Duration of the contract
This is a part-time (.5 FTE), fixed term opportunity to 30 June 2027, with possibility for extension.
Location
Malé, Maldives. Please note: Only Maldivian nationals residing in the Maldives are eligible to apply. All other applications will not be considered
Reporting to
Country Program Manager - Sri Lanka and Maldives
The Opportunity
The Program Officer – Maldives will support the Australian High Commission and the Colombo-based Country Program Manager (CPM) – Sri Lanka & Maldives in the effective and efficient coordination of Australia Awards in Maldives. This will include providing support in managing Australian Professional Opportunities (APOs), engaging with alumni, communicating with a range of stakeholders, and other Australia Awards activities as assigned by the CPM.
Primary Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Program Officer are broadly described as follows:
- Contribute to Australia Awards Scholarships information sessions and support dissemination of promotional materials to potential applicants.
- Provide logistical and administrative support for Scholarship selection interviews.
- Manage Post-initiated APOs, including providing visa and pre-departure briefings for mobilising recipients.
- Manage the successful delivery of alumni engagement activities as agreed in the annual country plan.
- Support Post on specific alumni events and activities as requested.
- Provide guidance and administrative support to Maldives-Australia Alumni association in the delivery of agreed activities as outlines in their annual plan.
- Maintain the alumni database to ensure alumni details are updated and current.
- Work with Post and with the Program’s Communications team in developing stories and materials, including social media posts, regarding Program activities and alumni achievements and success stories.
- Maintain contact with organisations relevant to Australia Awards’ mission in Maldives, including organisations representing the interests of marginalised groups.
- Support the Program’s commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion and First Nations engagement in all Program components.
- Participate actively in relevant training as required.
- Participate in the biannual Alumni Development Impact Survey by distributing surveys and interviewing alumni.
- Contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery and Program performance.
Reporting/working relationships:
The Program Officer reports to the Country Program Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives.
Key working relationships include: the Colombo-based Program Officers, the Australian High Commission in Maldives, and Maldives-Australia Alumni (MAA) association.
Minimum requirements and key selection criteria:
Essential
- Excellent communication skills and experience of working effectively across cultures
- Demonstrated ability in client and stakeholder relationship management
- High level written and verbal English language skills
- A high standard of computer literacy, including the use of Microsoft Office, internet and email; and experience in data entry and data management
- Demonstrated sensitivity to gender, disability and social inclusion
- High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity and professionalism
- Relevant tertiary qualifications, such as an undergraduate degree in Development Studies, Development Communications, Business Management or a related social science discipline.
Desired
- Prior experience on a donor-funded – preferably DFAT-funded – program.
- Study/work experience in Australia.
- Understanding of Maldives’ development priorities.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position. (https://thepalladiumgroup.com/careers). Only Maldivian nationals residing in the Maldives are eligible to apply. All other applications will not be considered
Closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2026.
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.
