Special Projects Manager (International Development)

Location: Office-based or hybrid in Brisbane, Canberra, Port Moresby, Suva, or Port Vila; local and international travel may be required.

Company

hirify.global delivers the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program for the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supporting Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste to participate in the PALM scheme.

What you will do

• Lead responses to DFAT Tasking Notes and urgent requests by defining scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, risks, and responsibilities.
• Manage international development special projects from inception through implementation, monitoring, completion, and reporting.
• Prepare concise, evidence-based briefings, research, reports, monitoring products, talking points, and senior updates.
• Coordinate contributions from DFAT, PLMSP teams, Pacific stakeholders, community representatives, and technical specialists.
• Identify and manage delivery, quality, stakeholder, compliance, and dependency risks, escalating material issues when required.
• Improve project delivery through stronger systems, data, AI, technology, and ways of working.

Requirements

• At least five years of relevant experience in international development project management, program coordination, or a related role.
• Experience planning and delivering complex work, including project plans, budgets, delivery tracking, risk management, and dependency management.
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparation of concise briefings, reports, and senior updates.
• Sound judgement, integrity, and the ability to structure urgent, ambiguous, or sensitive work.
• Ability to engage respectfully and effectively across cultures, organisations, and perspectives.
• Valid work rights are required in the country where the role is based; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice to have

• Understanding of Australian Government or DFAT briefing, reporting, and decision-making processes.
• Experience with donor-funded programs in the Pacific or Timor-Leste.

Culture & Benefits

• Fixed-term, full-time contract through 29 September 2028.
• Flexible ways of working supporting wellbeing and work-life integration.
• Professional growth through diverse projects, mentoring, and development pathways.
• Collaborative and inclusive workplace focused on diversity, integrity, recognition, and regional impact.
• Regular direction, prioritisation support, one-to-one check-ins, specialist access, templates, and escalation forums.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV and written responses to three application questions.
• Shortlisted candidates may complete a work sample, scenario, technical exercise, or structured interview.
• Successful candidates must complete a police check and relevant due diligence checks.