International Program Manager

ABOUT ACTION ON POVERTY

Action on Poverty (AOP) is a secular, not-for-profit non-government organisation (NGO), founded in Australia in 1968 and incorporated in the state of NSW in 1983. AOP supports Programs in Africa, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Working in partnership with others is a key feature of our work. We focus on strengthening and empowering local NGOs Civil Society groups in developing countries so that they can better meet their aspirations.

AOP holds full accreditation with the Australian Government and is a signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct, which requires high standards of corporate governance, public accountability and financial management to be in place.

AOP's Strategic Plan for outlines three strategic objectives:

1. Sustainable impacts on poverty reduction

AOP initiatives have positive and measurable impacts in communities, reflective of their priorities.

2. Recognised leader in reducing poverty in innovative ways

Key stakeholders recognise AOP's reputation for co-designing scalable community development initiatives.

3. Operational excellence

AOP's operating model reflects best practice financial management, program management and governance frameworks.

Our work is funded by contributions from the Australian public and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Our vision

All people thriving in a world without poverty.

Our mission

To be the catalyst that mobilises and collaborates with changemakers globally to create environments free from poverty in which communities flourish. We partner with changemakers in local communities around the world to convert new or innovative ideas into scalable, evidence based and cost-effective solutions that address the root causes of poverty. Our support and solutions are tailored to meet community needs and priorities.

KEY POSITION INFORMATION

Reports to

Head of Program Operations

Location

Sydney, Australia

Salary package

TBD (salary packaging available)

Hours

Full-time with a hybrid arrangement (3 days WFH, 2 days in office)

Purpose

The International Program Manager role is responsible for
ensuring
the
overall quality
and
compliance
of AOP's program work. The role ensures adherence to compliance standards,
enhances partner capacity, and supports the organisation in maintaining compliance
with
DFAT
's Australian NGO accreditation and the
ACFID
Code of Conduct. This position integrates program delivery and capacity-building initiatives with compliance activities, thereby strengthening AOP's partnerships, operational integrity, and accountability.

Key relationships

This role is part of the Program Effectiveness team and will collaborate closely with other departments across AOP to support organisational goals.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

·    A Graduate qualification in international development or a related field.

·    At least 8-10 years of experience in program management, compliance, and capacity building within the international development sector.

·    Demonstrated
knowledge of DFAT standards
, donor compliance requirements, and the
Australian NGO accreditation
context.

·    Strong
project management skills
, including budgeting, risk management, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.

·    Proven experience in training, mentoring, and strengthening partner organisations.

·    Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

·    Capacity to manage
complex documentation and reporting requirements
.

·    Experience engaging with multilateral organisations, regional bodies, or the private sector.

Personal Characteristics

·    Integrity and commitment to AOP's mission and values.

·    Collaborative and supportive team player who can also work effectively and independently.

·    Adaptable and resilient with strong problem-solving skills.

·    Detail-oriented and organised in managing compliance and reporting requirements.

Travel

The ability to travel is a requirement of this role. International and domestic travel may be required.

Policy & Conduct

All employees of Action on Poverty make a personal commitment to the organisation's mission and values and indicate this by signing Action on Poverty's Staff Code of Conduct. Personal and professional conduct is expected to be consistent with all expectations set out in Action on Poverty's policies and Employee Manual.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Effective Management of the Program Portfolio

·    Design, implement and manage programs that deliver sustainable, demonstrable impact in line with strategy.

·    Conduct Capacity Risk Assessments (CRAs) and co-develop partner capacity development plans, ensuring strong governance, financial accountability, and safeguarding practices.

·    Support partners to integrate cross-cutting priorities (gender equity, disability inclusion, safeguarding, and environmental sustainability.

·    Coordinate and facilitate program activities, including training workshops, peer learning exchanges, and mentoring initiatives.

·    Monitor, document, and evaluate program outcomes, using evidence and partner feedback to strengthen effectiveness and support continuous improvement.

·    Undertake monitoring visits to projects/partners within the Program Portfolio, as may be required.

·    Manage program design and implementation across AOP's evolving portfolio, including both new and existing initiatives.

Compliance Oversight & Risk Management

·    Ensure compliance with DFAT accreditation requirements, donor regulations, and AOP internal policies.

·    Lead or coordinate audits, risk assessments, and reporting processes.

·    Facilitate program reviews, capacity gap analyses, and self-assessments to ensure readiness for DFAT accreditation and ongoing compliance.

·    Maintain up-to-date knowledge of donor requirements and advise AOP staff and partners on compliance expectations.

·    Coordinate training and policy dissemination across areas such as safeguarding, counter-terrorism financing, gender equity, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

·    Maintain compliance registers, risk tracking systems, and ensure timely reporting to donors and governance bodies.

·    Review and manage all funding agreements, ensuring adherence to donor and organisational requirements.

·    Monitor partner compliance and address issues collaboratively and transparently to maintain accountability and program integrity.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

·    Manage and maintain project databases, ensuring data accuracy and timely updates while linking data to organisational learning and compliance reporting.

·    Conduct and analyse CRAs and partner surveys, recording results, drawing insights, and applying them to program and capacity development strategies.

·    Lead the development and use of MEL frameworks that demonstrate outcomes and strengthen evidence-based programming.

·    Facilitate sharing of lessons learned and good practices across programs and partnerships.

Revenue and Resource Development

·    Contribute to the development of funding proposals and grant applications.

·    Identify opportunities to expand AOP's resource base across sectors, geographies, and donors.

·    Provide program case studies, data, and materials to support donor engagement and communications.

·    Represent AOP at professional forums, conferences, and sector networks, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders.

Organisational Development & Compliance

·    Contribute to continuous improvement of AOP policies, systems, and procedures.

·    Strengthen organisational practices by integrating learning from program and compliance work.

·    Proactively support a safe workplace and compliance with AOP's OH&S policies.

·    Demonstrate initiative in improving workplace health, safety, and wellbeing.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter in English with the subject line of "
International
Program Manager Application – [Your name]
" to

by
10 September 2025
. While we appreciate all responses, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

AOP is an equal-opportunity employer and a child-safe organisation, AOP does not discriminate on the grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation. All employees, volunteers, and interns are required to comply with AOP Policies. The successful candidate will be subject to reference checks, a police check, and a working with children check.

AOP is committed to safeguarding every person that comes into contact with the organisation from sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment and all forms of child abuse. We expect all our people to meet this commitment and have zero tolerance for anyone who breaches this commitment. AOP believes that safeguarding is everybody's responsibility, specifically to safeguard and promote the well-being of children and to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of all people.