We are offering a full time, 12 month contract position, working in a flexible environment, built around the diversity of our team and their needs.

A competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector is offered together with a broad range of wellbeing benefits.

The key focus is day to day liaison with programmatic teams in UNICEF partner Country Offices, ensuring quality support and implementation through the program cycle, as well as contributing to regular reporting internally and to private sector and Government donors. The Program Manager ensures application of cross cutting development themes and identifies and responds to technical assistance and capacity building opportunities.

With knowledge and expertise of international development and specific program approaches, with special focus on one of UNICEF’s core thematic areas, the Programs Manager also contributes to cross-organisational capacity building, fundraising, communications, and advocacy objectives.

What we are looking for 

A team player with strong inter-personal and cross-cultural consultative skills, to join our International Programs team as an International Programs Manager. Reporting directly to the Head of International Programs, you will be responsible for the management and oversight of a portfolio of Priority Programs and act as the focal point with associated partner Country Offices, ensuring compliance with key policies and procedures, DFAT accreditation and ACFID Code of Conduct requirements.

Your day will include

• Developing positive relationships with UNICEF partner Country Office staff and understanding the overall country program and context

• Managing grants to priority programs and contributing to quality and effectiveness through the program cycle – including program design and review, monitoring (including undertaking in-country program visits), and commissioning/ participating in program evaluation.

• Implementing all relevant policies, procedures and systems to ensure a high quality, child rights focused programs, compliant with DFAT accreditation standards and ACFID Code of Conduct criteria

• Supporting the fundraising and communications staff with technical and programmatic questions, information requests, and meeting requirements of UNICEF Australia donors, relevant to the portfolio of Priority Programs.

• Undertaking risk monitoring, management and reporting activities

• Liaising with relevant DFAT posts to highlight UNICEF Australia’s work, maintaining an understanding of Country Investment Plans, and supporting the relationship with UNICEF in-country

We would like you to have the following skills and experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in International Development or similar

• 5-10 years’ experience in international development program management, including experience working in a developing country context. Preferable

• Direct experience in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation

• Demonstrated understanding of international development good practice, compliance with DFAT accreditation and ANCP grant requirements.

• Technical knowledge and skills in one of UNICEF’s core thematic areas, particularly: child protection, education, adolescent development, climate change.

• Experience in providing capacity building and/or program support to implementing partners / program staff, including distance relationships management.
• Demonstrated financial acumen – experience in appraisal of budgets and financial reporting

Personal attributes required for this position

• Strong inter-personal, team, and cross-cultural consultative skills

• Collaborative, team player

• Ability to analyse information and communicate clearly

• Diplomacy and negotiation skills

• Commitment to the rights of children and a demonstrated empathy with the mission of UNICEF

What will it feel like to work at UNICEF Australia

• An environment and culture built on the importance of teamwork, collaboration and shared purpose

• Sector leading salary packaging and a competitive salary commensurate with the NFP sector

• A flexible work environment with balance between home and office work, which puts the wellbeing of our staff at the centre of our decision making

• A positive and values-driven work culture which celebrates our achievements and recognises our teams

• A wellbeing package which includes such things as access to meditation, yoga, EAP and Birthday leave

• Commitment to our child-first philosophy with generous paid parental leave and offering 

• The opportunity to support a global impactful cause and make a difference for every child 

How To Apply

To apply for this fantastic opportunity please select "Apply Now" and submit the following documents in PDF format through the online portal:

• Your Cover Letter, outlining your relevant experience and highlighting a summary of your strengths

• Your CV 

For further information on this position, please be in touch with our People & Culture Team: [email protected], using the subject line: International Programs Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

All applicants are required to be legally entitled to work in Australia. UNICEF Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation and adheres to strict safeguarding principles. All successful candidates will be required to undergo rigorous background checks (including National Police Check and Working with Children Check) and sign and abide by our Code of Conduct on Child Safeguarding & Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.