Principal Manager- Asia Pacific

JOB TITLE: Principal Manager – Asia Pacific

TEAM: Asia Pacific

REPORTS TO: Head of Programs, Asia-Pacific

LOCATION: Sydney

Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. ASI is headquartered in London, and our Asia Pacific regional office in Sydney was established in 2012, to lead multi-donor business growth and project delivery across the region. We are currently operating in 15 Asia-Pacific countries.

The Principal Manager is a senior member of the Asia Pacific team and plays a lead role in the identification of, preparation for, and acquisition of new contracts in the Asia Pacific region, particularly with DFAT.

A Principal Manager will be working on various aspects of the Asia Pacific portfolio and will play a fundamental role in our operating model, managing the delivery and performance of programs and contributing to ASI engagement strategies in the APAC region as well as business development. Principal Manager is expected to ensure the projects are completed on time, within scope, and budget ensuring consistency in project execution and alignment with client expectations.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Director, APAC: line reporting and collaboration to identify and execute strategic and operational priorities.

• Senior Management Team (APAC): Collaboration on strategic operational initiatives.

• Program Managers/Program Directors (APAC): Close interaction to ensure operational consistency, project quality and timely delivery.

External:

• Clients (Donors and Governments): Manage high level relationships to ensure clear communication and manage expectations.

KEY TASKS

1.Program Delivery

• Undertake Program Director roles and lead the delivery of high-quality development programs

• Oversee and guide multiple Project Managers, ensuring consistency in project execution and alignment with client expectations.

• Manage high level relationships with clients and key program contacts and stakeholders. Act as the senior representative for project-related discussions with top executives, clients, and external stakeholders.

• Oversee program performance and the achievement of desired results as well as manage risks.

• Lead financial planning, budget oversight, and resource allocation at a macro level.

• Brief the Asia Pacific Director and other staff in the company on relevant changes and issues in program delivery including financial performance

• Drive a culture of collaboration, innovation, and leadership development and with special attention to Project Managers on the job capacity development.

2. Business Development

• Build and maintain relationships with key DFAT, and other development agencies (e.g. FCDO, EU) staff in the region and ensure they are leveraged to create new business.

• Maintain good relationships with a network of advisers capable of taking on key roles in a variety of ASI programs

• Represent ASI at external events with industry counterparts and donor agencies in the region.

• Support the preparation and execution of business development strategies and plan effectively for the acquisition of new contracts, particularly those identified as “key wins”

• Support the development of a pipeline of new opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, working closely with the Senior Business Development Manager as well as corporate BD resources

• Play a significant role in the production of high-quality proposals

3. Knowledge Generation and Thought Leadership

• Contribute to external communication products and support to ASI brand recognition, including through inputs to the annual Impact Report, ASI newsletter, social media channel content and regional communication products.

• Periodically produce short papers, ‘think pieces’, case studies and related materials which are of relevance to the business and the industry

4. Other

• Play a key role in the senior management team of the Asia Pacific operations and provide strong management support to the team and programs as required

SELECTION CRITERIA

Minimum Qualification:

Bachelor’s or master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Business, Project Management or International Development.

Experience:

Significant experience of working with the Australian aid program and/or other development agencies in the region;

An in-depth understanding of our clients and the marketplace, including:

• Strategy

• Political trends

• Awareness of future business opportunities

Understanding of how to align our commercial business development aims with our client’s priorities;

In-depth understanding of our industry and how to develop our business effectively in the short and longer-term;

Understanding of the theory and current trends in relevant technical or geographic areas.

Altitude:

• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

• Resilience and adaptability in challenging environments.

• Strong commitment to ethical behaviour, inclusivity, and maintaining a high standard of care for staff

Skills & Values:

• Significant leadership ability, including people management skills;

• Verified ability to build effective, credible client relationships and networks;

• Strong communication skills;

• Demonstrated program management skills;

• Resilience to changing circumstances and challenges.

What We Offer You

We offer you a dynamic and friendly team environment and the opportunity to work on a highly successful portfolio of programs. We have a strong commitment to our people and strive to live by our values:

• Partnership: Bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, we adopt an inclusive approach to work, communicating effectively, sharing information, and building relationships.

• Impact: Creating lasting impact in complex, challenging situations and using resources responsibly, being accountable to and making decisions in line with our triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.

• Creativity: Finding new ways to create value through innovative thinking, technology and better ways of working, we challenge the status quo, make it personal, and learn from others.

We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do.

ASI is committed to continually improve the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognize that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

# Happy to talk flexible working

Heard Enough? Ready to Apply?

We would love to hear from you.

Please submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and separate cover letter which addresses the “About You” selection criteria above no later than Monday, 3rd March 2025.

A full position description will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

You must have the permanent right to work in Australia to be considered for this position.

Adam Smith International values a diverse workforce and encourages applications from candidates of all background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.