Deputy Team Leader Technical - Global Support Unit

Deputy Team Leader Technical - Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM) Global Support Unit (GSU)

Fixed term contract up to 30 June 2029

Competitive salary and hybrid work arrangement (minimum three days in office)

Friendly and supportive work environment

Canberra preferred, other locations within Australia considered

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

The Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM) is an initiative designed to enhance the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) international scholarship program delivery by providing operational, technical and analytical services to DFAT and the broader scholarship delivery network. In doing so, the AAGSM will enhance DFAT's capacity to drive policy, partnerships and respond to the demand for evolved scholarship program delivery architecture. The AAGSM consists of the Global Support Unit (GSU) - responsible for operational and technical services to DFAT's Global Programs and Partnership Branch (GPB) and scholarship network, and the Global Research Unit (GRU)- responsible analytical and research services for international scholarship programs.

The role

The Deputy Team Leader, Technical, will lead the technical support team, by ensuring high quality, coherent, consistent and fit for purpose technical support services that also promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion outcomes throughout DFAT's international scholarship programs network.

You will work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure a consistent, seamless and high-quality experience for DFAT and all GSU stakeholders.

Leadership responsibilities will ensure:

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the technical support stream. Set clear priorities, allocate resources effectively, and foster a high-performance culture. Lead and empower direct reports through proactive coaching and mentoring, ensuring capability development and succession planning. Drive accountability by conducting robust performance planning and reviews, proactively addressing underperformance promptly, and recognising excellence.

Lead the technical support services team to respond to Australian development priorities, ensuring technical services are aligned with the needs of DFAT and the broader international scholarship programs network. This work encompasses MEL, GEDSI, Disability support, and First Nations engagement.

Provide oversight of the Communications and Public Diplomacy Team.

Lead establishment and delivery of GSU on-demand technical services for country programs enabling them to meet their technical scholarship management needs.

Work with the systems lead and MEL team to establish and manage GSU knowledge sharing services including a Knowledge Hub and peer-to-peer leaning activities, to share good practice and strengthen capability across DFAT and the broader international scholarship programs network.

Other tasks as reasonably requested by the Team Leader.

About you

You will have significant experience in large complex donor program delivery (preferably DFAT) with a working knowledge of Australian development priorities. You will have previous experience in team leadership and management, particularly for a diverse / multi-cultural team.

Additional key requirements include:

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and significant relevant experience.

Extensive experience delivering complex donor programs (preferably DFAT) with strong knowledge of Australian development priorities, alongside proven leadership in managing international scholarships or public diplomacy initiatives.

Significant work experience in team leadership and management, particularly for a diverse/multi-cultural team.

Highly developed interpersonal and social skills including cross-cultural experience and communication skills, business writing skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.

Demonstrated excellence in client management and stakeholder engagement to maintain engaged and productive relationships.

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: Monday 8 December 2025, 11.59pm AEDT

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.