Internally known as the Senior Manager, ACIAR Learn, and reporting into the Head, International Development, you will occupy a pivotal leadership role within UQ International Development (UQID), serving as the primary strategic architect for a high profile, internationally recognised capacity development program funded by ACIAR. This position offers a rare blend of institutional leadership and direct engagement with Australia’s international agricultural research priorities.
Working in close collaboration with ACIAR, exercise expert judgement to refine the operating model and governance of the ACIAR Learn program. You will be a trusted advisor to both ACIAR and university partners, ensuring that program delivery is evidence led, risk resilient, and deeply aligned with policy objectives, including gender equality, disability equity, and social inclusion (GEDSI) and Indigenous engagement principles. This is an opportunity for an experienced international program leader to support ACIAR’s capacity development investment.
Key responsibilities will include:
For a full copy of the Position Description please click here.
This role provides senior strategic, operational and governance leadership for ACIAR Learn, ensuring the program is well positioned, effectively governed and contractually compliant, while delivering high-quality, impactful learning outcomes aligned with ACIAR, Commonwealth policy and The University of Queensland requirements.
Provide senior strategic leadership for the design, positioning and delivery of ACIAR Learn, ensuring alignment with ACIAR strategies, Commonwealth policy, contractual obligations and UQ governance.
Lead the development and ongoing refinement of ACIAR Learn frameworks, standards, delivery models and quality assurance mechanisms to maximise program impact.
Direct the ACIAR Learn functional area, including workforce strategy and performance management of a multidisciplinary team and specialist consultants.
Establish, oversee and assure program-wide quality, risk and compliance systems, including safeguarding, legal and contractual assurance.
Integrate ACIAR Learn with complementary initiatives and events, and represent the program at internal and external forums in line with ACIAR-approved priorities.
Lead procurement, negotiation and management of consultants and contractors, acting as the primary UQ interface for ACIAR Learn delivery matters.
Embed Commonwealth and ACIAR policy principles, including locally led development, GEDSI and Indigenous engagement, into program governance, delivery and performance measures.
Own enterprise planning, budgeting, reporting and risk management, including the Annual Implementation Plan, Annual Report and in-year financial resets.
Institutionalise MEL-driven decision making, establish whole-of-program KPIs, commission evaluations, and drive evidence-based scaling, refinement or discontinuation decisions.
Establish and support governance bodies and communications, including advisory forums, executive reporting, stakeholder narratives and compliance with contractual milestones.
You thrive in collaborative international program environments where technical research meets government policy and enjoy the challenge of leading a high performing, multidisciplinary team toward shared global objectives.
Essential
Postgraduate qualifications in development practice, public policy, international relations, or a related field with experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and substantial senior-level management experience in a complex organisational or program environment.
Significant knowledge and experience in international development and/or international capacity building, including working alongside government funded aid programs, donor agencies, or international development partners, and applying development principles in institutional or program level decision making.
Demonstrated strategic leadership of a large, complex program, delivered under contract or partnership, including responsibility for governing program-level frameworks within funder and institutional requirements, operating models and decision-making structures, and leading multidisciplinary teams and partners to deliver outcomes aligned with institutional and government priorities.
Demonstrated capacity for independent judgement and strategic problem-solving in a complex program environment, involving the integration and resolution of competing institutional, Commonwealth government and partner-stakeholder priorities.
Experience in senior-level oversight of program resources, including budget management, prioritisation, risk management and assurance within complex governance or funding environments, will be well regarded.
The following capabilities and experience are considered desirable for the role. These include experience undertaking development work in international contexts, along with an understanding of ACIAR’s Strategic Plan and capacity development programs. Knowledge of donor funding and the Australian Government aid environment is also desirable, including experience working with agencies such as DFAT or ACIAR, donor entities or comparable funding bodies.. An established network within the international development sector, familiarity with university systems, policies and procedures, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave, 17% superannuation contributions, 17.5% annual leave loading.
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight.
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family.
Cheap parking, On campus childcare and Salary packaging options.
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section
Resume
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dave at d.kozar@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualification and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Sunday 10 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62772). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 19 May 2026.