Oxford Policy Management is seeking a highly effective and dynamic Senior Program Manager on a fixed term contract for one year to manage DFAT/MFAT programs (must be Australia-based).

Key benefits:

• A positive company culture and ethos that focuses on happy, motivated, and valued employees as highlighted on our most recent staff survey.
• Remote working within Australia
• Generous annual Leave allowance - 27 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Be entitled to Superannuation of 11%, which OPM would pay in addition to your salary
• Training and Development Opportunities

Primary Purpose/key objectives of the job

Maintain oversight of OPM Australia’s program delivery, including contract management, full operational oversight and technical delivery of primarily DFAT-funded programs (with support from the Project Team, OPM Technical Practice Groups and Project Director/Contractor Representative).

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the projects produce high quality work and deliver positive impact.
• Ensure operational set up is compliant with client and OPM requirements.
• Lead risk management across the programs.
• Lead briefings to the relevant OPM Project Board to ensure project governance and internal compliance with OPM processes.
• Working with Project Team Leaders, ensure that all contract outputs are being delivered to a high standard (including progress reports, financial reports, KPIs and deliverables) and to support project delivery (eg drafting project plans, budgets and terms of reference).
• Writing and supporting client reporting requirements including Progress Reports, Annual Plans, Completion Reports and Value for Money assessments.
• Organise regular project board meetings with the project team and Accountable Manager.

Relationship Management

• Ensure the project delivers high quality work, demonstrating OPM value-add to the client.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the client, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to promote OPM and explore opportunities for future work.

Project Finance and Operations

• Maintain and improve project support systems to support project delivery, overseeing their implementation.
• Develop and manage the project budget and regularly update the project forecast to ensure project spend is on track and ensure financial reporting to the client is accurate and compliant with requirements.
• Identify risks and opportunities to the commercial success of the program.
• Ensure invoices meet all contractual requirements and are submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure the project has fit-for-purpose, accurate project account records that meet the requirements of the donor and OPM.
• Ensure procurement is compliant with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
• Oversee or manage subcontracting processes.
• Supported by OPM’s security advisers, ensure security procedures are established, regularly updated and are being followed by the project team.
• Establish and oversee project data management systems including ensuring the use of approved email addresses and secure environments for data storage in line with OPM IT policies.

Business Development

• Contribute to business development as required.

Key Skills and Requirements:

• Education to degree level, ideally Masters level in International Development or Project Management, or in a subject relevant to OPM’s regional work (governance, climate resilience, monitoring and evaluation, or social protection).
• A minimum of five years’ experience managing both small and large DFAT funded programs. MFAT program management experience desirable.
• Experience working in a relevant development-related environment such as a consultancy, NGO or donor.
• Strong understanding of DFAT and/or MFAT policies and requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and experience managing multi-cultural teams.
• Excellent problem solving and management skills.
• High standard of both spoken and written English.
• Strong financial management skills and ability to prepare and work with annual and whole of program budgets, forecasting and financial data.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, show initiative and work calmly under pressure.
• High degree of competence with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint infographics in particular).

To apply, please click Apply Now to submit your CV and a cover letter addressing key skills and requirements through our online application system. OPM offer flexibility and are open to part-time or full-time arrangements. However, we do require a willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate international time zones. Please note you must have full working rights for Australia. We reserve the right to interview prior to the closing day, should we find a suitable candidate. Early Application essential.

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A position description is attached.