Head, International Development

Description:

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Job Description

• Global Partnerships - International Development
• Full-time fixed-term position for up to 5 years
• Based at our picturesque St Lucia Campus
  
  

About This Opportunity

The Head, UQ International Development (UQID) provides strategic leadership to advance The University of Queensland’s international development agenda through high-impact programs, partnerships, and advisory services. With more than 25 years of experience, UQID has delivered over 500 projects across more than 80 countries, and operates under a commercial delivery model that leverages UQ’s academic expertise across Faculties, Institutes and Centres.

Reporting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships), this role will position UQID as a leading university provider of development expertise across the Indo-Pacific and beyond, driving market expansion, strengthening key partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability.

You will lead the growth and delivery of a diverse portfolio including professional development programs, multi-year development projects, and specialist advisory services. This role is central to shaping UQ’s global development strategy, securing external funding, overseeing governance and risk frameworks, and enhancing UQ’s global reputation and long-term impact.

For more information about this opportunity, please view the complete appointment booklet

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

About You

You are a senior leader with postgraduate qualifications and extensive experience in international development, global engagement, or a related field. You bring a strong record of leading complex, multi-country initiatives aligned with organisational strategy, securing competitive funding, establishing strategic partnerships, and overseeing major contracts within a commercial or comparable delivery model.

With a deep understanding of the international development landscape, including donor priorities and regional dynamics across the Indo-Pacific, you combine commercial acumen with strategic insight. Your ability to build trusted relationships with governments, donors, including DFAT, managing contractors, and academic partners is matched by proven experience leading high-performing teams, fostering inclusive and collaborative cultures, and ensuring strong governance, compliance, and financial oversight.

Enquiries

If you’d like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Maddy Flaherty, Principal Talent Acquisition Advisor, via talent@uq.edu.au.

Want to Apply?

We Welcome Applications From All Individuals And Are Committed To An Inclusive And Accessible Recruitment Process. To Be Considered, Please Ensure You Upload

• Resume
• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section in the appointment booklet
  
  

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Tuesday, 10th March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61589).

Posted

17/02/2026