Program Officer – Pakistan, Australia Awards – South Asia

About Palladium:

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social, climate and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to help solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 2,000 employees operating in 75-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, the environment, and, most importantly, people's lives.

About the Program:

Australia Awards are provided to build the skills and knowledge of individuals so that they can contribute to their country's development, and to support the ongoing development of links between Australia and the countries to which it provides development assistance. The Australia Awards are an important part of the Australian Government's focus on public and economic diplomacy, and provide long-term Scholarships, Fellowships and Short Courses, supported by a range of other capacity-building and training modalities.

Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia (AASAM) is administered by Palladium on behalf of the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The Program goal is to support eight partner countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – in achieving their development goals through education and knowledge transfer, and to build enduring relationships with Australia that advance mutual interests.

AASAM is a multi-country program with service delivery offices in Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Kathmandu, Thimphu and Ulaanbaatar. Leadership, coordination, and support are provided by "the Hub" – a regional team based in Colombo and Australia.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter systematically addressing previous experiences in each of the Key Responsibilities listed in the Job and Person Specification (JPS). This document can be found here: AASAM Program Officer-PAK_JPS

Location:

The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a Fixed Term Contract until 30 June 2027.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities:

The Program Officer will support the Country Program Manager (CPM) in managing program's finance and administration, provide support in Australia Awards Scholarships, Short Course Awards and Australian Professional Opportunities (APO) management, monitoring and evaluating the program, maintain alumni engagement and communication with different target audience and other stakeholders, develop communication products including alumni stories/profiles, communication with different target audiences and engagement with stakeholders.

These are the Minimum Requirements/Key Selection Criteria:

1.A degree in a relevant field such as (but not limited to) Development Studies, Development Communications, Business Management or a related social science discipline or Diploma in International Development (qualification must be recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan).

2.Excellent communication skills and experience of working effectively across cultures with a diversity of clients.

3.Demonstrated excellence in client and stakeholder relationship management.

4.High-level English writing and speaking skills

5.Experience writing reports for clients and key stakeholders.

6.A high standard of computer literacy, including the use of Microsoft Office, internet and email; and experience in data entry and data management

7.Knowledge of practical business principles and practice.

8.Demonstrated sensitivity to gender and inclusion.

9.Experience of working with an International Development Organisation.

1.A post-graduate qualification in one of the above listed fields.

2.Experience in consulting and negotiating with clients, stakeholders and team members.

3.Knowledge of development priorities in Pakistan.

How to Apply:

To apply visit https://thepalladiumgroup.com/careers

Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Closing date: Friday, 13 June 2025 at 11.59PM AEST.

Please note - We are not accepting resumes from recruitment agencies for this role.

Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as "the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm". We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.