About the Program: 

The IPEF Fund for Technical Assistance and Economic Cooperation (IFTAEC) is a $25 million initiative by the Australian Government to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Running from 2024 to 2027, the program funds technical assistance and capacity-building projects aimed at helping IPEF countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to adopt and implement IPEF standards and cooperative frameworks.

Duration of contract: 17th February 2024 – 30th June 2027

Location: Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane or Sydney / Australia

Reporting into: Program Director

The Opportunity:

The IPEF Fund for Technical Assistance and Economic Cooperation (IFTAEC) is a $25 million initiative by the Australian Government to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Running from 2024 to 2027, the program funds technical assistance and capacity-building projects aimed at helping IPEF countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to adopt and implement IPEF standards and cooperative frameworks.

As the Team Leader at IFTAEC, you will lead the delivery of all aspects of the program, including strategic oversight of program objectives, team activities, program delivery and engagement with program partners. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the program team and advisers to deliver program activities effectively, efficiently and consistent with contracted milestones and deliverables;
• Working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to ensure alignment with Australian Government policies;
• Ensuring all activities under the IFTAEC program’s statement of requirements, are delivered within agreed timeframes;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders;
• Deliver program updates and briefings to DFAT and its representatives when required;
• Provide strategic direction and oversight on all aspects of IFTAEC’s implementation;
• Design and implement integrated HR and project management systems that foster continuous improvement and inclusion across program activities;
• Travel locally and internationally, as required.

About You / Experience required

With prior experience within large, complex (preferably DFAT) development programs, you will have previously led geographically dispersed and diverse teams. Navigating and understanding the machinery of government comes naturally and you will have prior experience in trade and/or with Australia’s development priorities and have excellent interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural experience. 

Additional key requirements include:

• Experience working with donors and governments in the Indo Pacific Region
• Understanding of compliance requirements and risk management practices
• Highly developed negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly in a multi-cultural environment

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.