Melbourne CBD (hybrid) | base + super + packaging | Newly created role | Global mandate across more than 50 countries

09th September, 2026 How many jobs let you help write the next chapter of a global mental health movement?

Mental Health First Aid International (MHFAI)

is the global authority on mental health first aid — founded in Australia in 2000, now powering a network of 36 licensed partners delivering evidence-based training in over 50 countries. In the last year alone, 19 new countries joined the network and over one million people were trained. Since inception, MHFAI has helped train 8.9 million people worldwide, and the organisation is chasing an ambitious target of 12 million by 2030.

Now, at a genuine inflection point, MHFAI is creating a brand-new

Head of Global Engagement

role to lead its next stage of growth.

The chance This isn’t a role you’ll be handed a playbook for; it’s one you’ll help write.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, International Programs, Quality & Research, you’ll:

Own relationships across MHFAI’s entire 50 + country partner network, with a structured quarterly check-in cadence

Lead commercial negotiations transitioning legacy partners from peppercorn flat fees to a modern, sustainable per-participant model

Sit at the centre of MHFAI’s international governance review, working directly with the Board’s International Governance Working Group as it explores a possible independent International Secretariat

Design and launch a first-of-its-kind partner-mentoring program

Represent MHFAI on the world stage

Engage governments, multilateral agencies and international institutions on MHFAI’s behalf, and help evaluate new markets including Vietnam, Madagascar and Papua New Guinea





About you You’re a senior international relationship-builder with real commercial teeth — someone who can sit across the table from a long-standing partner and land a difficult pricing conversation without ever damaging the relationship. You’ll bring:

Senior experience in international engagement, partnerships or relationship management — NGO, international clinical, higher-education, banking or comparable global-programs background

A track record negotiating commercial or fee arrangements with external partners, balancing mission with financial sustainability

Genuine comfort engaging governments, multilateral agencies or international institutions diplomatically and cross-culturally

English fluency plus professional working proficiency in French; additional languages (Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin) a strong plus

A self-starter’s mindset — you’ll be trusted with real autonomy from day one, working for an Executive Director who wants a proactive partner, not someone to manage

Energy for unpredictable, cross-timezone international travel, and genuine enthusiasm for the mental health mission

What’s on offer

An attractive plus superannuation, with flexibility for the right candidate bringing exceptional international experience

Charity salary packaging, adding an FBT concession of approximately $15,900 per year

Hybrid working from Melbourne CBD (one day per week in office), with flexibility for candidates based interstate

Time-in-lieu hours rather than a fixed 9-to-5 — built for a genuinely global role

A newly created mandate with direct access to the Executive Director, CEO and Board, and a real hand in shaping MHFAI’s future international operating model

Mental Health First Aid International is committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.

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📌 Head of Global Engagement (Port Phillip City)
🏢 Brooker Consulting
📍 Port Phillip City