Senior Manager, ACIAR Learn

Position Overview

• Global Partnerships (International Development)
• This is a full-time fixed term position through to April 2029 with salary in the range $138,006 - $145,943 (HEW 9), plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%.
• Direct the strategic evolution of ACIAR Learn (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) by providing high level executive partnership to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, shaping international capacity building programs that drive sustainable development and institutional excellence across the Indo-Pacific.
• Lead complex institutional projects and governance frameworks, bridging executive vision with operational excellence in a high profile stakeholder environment.
• Based at our conveniently located St Lucia campus.

About This Opportunity

Internally known as the Senior Manager, ACIAR Learn, this role is a critical leadership position within UQ International Development (UQID), responsible for the strategic direction, policy architecture, and operational success of a major international capacity building program. You will act as a primary corporate advisor to both UQID and ACIAR executives, ensuring that portfolio decisions are evidence based, risk aware, and aligned with complex Commonwealth policy settings.

The role requires a sophisticated blend of strategic foresight and operational rigour. You will lead programs of major change, manage high value commercial arrangements, and represent the program at senior international fora. Operating with significant autonomy, foster a culture of evidence led decision making and ensure that ACIAR Learn remains a flagship of development excellence and regional partnership.

Key responsibilities will include:

Corporate Strategy, Policy & Governance

• Provide high level strategic advice to UQID and ACIAR executives on the long term positioning and architecture of the ACIAR Learn portfolio.

Management of a Major Functional Area

• Direct the ACIAR Learn functional area with considerable autonomy, overseeing workforce strategy and the performance of multidisciplinary delivery teams and consultants.

Portfolio Integration & External Positioning

• Represent ACIAR Learn at senior international fora, negotiating priorities and shaping collaborations between Australian universities and partner-country institutions.

Contracting, Commercials & Partner Governance

• Lead negotiations for high-value consultant engagements and serve as the primary corporate interface with ACIAR for all strategic and contractual program matters.

Policy Alignment & GEDSI Engagement

• Embed Commonwealth and ACIAR policy principles, including locally led development and GEDSI, within the program’s operating model and performance measures.

Enterprise Planning & Risk Stewardship

• Own the Annual Implementation Plan and portfolio risk-management frameworks, ensuring resource deployment matches strategic intent and contractual outcomes.

Evidence, MEL & Scaling

• Institutionalise MEL driven decision making, translating evaluations and learning-needs assessments into strategic policy updates and program scaling decisions.

About You

• You are a resilient and strategic leader with a deep understanding of the international development landscape and a proven track record of managing complex, donor-funded programs.
• Postgraduate qualifications in development practice, public policy, international relations, or a related field with experience (or equivalent senior management experience).
• Significant experience in international capacity building and development, including working alongside government funded aid programs and donor agencies.
• Proven ability to govern large, complex programs, including establishing operating models and leading multidisciplinary teams to meet institutional priorities.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent judgement and solving complex problems involving competing government and partner-stakeholder interests.
• Exceptional written and oral skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and build strong relationships with a diverse range of global stakeholders.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment, and may be required to complete background checks including, education and criminal history checks. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Want to Apply?

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.

Applications close 19 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-62772). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 24 April 2026.