EL1 Senior Program Manager

Job Description

Position: EL1 Senior Program Manager
Location: Canberra, ACT
Start date: November 2026
Duration: Approx 24 months with potential to extend
Pay rate: $81.64 - $91.32 per hour plus 12% superannuation
Security requirements: Must hold minimum Negative Vetting 1 clearance at time of application

Overview

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead a complex program transition within a Federal Government department. This high-profile role will support the transition of a major international development program to a new funding model, requiring strong program leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance, procurement, grants management and change management expertise.

Working across multiple business areas, you will coordinate program workstreams, oversee agreement and systems transitions, develop implementation strategies, and provide high-level advice to support successful delivery of this significant transformation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and delivery of a complex program transition, developing implementation plans and transition roadmaps.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams and provide regular progress reporting and strategic advice to senior stakeholders.
• Develop and implement change management strategies to support internal and external stakeholders through the transition.
• Build and maintain effective relationships across government, delivery partners and other key stakeholders.
• Review, transition and renew funding agreements while ensuring compliance with Commonwealth procurement and grants frameworks.
• Develop grant guidelines and coordinate approvals with relevant government stakeholders.
• Support the migration of financial and procurement processes into new corporate systems, including SAP.
• Develop training and capability-building activities to support new processes and systems.
• Monitor program performance and develop monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks.
• Provide procurement, grants and budget support for broader program priorities as required.

Experience/requirements:

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale program or organisational transition projects.
• Strong knowledge of Commonwealth procurement, grants administration and governance frameworks.
• Experience developing implementation plans, change management strategies and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across government and external organisations.
• Experience coordinating multiple workstreams and delivering outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Strong written communication skills, including the preparation of high-level reports, briefing material and governance documentation.
• Experience working with SAP or similar enterprise financial systems will be highly regarded.
• Experience within the Australian Public Service, particularly in international development, program management or government reform, is highly desirable.

Apply now or contact SOS Recruitment on 6260 8888 for a confidential discussion.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this role will close on 10 August 2026. If your application is received after this date, we'll be happy to keep your CV on file for similar opportunities that may come up. We encourage you to apply even if the closing date has passed.

SOS Recruitment is committed to workplace diversity and equity in employment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, women, people with family responsibilities, and individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, religious and LGBTIQ backgrounds.