PROGRAM MANAGER (INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT), ASIA-PACIFIC
fulltime_fixed_term mid_levelJob Overview
JOB TITLE: Program Manager (International Development), Asia-Pacific
TEAM: Asia-Pacific
REPORTS TO: Principal Manager, Asia-Pacific
LOCATION: Sydney, with flexibility for remote work anywhere within Australia
ABOUT ADAM SMITH INTERNATIONAL
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. Headquartered in London, ASI has worked in the Asia Pacific region since 2012 through our regional office in Sydney and country presence across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Today, ASI is delivering programs in 15 countries across Asia Pacific, partnering closely with governments, donors, and local stakeholders to tackle complex development challenges and deliver meaningful, sustainable results.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced international development Program Manager to join ASI’s dynamic Asia Pacific portfolio.
Program Managers at ASI play a central role in delivering high‑impact, results‑focused development programs. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of complex, multi‑stakeholder programs across sectors such as economic management, private sector development, governance, public financial management, infrastructure, agriculture and agribusiness, and human development.
The role involves working across multiple countries and contexts, and will suit candidates who thrive in fast‑paced, donor‑funded environments and enjoy balancing strategic oversight with hands‑on program delivery. Regular travel within the region, including to established and emerging program locations, can be expected.
ABOUT THE WORK
The Program Manager will primarily support the delivery of programs funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), alongside other short‑term strategic investments.
Working closely with ASI’s corporate teams, country‑based program teams, and DFAT counterparts at overseas missions, you will provide strong program management, analytical, and operational support to ensure programs are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to a high standard. This includes supporting planning and reporting, financial and contractual oversight, risk management, and donor engagement.
This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio, close collaboration with senior stakeholders, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ASI’s broader development impact in the region.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
PROGRAM DELIVERY
Manage the implementation of the DFAT/other donor funded program in a specific country of project implementation, as well as smaller assignments and programs on an ad-hoc basis. Core program delivery tasks include:
Ensure that programs managed are completed on time, within budget and to the utmost satisfaction of the client.
Ensure that all agreed outputs, including reports, presentations, and other deliverables are delivered to clients on time, meet corporate guidelines and to the quality standards expected by ASI and the client.
Maintain stringent financial oversight of projects relating to invoice payments and accurate reporting by ASI.
Manage key stakeholders and build and develop strong client relationships on programs managed.
Track and manage milestones and maintain an issues and risk register, as required. Effectively elevate concerns.
Prepare Terms of Reference and recruit required long and short term associates and negotiate terms.
Manage administration and logistics including ASI-OS, booking hotels, flights and organising visas for contracted advisers.
Support senior managers in delivery of their projects, as required.
Support technical delivery where expertise and availability allow.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Leverage existing networks and regional knowledge to help build and maintain a strong pipeline of business development opportunities across the region.
Develop and maintain a network of high-quality advisers and strategic partners to enhance ASI’s ability to secure and deliver impactful programs.
Contribute to bid preparation by providing relevant inputs, supporting background research, and helping to identify qualified talent.