- 12 month contract
- Experience working on Southeast Asian and Pacific programs or policy, or cyber
- Contact Madeleine Ellacott

Lead the delivery of an international program at the intersection of strategy, engagement and technology

Your new company

Hays is partnering with a large Commonwealth agency to recruit an experienced senior program leader for a high profile opportunity supporting Australia's strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific.

Embedded within a specialist technology and strategic policy environment, this role works closely with senior government stakeholders, international partners and delivery organisations to oversee complex programs that strengthen regional capability, resilience and cooperation. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to major government priorities while delivering tangible outcomes across multiple countries and stakeholder groups.

Working at the EL2 equivalent level, you will provide strategic leadership across a substantial portfolio of programs and initiatives, with responsibility for governance, financial management, stakeholder engagement, program oversight and long term planning.

Your new role The successful candidate will:

- Lead the strategic direction, design and continuous improvement of a major international capacity building program, ensuring alignment with government priorities.
- Oversee program governance, budgeting, risk management and delivery in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and frameworks.
- Lead and support a multidisciplinary team responsible for program management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient program delivery.
- Build and maintain relationships with delivery partners, government agencies, industry, civil society organisations and international stakeholders.
- Manage program governance processes, including committee secretariat functions and reporting requirements.




- Drive the delivery of funded initiatives across multiple workstreams and funding arrangements.
- Lead monitoring, evaluation, reporting and performance assessment activities.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on program performance, financial management, procurement, grants and governance matters.

What you'll need to succeed

Our ideal candidate will bring extensive experience managing complex programs in large and dynamic environments. They will be a strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver practical outcomes and lead programs from planning through to implementation.

Key capabilities include

- Experience working on Southeast Asian and Pacific programs or policy, or cyber or critical technology issues.
- Leading large scale, high value programs and activities across multiple stakeholders or jurisdictions.
- Working autonomously, exercising sound judgement and managing competing priorities in complex environments.
- Providing leadership and direction to staff, contractors and consultants, while fostering a positive team culture.
- Solid contract, budget, governance and risk management experience.
- Contributing to and implementing strategic initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.
- Building effective relationships with senior stakeholders, government agencies, delivery partners and external organisations.

Exposure to technology, cyber, critical infrastructure, international development, regional engagement, national security, foreign affairs or related policy areas will be highly regarded.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Australian citizens and hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) security clearance

What you'll get in return

- EL2 equivalent contract opportunity.
- Initial 12 month engagement with extension potential.
- Canberra based position.
- Opportunity to shape and deliver high profile government programs.
- Significant stakeholder engagement across Australia and the broader region.
- Collaborative and purpose driven team environment.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

📌 Senior Program Director (Canberra)
🏢 Hays
📍 Canberra