Operations Specialist (STA) – SEALP and ALP

Palladium; Australia; On-site; AUD 111,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Palladium is seeking an Operations Specialist STA to provide operational leadership across the SEALP and ALP programs in Australia. The role focuses on establishing fit-for-purpose systems and processes to ensure efficient, compliant delivery in line with DFAT and CPRs, and Palladium procedures.

You will lead development of SOPs and manuals, maintain risk registers, oversee procurement and contracting, coordinate HR tasks, and train team members.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operational systems and compliant program delivery.
• Background in governance, procurement, and contracting within development programs.
• Familiarity with CPRs or similar frameworks is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of operational systems, SOPs and tools.
• Maintain risk registers and monitor mitigation measures.
• Oversee procurement, grants and contracting processes.
• Coordinate HR onboarding/offboarding and staff training.
• Provide guidance on compliance requirements and training.

Skills

Operational leadership

Procurement knowledge

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Business/Public Administration degree

Procurement or law related qualification

Tools

SharePoint

MS Office

Job description

Operations Specialist (STA) – SEALP and ALP

Operations Specialist (STA) – Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) and ASEAN Leadership Program (ALP)

• Short-Term Adviser for a targeted input period through to 30 September 2027.
• Up to 70 days across the engagement period, with the possibility of extension.
• Australia-based.
  

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 Operations Specialist STA will provide operational leadership and support across three leadership-focused programs that contribute to stronger connections between Australia and Southeast Asia.

The Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) is a new initiative contributing to greater high-level understanding and linkages between Australia and Southeast Asia by supporting emerging and current leaders and decision-makers across the region to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, including Australia Awards Brunei and Australia Awards Singapore, as well as tailored shorter educational activities. SEALP’s three intended outcomes are:

• Alumni leaders apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute to defined areas of shared interest.
• Australia has strong and enduring networks of influence across ASEAN countries through targeted scholarships and training.
• Alumni leaders actively engage and contribute to cooperation with Australia.

The ASEAN-Australia Centre Leadership Program (ALP) supports the ASEAN-Australia Centre's work to build a network of future ASEAN leaders with strong connections to Australia who will drive positive change across Australia and Southeast Asia. The ALP consists of two streams delivered in Australia: Short Courses and an Emerging Leaders Program.

A future Australian Government-funded leadership program is expected to complement the existing leadership portfolio, further supporting Australia's engagement objectives through leadership development, professional exchange and strengthened regional networks across Southeast Asia.

The Role

The Operations Specialist STA works closely with program teams to establish and lead fit-for-purpose operational systems and processes across the leadership programs. The role provides operational leadership and guidance to ensure activities are delivered efficiently, compliantly and in line with DFAT requirements, Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), and Palladium procedures, while supporting continuous improvement and effective program delivery.

Duties will include:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of operational systems, procedures and tools to support effective and compliant program delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and responsibility matrices.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and provide recommendations to strengthen program performance.
• Lead and provide quality assurance across procurement, grants and contracting processes, as required.
• Coordinate human resource functions, including onboarding and offboarding of advisers and other personnel.
• Provide operational advice, guidance and training to team members on procurement, grants, contracting and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate program risk management processes, including maintaining risk registers and monitoring mitigation measures.
• Lead records management and information management systems, including SharePoint administration and staff training.
• Contribute to operational planning, budgeting and reporting, including Annual Plans and Annual Reports.
• Relevant qualifications in business, procurement, finance, law, public administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in program or project operations management, preferably within DFAT-funded or international development programs.
• Strong procurement and contract management experience, with knowledge of Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) or similar frameworks. Grants management experience is desirable.
• Experience developing and implementing operational systems, policies, procedures and compliance frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector, Australia Awards, or leadership programs would be advantageous.

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 [e-mail] 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.