Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the PALMSS 2 Program Lead 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 a Program Lead to provide overall leadership, management and delivery of the PALMSS 2 contract. Reporting to the Abt Contractor Representative, this role is a senior, hands-on leadership role with accountability for contract performance, client engagement, risk management, quality assurance and compliance.
The Program Lead is the primary point of contact for DFAT and is responsible for ensuring all services are delivered in accordance with the Contract, Statement of Requirements, Six‑Monthly Workplans and Budgets, and DFAT and Abt policies and standards.
The Program Lead plays a central role in operationalising agreed Ways of Working, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that evidence, feedback and learning are actively used to improve responsiveness, quality and value for money across PALMSS 2 delivery. The Program Lead provides mentoring and professional support to the PALMSS 2 Assistant Program Manager to ensure continuity and effective team functioning.
This role suits an experienced program leader with a strong track record in managing service delivery contracts, managing multidisciplinary teams, and engaging effectively with government clients. The ideal candidate will bring sound operational and risk management capability, a commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement, and the ability to translate strategic intent into high‑quality, value‑for‑money service delivery.
Key responsibilities
The Program Lead will:
Provide overall leadership and day‑to‑day management of the PALMSS 2 Head Contract, ensuring economical, effective, ethical and value‑for‑money delivery.
Act as the principal interface with DFAT, building strong, trusted and responsive working relationships.
Ensure all services are delivered in accordance with the Contract, tasking notes, and approved Six‑Monthly Workplans and Budgets.
Provide strategic oversight of program priorities, resourcing and delivery in consultation with DFAT and Abt.
Lead and supervise the PALMSS 2 Assistant Program Manager, supporting continuity, mentoring and effective team functioning.
Oversee recruitment, contracting, mobilisation and performance of advisers and consultants, and the procurement and management of firms and specialist services as required by DFAT.
Establish and maintain effective systems, workflows, registers and operating procedures to support high‑quality delivery, compliance and risk management.
Manage program budgets, financial forecasting, reporting and invoicing against approved tasking and limits.
Lead compliance with DFAT and Abt safeguarding, PSEAH, GEDSI, fraud, WHS and information security requirements, acting as the PALMSS 2 Safeguarding Focal Point.
Lead preparation of all contractual reports and deliverables, ensuring alignment with DFAT monitoring, evaluation, learning and accessibility requirements.
Champion agreed Ways of Working, continuous improvement and learning, using evidence, feedback and MEL findings to improve quality, responsiveness and outcomes across PALMSS 2 delivery.
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 forecasts, 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: Contractor Representative, Abt Global
Direct Report: PALMSS 2 Assistant Program Manager; short term advisers (as required)
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 leading the delivery of complex service delivery or program support contracts, ideally in international development or government‑funded environments.
Proven experience acting as a senior client interface, with the ability to build trusted, responsive and professional relationships with government counterparts.
Strong capability in overseeing recruitment, contracting and management of advisers, consultants and service providers, including procurement processes compliant with Commonwealth and DFAT requirements.
Experience leading delivery through systems and influence, including supervising a small core team and coordinating inputs from multidisciplinary consultants and firms.
Sound financial management skills, with experience managing budgets, forecasting, expenditure tracking and invoicing against approved workplans and tasking limits.
Demonstrated experience managing risk, compliance and quality assurance in line with corporate and donor requirements, including safeguarding, PSEAH, GEDSI, WHS and information security.
Strong reporting and written communication skills, with experience producing high‑quality contractual reports that meet monitoring, evaluation, learning and accessibility requirements.
A commitment to continuous improvement, learning and locally led development, with the ability to use evidence, feedback and data to improve systems, ways of working and value for money.
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.
