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. In 2024 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**
- ** 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-solv