PROGRAM MANAGER (INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT), ASIA-PACIFIC

JOB TITLE: Program Manager (International Development), Asia-Pacific
TEAM: Asia-Pacific
REPORTS TO: Principal Manager, Asia-Pacific
LOCATION: Sydney, with flexibility for remote work anywhere within Australia

ABOUT ADAM SMITH INTERNATIONAL

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. Headquartered in London, ASI has worked in the Asia Pacific region since 2012 through our regional office in Sydney and country presence across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Today, ASI is delivering programs in 15 countries across Asia Pacific, partnering closely with governments, donors, and local stakeholders to tackle complex development challenges and deliver meaningful, sustainable results.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced international development Program Manager to join ASI’s dynamic Asia Pacific portfolio.

Program Managers at ASI play a central role in delivering high‑impact, results‑focused development programs. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of complex, multi‑stakeholder programs across sectors such as economic management, private sector development, governance, public financial management, infrastructure, agriculture and agribusiness, and human development.

The role involves working across multiple countries and contexts, and will suit candidates who thrive in fast‑paced, donor‑funded environments and enjoy balancing strategic oversight with hands‑on program delivery. Regular travel within the region, including to established and emerging program locations, can be expected.

ABOUT THE WORK

The Program Manager will primarily support the delivery of programs funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), alongside other short‑term strategic investments.

Working closely with ASI’s corporate teams, country‑based program teams, and DFAT counterparts at overseas missions, you will provide strong program management, analytical, and operational support to ensure programs are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to a high standard. This includes supporting planning and reporting, financial and contractual oversight, risk management, and donor engagement.

This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio, close collaboration with senior stakeholders, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ASI’s broader development impact in the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM DELIVERY

Manage the implementation of the DFAT/other donor funded program in a specific country of project implementation, as well as smaller assignments and programs on an ad-hoc basis. Core program delivery tasks include:

• Ensure that programs managed are completed on time, within budget and to the utmost satisfaction of the client.

• Ensure that all agreed outputs, including reports, presentations, and other deliverables are delivered to clients on time, meet corporate guidelines and to the quality standards expected by ASI and the client.

• Maintain stringent financial oversight of projects relating to invoice payments and accurate reporting by ASI.

• Manage key stakeholders and build and develop strong client relationships on programs managed.

• Track and manage milestones and maintain an issues and risk register, as required. Effectively elevate concerns.

• Prepare Terms of Reference and recruit required long and short term associates and negotiate terms.

• Manage administration and logistics including ASI-OS, booking hotels, flights and organising visas for contracted advisers.

• Support senior managers in delivery of their projects, as required.

• Support technical delivery where expertise and availability allow.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Leverage existing networks and regional knowledge to help build and maintain a strong pipeline of business development opportunities across the region.

• Develop and maintain a network of high-quality advisers and strategic partners to enhance ASI’s ability to secure and deliver impactful programs.

• Contribute to bid preparation by providing relevant inputs, supporting background research, and helping to identify qualified talent.

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced international development Program Manager who is motivated by delivering high‑quality, results‑driven programs in complex and challenging environments.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in international development, public policy, economics, business, or a related field (post‑graduate qualifications desirable but not essential), or equivalent professional experience.

• Demonstrated program management experience, with progressively increasing responsibility, within the international development sector or a government‑funded environment.

• Proven experience working on DFAT‑funded programs, including a strong understanding of DFAT policies, reporting requirements, compliance obligations, and donor engagement.

• Experience supporting or managing program budgets, financial forecasting, and cost control, and working closely with finance teams to ensure accurate and timely financial management.

• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex workstreams while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• The ability to work effectively across multicultural teams and stakeholders, building credible relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams.

• A sound understanding of local context, political economy, and cultural considerations in the countries where you work, particularly across the Indo‑Pacific region.

• Knowledge of risk management, duty of care, security, health and safety, and safeguarding practices in international development programs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience contributing to high‑quality reports, briefs, and donor correspondence.

• A proactive, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused mindset, with the confidence to exercise judgement and respond constructively to emerging challenges.

• A willingness to travel within the region and an enthusiasm for working in diverse and sometimes unfamiliar environments.

The successful applicant must have the right to live and work in Australia.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

ASI is committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work and ASI encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do.

HEARD ENOUGH? READY TO APPLY?

We are keen to hear from you. Please submit a CV and a one-page cover letter setting out your motivations and suitability. Please note that the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ASI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ASI welcomes applications from people with disability. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the hiring process. Let us know how we can make the process accessible for you.