Job description
Australia Awards Myanmar – Team Leader
About IREX:
IREX is an independent nonprofit education organization dedicated to global development. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, works in more than 100 countries worldwide and has a global staff of 250.
Position Summary:
IREX seeks an experienced Team Leader to lead the anticipated DFAT-funded Australia Awards Myanmar program. The Australia Awards Myanmar program is a flagship initiative of the Australian Government, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), supporting Myanmar’s future leaders through academic scholarships, short courses, and alumni engagement. The program aims to build the leadership and skills of the people of Myanmar and strengthen people-to-people links with Australia, with a strong focus on gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), and locally led development.
The Team Leader will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Australia Awards Myanmar program, ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance with DFAT requirements, and achievement of program outcomes. The Team Leader will serve as the primary liaison with DFAT and key stakeholders, oversee all programmatic, administrative, and financial aspects, and lead a diverse, mostly remote team.
**This position is contingent on funding and contract award.**
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and overall management for the Australia Awards Myanmar program, ensuring program quality, impact, and compliance with IREX, DFAT and Australian Government policies.
- Serve as the primary liaison with DFAT, the Australian Embassy in Yangon, Australian universities, implementing partners, and other key stakeholders, ensuring satisfaction with all program activities.
- Oversee all programmatic, administrative, and operational aspects, including scholar recruitment, selection, placement, and support; short course delivery; alumni engagement; English language training; risk management; monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL); communications and public diplomacy; and contractual compliance.
- Ensure all program branding and communications follow DFAT and Australia Awards guidelines, and collaborate with DFAT to support communications and public diplomacy objectives.
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary, geographically dispersed team, including locally engaged staff and short-term advisers; mentor and coach team members; ensure staffing needs are met; and identify additional support as needed.
- Develop, manage, and monitor the program budget, ensuring sound financial planning, forecasting, and reporting in line with DFAT requirements.
- Oversee risk management, safeguarding, and compliance with DFAT policies, including child protection, prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), and workplace health and safety.
- Ensure robust data management and reporting, including preparation of annual implementation plans, and progress reports,
- Represent the program at key events, meetings, and public forums, promoting the objectives and achievements of Australia Awards Myanmar.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- At least ten (10) years’ experience managing complex, donor-funded programs of similar size and scope, with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management or team leader role; experience with DFAT or Australian Government-funded programs strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing scholarship, education, or capacity development programs in challenging or high-risk environments.
- Master’s degree in international development, education, public administration, or a relevant field, or equivalent work experience
- Proven ability to communicate effectively and develop strong relationships with donor counterparts, government officials, academic institutions, and diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage large and diverse teams toward shared goals, including remote and cross-cultural teams.
- Strong experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance with donor requirements.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, mentoring, and staff performance management.
- Strong organizational, planning, presentation, and professional writing skills.
- Commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion principles.
- Fluent English language skills; Burmese or other relevant language skills are an advantage.
- Can be based in: Australia, Thailand, or Indonesia
To Apply:
Click on “Apply” below to submit your CV and cover letter for consideration.
