Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) – Canberra ACT

ACIAR is a small agency with a domestic and international focus. It comprises three branches: Research, Partnerships and Corporate. Senior Program Support Officers and Project Support Officers are based in the Research Branch. The Research Branch is at the core of ACIAR’s mission to improve livelihoods, food security and natural resource management through international agricultural research partnerships. The branch develops and manages ACIAR’s research portfolio, working with Australian and partner-country researchers, governments and institutions to deliver high-quality, collaborative research for development. Through its science programs and capacity development activities, the Research Branch generates knowledge, innovation and practical solutions that address agricultural, environmental and food system challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.

A career in ACIAR's Research team offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful international agricultural research for development capacity in a collaborative and supportive environment. If you're passionate about making a difference, want to be part of a branch that drives positive change, interested in pushing technical and policy boundaries, and value working within a talented and respected team, we encourage you to apply.

This position reports to the Director, Research Integration and Co-ordination and works within a small collaborative team.

The Senior Program Officer (SPO) manages program administration, supervises and mentors Project Support Officers (PSOs), and fosters internal engagement to support the effective delivery of research projects and organisational priorities.



The SPO provides technical expertise and guidance to the PSO cohort and external stakeholders, promoting collaboration, consistency, quality assurance, and continuous improvement across project activities.

The SPO is responsible for ensuring that work is undertaken in accordance with relevant Commonwealth legislation, policies, and frameworks, including the Public Service Act 1999, and demonstrates behaviours consistent with the APS Values and APS Code of Conduct. The SPO works with integrity, accountability, respect, impartiality, and a commitment to stewardship, while maintaining high standards of ethical decision-making and professionalism.

The SPO plays a key role in business improvement initiatives, supports effective governance and risk management practices, and contributes to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. The role promotes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning across the Research Branch, while ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and organisational requirements and delivering outcomes that uphold public trust and confidence in the Australian Public Service.

ACIAR is a small agency with a domestic and international focus. It comprises three branches: Research, Partnerships and Corporate. Senior Program Support Officers and Project Support Officers are based in the Research Branch. The Research Branch is at the core of ACIAR’s mission to improve livelihoods,



food security and natural resource management through international agricultural research partnerships. The branch develops and manages ACIAR’s research portfolio, working with Australian and partner-country researchers, governments and institutions to deliver high-quality, collaborative research for development. Through its science programs and capacity development activities, the Research Branch generates knowledge, innovation and practical solutions that address agricultural, environmental and food system challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.

A career in ACIAR's Research team offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful international agricultural research for development capacity in a collaborative and supportive environment. If you're passionate about making a difference, want to be part of a branch that drives positive change, interested in pushing technical and policy boundaries, and value working within a talented and respected team, we encourage you to apply.

This position reports to the Director, Research Integration and Co-ordination and works within a small collaborative team.

The Senior Program Officer (SPO) manages program administration, supervises and mentors Project Support Officers (PSOs), and fosters internal engagement to support the effective delivery of research projects and organisational priorities. The SPO provides technical expertise and guidance to the PSO cohort and external stakeholders, promoting collaboration, consistency, quality assurance, and continuous improvement across project activities.

The SPO is responsible for ensuring that work is undertaken in accordance with relevant Commonwealth legislation, policies, and frameworks, including the Public Service Act 1999, and demonstr

📌 Senior Program Officer, Research (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
📍 Canberra