems, data and workflows that enable sound decision‑making, compliance and continuous improvement across PALMSS 2 delivery.
This role suits an organised and proactive coordinator with strong administrative, financial and stakeholder‑management skills, who is comfortable working in a client‑responsive environment and supporting complex program operations.
Key responsibilities
The Assistant Program Manager will:
Support the Program Lead with day‑to‑day coordination of PALMSS 2 activities, including implementation of approved workplans, budgets and tasking notes.
Coordinate recruitment, contracting, mobilisation, orientation and demobilisation of advisers and other personnel, and support procurement and contracting of firms and service providers.
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date program systems, trackers and registers covering HR, finance, procurement, risk and compliance.
Provide logistical, administrative and wellbeing support to advisers and consultants, including travel, accommodation and security‑related arrangements as required.
Support financial administration activities, including processing timesheets, invoices and reimbursement claims, and tracking expenditure against approved budgets and tasking limits.
Support implementation of safeguarding, PSEAH, GEDSI, WHS and information security requirements within day‑to‑day operations, escalating risks and issues as needed.
Contribute to the preparation of contractual reports, workplans and budgets by providing accurate operational and financial inputs.
Maintain well‑managed program records in line with DFAT and Abt requirements and support audit and reporting processes.
Assist with coordination activities that support learning, feedback and continuous improvement, including Ways of Working reviews and learning sessions.
Act in the Program Lead role during short absences when delegated, ensuring continuity of operations and communication.
Key deliverables
In accordance with the Head Contract and client request, ensure the following documents remain up to date
Operations Manual; and
Handover Plan.
Regular Program reporting milestone deliverables including Six-Monthly Workplans and Budgets, and Six-Monthly Program Reports.
Expenditure tracking and activity and budget reports, and periodic reports as specified in Tasking Notes
Ad hoc client requested reporting (e.g. PERFORMS and/or adviser stocktake)
Key working relationships
Reporting to: PALMSS 2 Program Lead
Internal: Abt Global management and operational teams; Abt Global International Technical Practice
External: Australian Embassy, Manila; DFAT funded programs in the Philippines; contracted advisers, firms and organisations.
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Demonstrated experience in program coordination, operations or administration, ideally within donor‑funded, international development or government‑facing environments.
Strong organisational and coordination skills, with experience supporting recruitment, contracting, mobilisation and logistics for consultants or technical personnel.
Experience maintaining program systems, trackers and records (e.g. HR, finance, procurement or risk registers) to support effective delivery, compliance and reporting.
Sound financial administration skills, including processing invoices, timesheets or reimbursement claims and tracking expenditure against budgets.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including program managers, clients, advisers and service providers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare accurate inputs for reports and manage records in line with organisational requirements.
An understanding of, or willingness to learn, DFAT safeguarding, PSEAH, GEDSI, WHS and information security requirements and apply them in day‑to‑day operations.
A proactive, detail‑oriented and adaptable approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, client‑responsive environment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.
The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.
We welcome and thank all applications; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: 21 June 2026 #LI-AUSBRIT
Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud Protection.
We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities
About Us
Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com
Equity
Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.
