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AGENCY |
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
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POSITION NUMBER |
VARIOUS |
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POSITION TITLE |
Program Manager |
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CLASSIFICATION |
LE6 |
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SALARY |
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SECTION |
Policy and Programming Section |
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REPORTS TO (TITLE) |
VARIOUS |
About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves delivering an effective and high-quality overseas development program. DFAT provides foreign, trade, and development policy advice to the Australian Government and works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s global, regional, and bilateral interests.
About the position
With limited direction, the Program Manager will undertake high-level research and analysis and independently manage activities relating to the Australia-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership and the Australia-Laos Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029. They will also contribute to policy development in Laos and the Mekong region. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Roles include: portfolio management, the design and procurement of Official Development Assistance and other activities; policy advice and reporting; maintaining relationships with key stakeholders; and monitoring and evaluation. This role requires working at the intersection of the Embassy’s political and development efforts.
The Policy and Programming section consists of the following teams:
- Program Operations – portfolio management, gender equality lead
- Political, Economic, Trade & Infrastructure
- Water, Environment, Climate and Mekong – including energy and climate-resilient agriculture programming
- Human Development – including programming in human resource development, human rights, education, scholarships and alumni, health, humanitarian assistance and volunteers.
Key responsibilities of the position include (but are not limited to):
- Actively contribute to the policy and programming team to implement a portfolio of activities, including program design, contracting, budget management, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Independently manage contracts and expenditure, including ensuring compliance and reviewing program deliverables to ensure they meet Australian Government requirements, including proactive risk management.
- Independently prepare high-quality research, analysis and complex written material such as reports, briefings, and background papers, including for senior management at the Embassy.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including government, international organisations, private sector, and diplomatic and development partners.
- Prepare strategic communications and achievements for a range of audiences and contribute to the Embassy’s public diplomacy and outreach.
- Support the integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles and consideration of climate change in all activities.
- Support Australian Government priorities, including the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
- Support preparations for a range of events, in-country missions and high-level visits to promote the reputation of the Australian Embassy in Laos.
Qualifications and Experience
- Tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated expertise, in public policy, GEDSI, economics, climate change, international/community development, or program management.
- Proven experience in managing complex programs to achieve results.
- Well-developed program management skills, including in financial management, contract management, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Highly developed communication skills (written and oral) in English and Lao.
- A strong understanding of the Lao development, political, social and economic context.
- Demonstrated relationships across Lao Government, civil society and/or private sector.
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Application instructions
Required submitted documents.
- A copy of your resume. Your resume should be no more than three pages and should include the contact details of two professional referees. Do not include copies of certificates or referee reports with your application.
- A written statement of purpose. Your statement of purpose should be no more than 1000 words and it should summarise your motivation in seeking the position as well as demonstrate your capacity to fulfil the job’s responsibilities.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, 13 August 2025 at 5:30 PM.
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Applications can be sent by post: |
HR Section Australian Embassy P O Box 292 Vientiane |
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Or sent by email: |
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Or delivered to the Embassy: |
KM4 Tha Deua Road Watnak, Sisattanak |
The Australian Embassy is an equal opportunity employer; all applicants will be considered on their merits and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Applicants who are ranked suitable by the selection panel will be placed on an eligibility list for 18 months and may be considered for similar vacancies that may arise.
Other Eligibility & Requirements
All employees at the Australian Embassy are subject to satisfactory medical and security vetting. Applicants must be able to work as a locally engaged staff member at a diplomatic mission, possess a valid passport and a driver’s license or be able to obtain a valid passport and a driver’s license, and be willing to travel within Laos, regionally and internationally as required.