The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is a member-based not-for-profit supporting over 8,600 surgeons and 1,300 trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We advocate for excellence in surgical care, deliver world-class education and training, invest in research, and partner across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen local surgical services. Learn more at surgeons.org.

Our Global Health Program focuses on strengthening health systems and building capacity of health workforce to improve the quality and accessibility of health, surgical treatment and post-operative care. We work across 15 countries in the Indo-Pacific Region with the support of multiple institutional and philanthropic donors.

About the role

We work with partners across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen surgical care, education and health systems. We are looking for a Senior Program Advisor to support the delivery of Global Health programs that improve access to safe and sustainable healthcare in the region. In this role, you will manage and coordinate a range of programs and partnerships, working closely with governments, hospitals, universities, donors and clinical teams. You will oversee program implementation, reporting, financial tracking and stakeholder coordination while ensuring activities are delivered in line with agreed plans, budgets and compliance requirements.

You will also contribute to monitoring, evaluation and learning activities, helping identify practical improvements and supporting high-quality program delivery. The role includes regular collaboration with internal teams and external partners across the Indo-Pacific region.

About the team

The Global Health team works collaboratively to deliver programs that support surgical training, workforce development and health system strengthening across the Indo-Pacific. The team partners with local clinicians, ministries of health, universities, international organisations and volunteer medical teams to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes. This is a supportive and values-driven team that values professionalism, cultural awareness, partnership and continuous improvement. You will work alongside experienced colleagues who are committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening healthcare capacity in the region.

About you

You will bring experience delivering health or development programs, ideally within low- and middle-income countries, along with a practical understanding of program coordination and stakeholder engagement.

You will also have:

• Experience managing programs across the full project cycle, including implementation, reporting and monitoring
• An understanding of donor compliance requirements, including DFAT and ANCP frameworks
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and cross-cultural partnerships
• A commitment to safeguarding, ethical practice and respectful collaboration
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment

This role is full time on a 12-month maximum term contract.

Download Position Description here or see attached below.

Your experience with us

We’re committed to creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and able to do their best work. We invest in your wellbeing, professional growth and work life balance. Our benefits reflect our dedication to a positive, safe and inclusive culture.

Key benefits include:

• Competitive remuneration + salary packaging up to $15,900 each FBT year and novated car leasing.
• Hybrid working arrangements that support flexibility + starter equipment allowance
• Generous leave options including volunteer leave, paid parental leave and the ability to purchase up to two weeks of additional leave
• Access to a wellbeing app and annual reimbursement to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Gifted leave over the Christmas/New Year period
• Support for you and your family including counselling, legal advice, career coaching, financial counselling, and more
• We invest in our people through ongoing access to learning and development to support your professional growth and career goals.

Read more about what we offer you here.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” to begin your application. We encourage you to include both your resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience that aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the position description.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to submit yours as soon as possible. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Program Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please note that we are unable to accept applications via email.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application in due course.

Everyone is welcome

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. We are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

RACS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and Māori as the tangata whenua (people of the land) of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are committed to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori  and building an environment that is inclusive, culturally safe and appropriate.