Deputy Country Director - Operations

Burnet Institute

The Opportunity

Do you have strong experience in senior operational management of complex health development programs? Would you like to join a values driven, not-for-profit organisation? Then this could be the role for you!

We are now seeking a Deputy Country Director – Operations, to join our team, based in either Kokopo or Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. You will be part of an experienced leadership team and will focus on maintaining and strengthening our PNG operations systems, contributing to the on-going growth and success of the PNG program.

You will oversee all in-country operations including human resources, financial management, contract management, security, and administration. You will provide support to a diverse portfolio of projects, utilising a wide range of funding modalities (development contracts, research grants and non-government organisation funding) and coordinate support to the in-country team. This position also provides a focal point between PNG and Melbourne offices and is instrumental in maintaining effective relationships between key stakeholders in Melbourne and PNG.

Some of your duties will include:

Ensuring that all donor contractual requirements are being met and that projects are being delivered on time and within budget
Ensuring that country program activities are implemented in compliance with Burnet Institute policies & procedures, including safeguarding principles and those including those specified in the International Programs Operations Manual
Ensuring that all financial management requirements are being met - including the timely reporting of cash-flow, expenditure, budget and contractual implications of activity variations
Ensuring security and risk management plans are in place and updated regularly for in-country activities and actively managed for compliance by all personnel.
Working with your team to oversee the identification, tracking and information gathering for new funding opportunities for the PNG Program
Directly line-managing the heads of Finance and Administration, Human Resources and Security and Logistics
Working with the Business Development team and Country Director to establish and enhance strong relationships with key regional, international and local stakeholders

Refer to the attached position description for full details. This is a full-time position, initially for a fixed term period (2-3 years negotiable) with the possibility of extension. An attractive package of benefits will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Flexible working hours are also offered for this position.

Let’s talk about you

The following are essential criteria:

Tertiary level qualification in management (Financial/Business or equivalent)
Substantial experience in senior operational management of complex public health or other development programs
Significant experience as member of a senior management team, and collaboration with peers and reports for achievement of strategic goals
Experience in high-level management of program finance teams
Proven track record in developing and monitoring multi-year program budgets, and oversight of rigorous financial standards and controls
Substantial experience in all key aspects of Human Resource management, including recruitment, staff support, professional development and disciplinary procedures
Experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships, including government and NGO partnerships
Sound knowledge and practical experience of developing and monitoring security and risk management systems and standards
Familiarity with safeguarding standards and practice, including Child Protection, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, and commitment to integrating and tracking these across a complex program

The Burnet experience…

We want you to have a successful and meaningful career at Burnet and are committed to providing a supportive workplace environment for all our people. You will be part of a collaborative culture where progressive leadership, innovation, respect, and excellence are valued. Join a team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do – improving the health of vulnerable communities around the world.

We offer: