Manager Scholarships (On Program), New Colombo Plan Program Support Unit

TL;DR

Manager Scholarships (On Program) (New Colombo Plan): Managing end-to-end delivery of scholar support services and grants administration for Australian undergraduates studying in the Indo-Pacific with an accent on scaling the program, risk-aware case management, and compliance with grant rules. Focus on leading team performance, stakeholder engagement with DFAT and universities, and continuous improvement of systems and processes.

Location: Based in Adelaide, Australia. Open to residents or people with authority to live and work in Australia

Company

Global development and consulting firm administering the New Colombo Plan for DFAT, supporting international education and scholarships in the Indo-Pacific region.

What you will do

• Lead day-to-day scholar support and grants administration in line with NCP guidelines and Commonwealth Grant Rules.
• Coach and develop a team of Senior Coordinators and Scholarship Coordinators, driving change to a scalable grants management model.
• Engage with New Colombo Plan Secretariat, universities, and DFAT stakeholders on reporting and decision-making.
• Implement risk, safeguarding, and compliance systems, coordinating on incidents with partners.
• Oversee data capture, quality audits, and performance improvements in DFAT systems.

Requirements

• Authority to live and work in Australia
• Experience leading support service functions in government-funded programs
• Knowledge of Australian university sector, international education, and scholarships
• Experience managing and administering grants
• Strong people leadership and high-performing team building
• Proven change implementation and process improvement
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in management, business, public policy or equivalent

Culture & Benefits

• 3-year fixed term contract based on local labour standards
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across all operations
• Safeguarding focus protecting people, clients, and communities
• Opportunity to contribute to Australia's Indo-Pacific engagement
• Work alongside talented colleagues on meaningful global challenges

Hiring process

• Submit CV and cover letter outlining suitability online
• Applications reviewed on rolling basis; closing date 9th May 2026 (AEST)
• Shortlisted candidates contacted; enhanced selection with safeguarding interviews and due diligence