Senior Manager, International Development

• UQ International Development (UQID), Global Partnerships
• Full-time (100%), fixed term position through to October 2029.
• Base salary will be in the range $140,766 - $148,862 + 17% super (HEW Level 9).
• Based at our picturesque and conveniently located St Lucia campus (occasional domestic and international travel will be required)
  

About This Opportunity

UQ International Development (UQID) is one of the leading university development groups in the Asia-Pacific region, helping build the capacity of people and organisations around the world to achieve their development goals. Leveraging the knowledge, expertise and leadership of UQ staff and researchers, UQID delivers impactful international development initiatives, customised training programs, advisory services and technical assistance.

This senior leadership opportunity will see you lead a high performing and collaborative project delivery function, working alongside diverse experts, partners and stakeholders to create meaningful change through internationally funded programs and partnerships. Drawing on UQ’s vision of creating change together, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring projects are delivered with excellence, innovation and lasting impact.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership of UQID’s project delivery portfolio, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and development objectives.
• Leading complex international development projects and programs, including project governance, financial oversight, contract management, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, donors, managing contractors, UQ faculties, researchers and international partners.
• Driving continuous improvement through the development of scalable systems, policies and processes that enhance project delivery outcomes.
• Leading, mentoring and supporting multidisciplinary project delivery teams to achieve excellence, performance targets and meaningful development impact.
• Contributing to business planning, tender development, contract negotiations, forecasting and strategic decision making across UQID, including engaging with internal and external partners to identify and scope opportunities for international development activities and contributing to the design and development of long term projects and programs.
  

About You

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with a passion for international development and a track record of delivering complex programs that create meaningful impact. You bring strong commercial and stakeholder management capability, thrive in dynamic and culturally diverse environments, and are motivated by the opportunity to work alongside experts, partners and communities to achieve sustainable development outcomes. We welcome candidates from international development, higher education, government, consulting, donor funded program delivery and related sectors who can demonstrate transferable leadership experience and a commitment to excellence.

Essential

• Degree/qualifications in Development Practice, Public Policy, International Relations, Business, Project Management, Government, or another relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Significant experience leading complex project delivery, program management or international development initiatives, ideally within donor funded, government or international capacity building environments.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, industry partners and senior leaders.
• Strong people leadership experience with the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams, drive performance and foster a collaborative, inclusive and high performing culture.
• Proven financial, contract and risk management capability, coupled with sound judgement, negotiation skills and a solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and influence outcomes across a broad range of audiences.

Desirable

• Experience contributing to the design and/or implementation of projects funded through vertical funds, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund or similar multilateral financing mechanisms.
  

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Melissa Tipping, Head, International Development, at m.tipping@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close Monday 19 October 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68746). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 28 October 2026.

Acknowledgment of Country:

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.

Why Choose UQ?

At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.

As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million).

Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries.

Career Development and Support:

UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.

Join the UQ Community:

Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.

For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.