Pacific and Timor-Leste Regional Manager Project Overview: 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.
Role Overview: Pacific and Timor-Leste Regional Managers are essential in driving and managing labour mobility initiatives across the region.
Joining a team of three, this role can be based in one of the ten participating PALM scheme Pacific countries.
The role is crucial for overseeing strategic, procedural, and operational activities, as well as managing budgets, risks, and quality assurance.
By working closely with partner government labour mobility leaders, DFAT (Labour Mobility Branch), and other key stakeholders, Regional Managers ensure that country priorities shape strategic planning and align with DFAT's Development Partnership Plans (DPPs) and bilateral investments.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The Pacific and Timor-Leste Regional Manager will: Foster a culture of transparency and diversity, mentor and coach team members for success, focus on professional growth, and build collaborative relationships to support strategic objectives and team performance.
Ensure the achievement of PLMSP deliverables and End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) by providing technical expertise and project management in a dynamic environment.
Establish strong relationships with Labour Sending Unit (LSU) leadership, DFAT, and regional stakeholders through regular engagement to understand priorities and monitor performance.
Lead country-level annual planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with PLMSP annual plans and supporting operational activities and reporting.
Facilitate the implementation of DFAT PALM priorities and special projects by leading steering committee meetings and promoting effective communication and cross-learning among stakeholders to enhance collaboration and achieve strategic objectives.
Required Qualifications: Successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience: Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or have at least 10 years of project management experience, with a proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams across diverse locations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience using communications for strategic advocacy.
Strong operational and strategic skills, ensuring timely and effective delivery of program outcomes.
Proven problem-solving, decision-making, and relationship management abilities, with a focus on negotiating beneficial outcomes for clients and communities.
Extensive experience working in the Pacific and/or Timor-Leste on DFAT, MFAT, or other international development programs, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills.