The Opportunity

Do you have strong experience in senior operational management of complex health development programs? Would you like to join a values driven, not-for-profit organisation? Then this could be the role for you!

We are now seeking a Deputy Country Director – Operations, to join our team, based in either Kokopo or Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. You will be part of an experienced leadership team and will focus on maintaining and strengthening our PNG operations systems, contributing to the on-going growth and success of the PNG program.

You will oversee all in-country operations including human resources, financial management, contract management, security, and administration. You will provide support to a diverse portfolio of projects, utilising a wide range of funding modalities (development contracts, research grants and non-government organisation funding) and coordinate support to the in-country team. This position also provides a focal point between PNG and Melbourne offices and is instrumental in maintaining effective relationships between key stakeholders in Melbourne and PNG.

Some of your duties will include:

• Ensuring that all donor contractual requirements are being met and that projects are being delivered on time and within budget
• Ensuring that country program activities are implemented in compliance with Burnet Institute policies & procedures, including safeguarding principles and those including those specified in the International Programs Operations Manual
• Ensuring that all financial management requirements are being met - including the timely reporting of cash-flow, expenditure, budget and contractual implications of activity variations
• Ensuring security and risk management plans are in place and updated regularly for in-country activities and actively managed for compliance by all personnel.
• Working with your team to oversee the identification, tracking and information gathering for new funding opportunities for the PNG Program
• Directly line-managing the heads of Finance and Administration, Human Resources and Security and Logistics
• Working with the Business Development team and Country Director to establish and enhance strong relationships with key regional, international and local stakeholders

Refer to the attached position description for full details. This is a full-time position, initially for a fixed term period (2-3 years negotiable) with the possibility of extension. An attractive package of benefits will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Flexible working hours are also offered for this position.

Let’s talk about you

The following are essential criteria:

• Tertiary level qualification in management (Financial/Business or equivalent)
• Substantial experience in senior operational management of complex public health or other development programs
• Significant experience as member of a senior management team, and collaboration with peers and reports for achievement of strategic goals
• Experience in high-level management of program finance teams
• Proven track record in developing and monitoring multi-year program budgets, and oversight of rigorous financial standards and controls
• Substantial experience in all key aspects of Human Resource management, including recruitment, staff support, professional development and disciplinary procedures
• Experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships, including government and NGO partnerships
• Sound knowledge and practical experience of developing and monitoring security and risk management systems and standards
• Familiarity with safeguarding standards and practice, including Child Protection, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, and commitment to integrating and tracking these across a complex program

The Burnet experience

We want you to have a successful and meaningful career at Burnet and are committed to providing a supportive workplace environment for all our people. You will be part of a collaborative culture where progressive leadership, innovation, respect, and excellence are valued. Join a team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do – improving the health of vulnerable communities around the world.

We offer:

• A monthly accrued day off for full-time staff
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for career and professional development

Who are we?

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit, organisation that uniquely links medical research with practical action to achieve better health for disadvantaged communities and help solve devastating global health problems.

Burnet Institute brings together a highly diverse skill base, with more than 400 staff and students working across cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health issues. Institute-wide interdisciplinary health programs of Disease Elimination, Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, and Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health are at the heart of our daily decision making. Harnessing our international and local field presence, our laboratories, and our mixed development and research cultures drives a greater focus on the most relevant health issues and achieves a greater impact as a result.

Whilst our headquarters is in Melbourne, Australia, we also have offices in Papua New Guinea, Myanmar and Vanuatu, and are actively involved in research and public health programs throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Burnet is the only unaligned organisation in Australia that has dual accreditation with both the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Bring your whole self to work

At Burnet, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture. We want our people to feel like they belong and are free to be themselves at work. We have an active Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) Council that works to promote and improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the Institute, by developing and implementing strategies informed by both national and international best practice and staff input. Burnet holds an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award from Science in Gender Equity (SAGE).

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Apply Now below and attach the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and expertise (as outlined above and in the attached position description)
• Resume with two referees.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process.

Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a National Police Check and/or Working with Children.