ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Palms Australia has 62 years’ experience in engaging with grass roots organisations seeking sustainable solutions to poverty in their communities. We recruit qualified and experienced Australians to assist a requesting organisation achieve their community development goals. We thoroughly prepare and support those we recruit for mutual and sustainable development in solidarity with their counterparts.

Since January 2018, program participants have been placed with partner organisations in countries including Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand, and American Samoa. Currently there are also requests for personnel from partners in Uganda, Zambia, Solomon Islands, Philippines, and Cambodia. The strategic aim of the organisation is to increase the placement of skilled and experienced Australians to 12-15 per year in the next 3 years.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As one of six staff and a member of the board of directors, Palms Australia’s Executive Director (ED) is responsible for strategic positioning and day to day operations in a way that promotes Palms vision and mission. The Executive Director is responsible for financial and human resources. The role requires domestic and possible international travel.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• Role: Executive Director, Palms Australia
• Reports to: Board of Directors of Palms Australia
• Contract: 3 years renewable
• Salary Package up to $152,000 – salary packaging benefits may be available
• Commencement: January 2024
• Location: Sydney

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will be a person:

• With an understanding of, and commitment to, Catholic Social Teaching principles, particularly Solidarity, and Gospel values
• Of insight, with a strong strategic sense while still being responsive to emergent issues
• Who has demonstrated a commitment to working passionately for change in cross cultural settings
• Who builds strong and effective partnerships
• Who is results driven and leads collaboratively and by example
• Who can communicate clearly and persuasively to various stakeholders
• Who is familiar with current issues in international development and delivery at the local level

Experience

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate successful experience in:

• Living and/or working in a cross-cultural environment
• Strategic positioning and implementing organisational change
• Attracting and engaging skilled and committed staff and office volunteers
• Leading teams or organisations with responsibility for staff, budget, facilities, and organisational culture

• Building networks of influence with stakeholders and other decision-makers in supporting community development

Desirable attributes

• An existing professional network within field/s related to Palms’ work
• Experience working in a faith-based organisation

More detail about Palms and its activities can be found here.

For a confidential conversation about the role, contact the Board Chair, Liz Stone on 0437 402 884.

The application should consist of a covering letter indicating your motivation for applying and how you meet the position requirements as well as include an up-to-date Resume.