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 Mechanism (AAGSM) is an initiative designed to enhance the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) international scholarship program delivery by providing operational, technical and analytical services to DFAT and the broader scholarship delivery network. In doing so, the AAGSM will enhance DFAT’s capacity to drive policy, partnerships and respond to the demand for evolved scholarship program delivery architecture. The AAGSM consists of the Global Support Unit (GSU) - responsible for operational and technical services to DFAT’s International Education and Scholarships Branch (EDB) and scholarship network, and the Global Research Unit (GRU)

The role

The Compliance Improvement Manager will play a significant role in upholding DFAT’s responsibilities for effective stewardship of Commonwealth resources. 

This position will work closely with DFAT and other stakeholders to improve policy and contractual compliance across Australia Awards programs, including scholarship, fellowship and short-course programs.  

The primary responsibilities of the Compliance Improvement Manager include:   

• Developing and implementing annual Australia Awards Compliance Improvement Plans, including designing risk‑based review approaches, identifying priority areas, tracking follow‑up actions, leading compliance activities, and coordinating external technical experts.
• Providing strategic advice and reporting by working with DFAT teams to resolve compliance issues; leading reviews into suspected policy or contractual breaches; analysing documentation and engaging stakeholders; maintaining clear records; preparing high‑quality reports and recommendations to address systemic risks; and responding to ad hoc requests for practical, policy‑informed compliance guidance.
• Supporting a strong compliance culture across the Australia Awards network by translating review findings into practical guidance, tools and process improvements, and promoting cross‑program consistency by sharing insights and lessons learned.
• Undertaking domestic or international travel, as required, to conduct on‑site compliance reviews, engage stakeholders and support follow‑up activities. 

About you

You will bring demonstrated audit or compliance experience—preferably involving Commonwealth resources—along with the ability to design compliance work plans and lead end‑to‑end reviews, including analysing documentation, consulting stakeholders and producing clear, actionable findings.

Additional key requirements include:

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Law, Compliance, Risk Management, or a related discipline, or extensive relevant experience that demonstrates capability at an equivalent level.
• Experience with writing professional reports for senior management, preferably within the context of the Australian public service.
• Experience handling sensitive or high-value matters requiring discretion, procedural fairness, and sound judgement. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with a track record of building productive, trusted relationships across diverse teams. 
• Experience working with or within DFAT or comparable government agencies 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 15 February 2026, 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.