* Based in Adelaide or Canberra, Australia.
* Duration – 3 years.
* Applications close on Friday 12th June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
* Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) plays a key role in supporting the Australian Government's objectives in building Asia capability. It aims to lift the Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language learning and internships in the Indo-Pacific.
The goal of NCP is for NCP alumni to contribute their skills, knowledge and networks to Australia's enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This is achieved through three complementary grant programs: the Scholarship Program, Mobility Program and Semester Program.
The NCP PSU is administered by Palladium on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM). The AAGSM provides operational and technical support services to DFAT's International Education and Scholarships Branch, with two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):
* EOIO 1 - Operational Support: High quality and efficient administrative and standard business support services provided to DFAT.
* EOIO 2 - Technical Support: 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.
The NCP PSU supports DFAT's New Colombo Plan Secretariat (NCS) with high- quality grant administration and management consistent with the principles of the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles. Support service delivery includes end-to-end grant cycle and funds management, as well as technical support in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), alumni engagement, communications, events management, business sector engagement and risk management.
About the Role
The Coordinator, Scholarships (Pre-Program) supports the delivery of the NCP Scholarship Program selection process. The role contributes to the accurate, timely and compliant administration of nomination, application, assessment and interview activities required to select undergraduate scholars from Australian universities to undertake approved overseas study, language learning and/or internship programs in the Indo-Pacific region. The role works under the direction of the Manager, Scholarships (Pre-Program) and collaborates closely with other PSU teams to ensure scholarship data, documentation and decisions are complete and ready for handover once awards are confirmed. The position also supports continuous improvement and transition activities linked to the systems and processes that underpin scholarship selection.
Primary Responsibilities
* Support the end-to-end administration of the NCP Scholarship selection process, ensuring compliance with guidelines and timelines.
* Assist with application screening, eligibility checks, and coordination of assessment, shortlisting, and interview processes.
* Manage communications with applicants and stakeholders, escalating issues as required.
* Coordinate logistics, documentation, and record keeping for interviews, outcomes, and offer processes.
* Prepare and transfer scholarship documentation and data to the Program team.
* Provide administrative support for scholar onboarding, pre-departure activities, and risk management processes.
* Respond to routine enquiries from universities and stakeholders.
* Support clear and timely communications through preparation of standard correspondence and updates.
* Maintain accurate and complete records across all stages of the selection process.
* Support system improvements, data validation, reporting, and quality assurance activities.
* Contribute to reporting outputs, including selection statistics and grant management reports.
About You
* Experience coordinating large-scale administrative or program delivery functions aligning to guidelines and compliance requirements, preferably within higher education, scholarship, grant-based or government-funded programs.
* Skilled at process design with demonstrated ability to work confidently with digital systems and databases, including entering, checking and maintaining accurate records, to support tracking, quality assurance and day-to-day delivery.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with experience managing high volumes of data or documentation in time-critical contexts.
* Ability to be responsive to client needs and manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines while following established procedures and escalation pathways.
* Well- developed communication skills, including the ability to respond clearly and professionally to the client or stakeholders and prepare standard correspondence.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute to a positive, solutions-focused working environment.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in administration, international education, public administration, business or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Submit your application online, including your CV and a cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.
Closing Date
Friday 12th June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST
Eligibility
This position is open to residents with authority to live and work in Australia.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
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: socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.
Safeguarding
We define Safeguarding as "the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm". All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.
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