The Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) has a new opportunity for an experienced Program Manager with a passion for the Himalaya to join our well supported, impactful and growing organisation.

The Program Manager works closely with the Head of Programs to to coordinate, manage and develop the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s education programs and partnerships.

It is an exciting time at the foundation as we are growing our programs portfolio and impact. As a small and high achieving team, this role requires someone who can adeptly multitask, is a strong team player and is competent and experienced at managing cross-cultural relationships.

This role suits someone with a deep passion for international development, sound understanding of the education sector, project life cycle and strong communication skills.

• Sydney location (with travel required)
• Full-time position (37.5 hours/week)
• International aid & development NGO
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Salary packaging options

Core responsibilities

Strategy, Policies and Procedures

• Support the Head of Programs in developing, managing, and evaluating AHF’s programs strategy/ MELF, sector strategies and related action plans.
• Ensure partners and projects meet AHF contractual requirements, policies and codes.
• Support the Head of Programs in conducting periodic assessments of safeguarding, gender equality, disability inclusion and environmental considerations.
• Identify and manage research to increase impact, sustainability and effectiveness of AHF education program outcomes.
• Stay across development and NGO sector trends in the Himalayan region, the education sector, other AHF sectors and cross-cutting issues. Recommend and action improvements to procedures, programs and partnerships.

Program and Partnership Management

For each program and partner managed by this role, the Program Manager responsibilities will include:

• Support in-country partners and AHF representative/s to manage education programs and partnerships effectively, in accordance with AHF International Program Manual (IPM) and ANCP and ACFID requirements, including processes for:
  • Partner due diligence and capacity strengthening.
  • A high performance monitoring and evaluation process.
  • Risk assessment and management, particularly child safeguarding and PSEAH risks, and risks of fraud, corruption and terrorism.
  • Gender equality, disability and social inclusion, child safeguarding and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
  • Environment/climate change impact assessment and management.
  • Financial management.
  • Ensure regular receipt, review and completion of reports (including financial) for each education project.
  • Coordinate annual ANCP reporting and AdPlan development by liaising with partners and other AHF staff, and provide ongoing grant management support.
  • Ensure partners are effectively supported in line with partner capacity strengthening plans and mobilise support when necessary.
  • Ensure regular assessments and evaluations are conducted.
  • Support the management of systems and processes relating to AHF projects and partnerships and ensure all contractual, partner and project implementation documentation are updated and maintained effectively including keeping a robust filing system.

Coordination and Communication

• Build strong relationships and efficient communication mechanisms with Program staff in Nepal, other AHF staff and consultants, program partners, pro bono advisors, interns and volunteers.
• Maintain and build relations with external stakeholders including: DFAT, ACFID, other relevant NGOs, CBOs and IOs in Australia and overseas.
• Participate in AHF’s Programs Advisory Committee (PAC), ACFID and DFAT sessions as relevant.
• Coordinate and oversee the work of AHF contractors, consultants and volunteers as relevant.
• Support AHF’s Fundraising and Communications team, and Head of Programs with donor reports, grant proposals, AHF’s Annual Report and other communication materials.

Budget and Financial

• Assist the Head of Programs with management of the Programs budget.
• Work with the Finance personnel to ensure that project budgets and overseas financial records are maintained in accordance with accreditation and legal requirements and that financial monitoring and reviews of partner finances are regularly conducted.
• Ensure fraud management plans are developed and managed.
• Ensure partner audit reports are received and reviewed.

About the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF)

The Australian Himalayan Foundation is a not-for-profit dedicated to helping the people of the Himalaya achieve their goals through education, health and environmental projects in Nepal, India and Bhutan. We are working to improve the quality of life of those most in need in some of the poorest and most under-resourced districts of the region.

We work in partnership with communities to help them meet their priority needs through provision of a set of practical, cost-effective programs in education, health and environment.

AHF is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), and we have full accreditation with the Australian Government’s NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

About you

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 5-7 years experience working in international development preferably in the education sector
• Experience coordinating/managing international development projects and of monitoring and evaluation processes
• Sound knowledge of DFAT ANCP Accreditation and ACFID Code of Conduct requirements
• Proficiency in English writing, creation of content for a range of audiences
• Ability to establish strong relationships with stakeholders in developing countries based on mutual respect and trust (experience in Himalayan countries is advantageous)
• Eye for detail

Desirable

• Experience/ understanding of gender, inclusion and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience / understanding of climate change and its impact
• Proficiency in Google drive and good use of excel

The Australian Himalayan Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply for the role.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.