"Senior Program Manager"

Senior Program Manager, UNSW Canberra

Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term contract

Duration: 12 months

Remuneration: Level 9 from $148,012 plus 17% super

Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

About UNSW Canberra: University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital. UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

Why Your Role Matters: The Intelligent Systems for State and Societal Resilience Hub (ISSSRH) is a team of world class technical experts working closely with a small number of security-development-thematic experts, and selected academics addressing some of the most difficult challenges within vulnerable states. The team partners with country leaders and networks within vulnerable contexts and communities (networks – women’s networks, peak bodies of environmental civil society organisations as examples) – codesigning, building, and deploying technical platforms and solutions to achieve greater access to resources, information, and informed decision-making.

Accountabilities:

• Support the Directors in the identification of new partnerships and program opportunities to grow and develop the Hub’s business
• Generate, initiate and lead the planning and implementation of projects and programs of the ISSSR Hub and facilitate the definition of each project’s scope, objectives and deliverables.
• Overseen by the ISSRH Directors, support the directors in and where tasked lead in developing and writing, Statements of Work (SoW) and Request for Quote (RFQ) for the Hub to drive research income, including industry, government and external partner groups to drive revenue.
• Oversee and manage the delivery of the ISSSR Hub’s projects and initiatives to achieve strategic and operational goals set by the Director.
• Manage a portfolio of project dependencies, risks, issues, change requests and financials and work with the Hub team to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
• Build and sustain collaborative working relationships with stakeholders and always demonstrate exemplary professionalism.
• Proactively lead and manage adherence to UNSW governance pathways to ensure projects are managed within a defined, consistent and proven set of rules for project development and implementation.
• Provide management direction in leading the multi-disciplinary Project Team and key stakeholders, monitoring and reporting on the progress of projects; and identify problems and propose possible solutions.
• Build on and provide continuous quality review and instigate improvements of the Hub’s project and initiative portfolio.
• Oversee and finalise effective communications with key stakeholders, both internal and external to the projects Plans and provide influential input to stakeholders to achieve project outcomes.
• Develop project leads to maintain and improve project performance and commit to the continuous improvement of quality management systems.
• Assess and analyse very complex project issues, applying expertise to identify and recommend courses of action.
• Motivate and mentor teams, aligning complementary skills and allocating resources in a manner that delivers results.

Who You Are (skills and experience):

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Proven advanced project management experience, with an in-depth understanding of the project life cycle and development of project plans, objectives and documentation. Experience with managing complex projects in the context of a university is highly desirable.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills both internally and externally with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in the development of robust solutions to problems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.

Benefits and Culture: UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements. Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc), Additional three days leave during December festive period, Career development opportunities, Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses, Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice, Free gym access, UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.

Eligibility: The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.

How to Apply: Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Monday 1 September 2025 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. For role-related queries please contact: Michael Barlow - Professor. For recruitment process related queries please contact: Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant.