Scale-Up Project Manager

About Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative for the Australian Government that enables workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Timor-Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program's (PLMSP) role is to provide the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and governments in 9 PICs and Timor-Leste with support to enable workers to access PALM scheme in inclusive ways that maximise the benefits for the workers and national economies while minimising risks from labour mobility participation. Palladium is contracted to deliver PLMSP on behalf of DFAT.

Timor Leste Scale Up

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão released a joint statement on 21 December 2024 announcing bilateral funding of nearly A$50m (A$48.6m) for the Timor-Leste-Australia Labour Mobility and Skills Partnership, to equip Timorese workers with job-ready skills and provide them with more employment opportunities. The Partnership will help contribute to long term economic growth for Timor Leste and will assist the country to achieve its target of 10,000 workers in the PALM scheme by 2027-28.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a clear governance framework, project schedule, and implementation plan to ensure timely delivery of activities
• Apply best-practice project management approaches to coordinate and implement the Scale Up Project effectively
• Manage the project budget in collaboration with finance teams, including forecasting, variance analysis, and financial controls
• Lead and manage the Scale Up project team, ensuring performance aligns with project goals
• Develop a robust communication strategy and provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders, including DFAT
• Identify and mitigate risks through a comprehensive risk register and escalation protocols for critical issues
• Conduct stakeholder analysis and implement engagement plans to foster collaboration with DFAT, Timor-Leste Government, and partners
• Work across PLMSP streams to support project activities and promote an inclusive, respectful work environment

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in a similar project management or support role
• Demonstrated track record of developing and implementing project management frameworks for complex, large-scale projects with multiple stakeholders
• Previous management experience on large-scale DFAT-funded projects in Timor-Leste or the Asia-Pacific region
• Strong understanding of the political context and development sector in Timor-Leste
• Tertiary qualifications in international development, project management, or a relevant discipline
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 certification is highly desirable
• Experience working in Timor-Leste
• Sound knowledge of the PALM Scheme and its demands
• Excellent English written and oral communications skills
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft productivity tools

How to Apply

Please submit your application with cover letter and CV via: https://palladium.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/24417?c=palladium

For disability-related adjustments, please contact: [email protected]