Job Description

• Location: Brisbane, Australia (other cities may be considered)
• Commencement: June 2026
• Duration of contract: 12 months to 30 June 2027
• Open to those with full work rights for Australia

About the Program

The Australia Pacific Leaders Program (APLP) is an Australian Government initiative that seeks to empower current and emerging Pacific leaders to deliver outcomes in their communities, strengthen their skills and build relationships with Australian agencies and institutions.

Activities include study tours, high-level visits, professional development and support for locally led projects, including assistance to deliver community-level initiatives.

APLP aims to:

• empower leaders to deliver practical outcomes in their communities

• build stronger, long-term relationships between Pacific leaders and Australia

• strengthen leadership capability across the Pacific.

About the Program Support Unit (PSU)

The Program Support Unit (PSU) supports DFAT to deliver the program. Abt Global is contracted to deliver the PSU.

The PSU provides the practical support needed to deliver activities including planning, logistics, procurement and coordination. This includes supporting DFAT-led study tours and visits to Australia, coordinating training and events and supporting the delivery of grants and other program activities.

The PSU works closely with DFAT in Canberra and Posts across the Pacific to ensure activities are delivered to a high standard.

About the Opportunity

Abt are seeking to engage a Finance Manager responsible for overseeing financial operations, management, budgeting, forecasting and reporting for the APLP.

The role ensures sound financial controls, value for money, and effective expenditure tracking across all program activities, including grants. The Finance Manager supports program teams to identify, manage and escalate financial risks early, ensures compliance with DFAT and Abt policies, and contributes to high‑quality, audit‑ready reporting.

Specific Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Develop and accurately manage program budgets, forecasts and financial plans in line with DFAT agreements and Abt requirements.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets and forecasts, identifying variances, risks and pressures early.
• Produce timely and accurate financial reports for DFAT, Abt management and internal governance forums.
• Perform monthly reimbursable invoice reconciliation and submit invoices for head office finalisation.
• Participate in agreed client meetings and provide timely updates on financials, grants payments and reimbursable cash flow projections. Work closely with the client to ensure cash flow projections are updated and monitored.
• Support program teams to plan activities within approved budgets and manage cost controls.
• Support program teams to process and approve invoices subject to financial delegation.
• Review payment compliance and approve vendor payments on a timely manner.
• Manage all financial discrepancies and areas of non-compliance, reporting any unresolved issues to the Operations Lead.
• Oversee financial aspects of grants management for community-led development programs, including budgeting, disbursements and acquittals.
• Ensure financial integrity, accountability and value for money in line with Abt policies and DFAT requirements.
• Undertake additional financial management responsibilities as required by the program, Abt Global, or DFAT.

Support to Program Delivery

• Provide practical guidance to program teams on expenditure tracking, financial processes and financial risk management.
• Work closely with DFAT, PSU colleagues and technical teams to support responsive delivery of planned and short‑notice activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of financial systems, tools and guidance across the PSU.

About You

We are seeking an individual for this finance role who brings:

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in finance, accounting, business, risk management or a related field.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting and reporting for complex programs; experience working with DFAT and other donor‑funded clients is desirable.
• Experience overseeing financial risk management, compliance and internal controls, ideally in international development or government‑funded programs.
• Experience supporting or overseeing grants management and expenditure tracking.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify financial risk issues early and propose practical mitigation strategies.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and compliance requirements in program delivery contexts.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work effectively with DFAT and internal teams.
• High level of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people with sexual diversity or disability, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement for a position. At Abt Associates we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every role requirement, we encourage you to apply in any case. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles across our programs.

How to Apply

Applications close midnight on Sunday 14 June 2026

Please apply online through Abt Careers addressing the Key Selection Criteria (See: About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document.

Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.

About Abt

Abt Global Australia (Abt) is a mission-driven company working in partnership with governments and communities to help create a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future for people worldwide.

Drawing on 60 years’ experience, Abt designs, tests and applies evidence-based approaches to development challenges – from design to implementation and technical assistance through to evaluation. Abt has expertise in governance, economic growth, health, education, gender equality, disability and social inclusion, climate and environment, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and infrastructure. 

Abt manages complex development programs on behalf of clients including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Asia Development Bank, and various Australian state governments. These programs are based in over 15 countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Commitment to Equity

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse backgrounds. We provide equitable opportunities for local talent who apply for this position and reasonable accommodation for people with a disability.

Commitment to Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.

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