Leadership and Networking Adviser

Leadership and Networking Adviser (STA) – Southeast Asia Leadership Program

• Short-Term Adviser for a targeted input period from October 2025 to 30 June 2026
• Up to 50 days across the engagement period with possible extension for three years
  Australia based

About Palladium

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social, climate and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to help solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, the environment, and, most importantly, people's lives.

The Program

Southeast Asia Leadership Program

The Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) contributes to greater high-level understanding and linkages between Australia and Southeast Asia by targeting emerging and current leaders and decision-makers across Southeast Asia to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, as well as targeted shorter educational activities. SEALP's three intended outcomes are:

• Alumni leaders apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute to defined areas of shared interest.
• Australia has strong and enduring networks of influence across ASEAN countries, through targeted scholarships and training.
• Alumni leaders actively engage and contribute to cooperation with Australia.

The Role

The Leadership and Networking Adviser works closely with the Team Leader to design and deliver SEALP's targeted educational and scholar and alumni engagement activities, leading relationship management with in-Australia partners in the leadership development, education and training, and public diplomacy sectors.

Duties will include:

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Australian institutions and organisations, public sector agencies and the private sector focused on Southeast Asia engagement, leadership development, international relations, trade and public diplomacy.
• Provide high quality inputs into the SEALP Bi-Annual Plan. Identify innovative opportunities and best practice in leadership and professional development, alumni engagement and public diplomacy activities.
• Work with the Team Leader to develop proposals flexibly responding to targeted educational Tasking Notes across a range of modalities such as short courses, fellowships, professional development and networking activities, English language training, etc.
• Manage innovative targeted short educational activity including management of Short-Term Advisers and sub-contractors/providers as required.
• Provide technical input into provider procurement and participant selection for targeted educational activities - including leading tender assessments and interviews.
• Lead the development and delivery of a scholar and alumni engagement strategy focused on engagement of high-profile and influential alumni, bespoke leadership development and consideration of privately funded students.
• Work with scholars to develop bespoke engagement programs that extend beyond curriculum, which may include networking, visit programs, guest speaker roles and engagement with Australian Government agencies.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on targeted educational activity and scholar and alumni engagement delivery.
  Travel locally and internationally, as required.

About you

You will possess:

• Substantial experience in the design and delivery of leadership and other professional development activities to meet specific needs.
• Experience on DFAT funded programs with a proven track record in leadership development and public diplomacy in support of Australia's interests.
• Experience developing and leading innovative leadership programs, which may include Non-Overseas Development Assistance funding or co-financing across a variety of university and non-university partnerships.
• Southeast Asia cultural literacy, with previous work experience an advantage.
• Strong networks with Australian organisations focused on education, leadership development and public diplomacy.
• Demonstrated excellence in client and strategic stakeholder engagement to develop and maintain engaged and productive relationships, with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.

To Apply

Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Established working rights required for suitable candidates, there is no visa sponsorship or relocation support available.

For further information please email

Closing date: Tuesday 30 September 2025, 11.59pm AEST

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as "the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm". We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.