Program Director

Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information please visit our website .

• Lead Australia's largest civilian deployment mechanism providing humanitarian support on a global scale.
• Drive innovation and excellence in delivering life-changing humanitarian programs.
• Shape and influence Australia's humanitarian efforts, ensuring meaningful outcomes for communities worldwide

The Opportunity:

• Based in Australia
• Work type: Hybrid
• Duration: Until 30 June 2029

The Program:

Australia Assists is an Australian Government program that deploys skilled humanitarian specialists to support multilateral agencies, governments, civil society and communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and conflict. Australia Assists' Goal is to: Save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during and in the aftermath of conflict, disasters and other humanitarian crises, and strengthen preparedness for the occurrence of such situations. The program's Objective is: Targeted deployment of humanitarian expertise that meets the priorities and needs of Australia's multilateral, bilateral and civil society partners and advances Australia's international humanitarian priorities.

The Role:

The Program Director will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of Australia Assists, an Australian Government–funded program that deploys skilled humanitarian specialists to support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery globally.

This pivotal role will drive the program's vision and performance, fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes. The Program Director will champion best practice in program delivery, safeguarding, and risk management, ensuring Australia Assists continues to deliver effective, locally led humanitarian assistance that reflects Australia's values and commitments globally

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Australia Assists program, ensuring operational excellence, high-performing teams, and delivery of program outcomes.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with UN agencies, regional organisations, and government partners to enhance program impact.
• Maintain and implement the 5-year program plan, ensuring alignment with DFAT priorities and value for money across all activities.
• Mainstream cross-cutting themes and priorities across program operations in collaboration with DFAT and stakeholders.
• Ensure robust safeguarding, risk management, and health, safety, and security standards are upheld across the program.
• Deliver high-quality reporting and performance oversight, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and KPIs are achieved and communicated effectively.
• Oversee financial integrity and compliance, ensuring ethical, efficient, and compliant management of funds, procurement, and budgets.

Selection criteria

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as international development, public administration, project management, business administration, social sciences, or a related field.
• Extensive senior management experience (10+ years) leading complex programs, preferably in humanitarian or international development contexts.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program oversight, budget management, financial reporting, and risk management in complex environments.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies to drive program delivery and impact.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data and evidence to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate program outcomes.
• Capacity to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and program growth.
• In-depth knowledge of humanitarian and development issues, best practices, and culturally safe approaches.
• Experience working effectively across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in complex and changing environments.
• Commitment to compliance, ethical standards, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
• Commitment to professional development and fostering a positive, innovative program culture.

For a complete position description please click here. Use the password: TetraTech2025 for access.

How to apply

Please submit your application by clicking "Apply for job" at the top of this page. Applications will only be accepted via the Tetra Tech International Development Website.Emailed applications will be disregarded.

A completed application includes:

• Resume
• Statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), demonstrating how your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and personal attributes align with the selection criteria

Apply before 11:59pm (AEDT), Sunday 30 November 2025.

Why Tetra Tech International Development?

As a leading development consulting firm, Tetra Tech International Development works with people and communities to solve some of the world's most complex challenges to achieve a positive impact.

Working at Tetra Tech International Development means working within a values-led organisation that invests in flexible work environments built on trust, safety and well-being. Through unified systems, flexible and supportive workplaces, we provide the foundations required for our team to enjoy the work they do and deliver value every day.

Read more about our culture, purpose and values here.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with disability; First Nations Peoples; and people of all cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences to apply.

Should you require additional support with during as part of your application, please email

Tetra Tech has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment ('SEAH'), child abuse and exploitation, modern slavery and safeguarding related retaliation, and this zero-tolerance extends to inaction. Tetra Tech is committed to being a child safe organisation, and to promoting a culture that supports gender equality, and addresses the gendered drivers of violence against women and children. It is committed to fostering a culture where we prevent and respond decisively and appropriately to harm against people, and that all people are treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of country, project, or office where we work. This will require compliance with Tetra Tech's Safeguarding and other Codes of Conduct and our associated safeguarding policies (Child Protection and Child Safety, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policy and procedure, and Modern Slavery. Any successful applicants will be required to undertake satisfactory referee and criminal record checks prior to being appointed to any position.

Position Type

Project opportunity

Region

Australia and Indo-Pacific Teams and Clients

Sector

Humanitarian Aid (International Development)

Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery (International Development)