Scholarship Coordinator, New Colombo Plan (NCP)

As a Scholarship Coordinator, you will support high-achieving Australian students to undertake life-changing study, internships and language experiences across the Indo-Pacific, helping to build the next generation of globally connected leaders. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-profile international education program while working in a collaborative, purpose-driven team environment.

• Based in Adelaide, Brisbane or Canberra, Australia Preferred.
• Duration – 3 years
• Applications close on Friday 10th July 2026 at 11:59pm AEST
• Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible

About Palladium

Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world’s leading project management and engineering organisations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talented colleagues, in environments where your work can truly make a difference.

About the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Program Support Unit (PSU)

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 NCP alumni contribute their skills, knowledge and networks to Australia’s enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This is achieved through three complementary grants 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 Program Support Unit (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 grants 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 NCP Scholarships team function includes a team of Scholarship Coordinators who collectively support NCP scholars to undertake immersive, quality experiences in the Indo Pacific. Reporting to the Senior Coordinator, Scholarships, Scholarship Coordinators are responsible for assisting scholars at each stage of their scholarship program, ensuring they meet the requirements of the scholarship grant agreement and are contributing to the objectives of the NCP.

Scholarship Coordinators manage a diverse caseload of scholars undertaking study, language learning and internships in various contexts and locations, ranging from small Pacific Island nations to large Asian

countries. The role entails some interaction with other NCP stakeholders, including university partners, internship providers, and alumni, and is expected to maintain a high standard of professional representation at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

You will:

• Provide high-quality, timely support to scholars throughout all phases of their program
• Maintain regular communication with scholars to monitor progress, wellbeing and compliance
• Administer travel, payments, leave approvals and program variations
• Ensure compliance with scholarship agreements, policies and risk management requirements
• Manage data entry, documentation and records in program systems with accuracy and timeliness
• Liaise with universities, internship providers and other stakeholders
• Support reporting, including weekly statistics and program insights
• Identify and escalate welfare, safety or compliance issues where required
• Contribute to program improvement, communications and monitoring & evaluation activities
• Support selection processes and pre-departure activities as needed

Please refer to the Terms of Reference to learn more about the role, click here .

About You

• Experience coordinating large scale administrative or program delivery functions aligning to guidelines and compliance requirements, preferably within higher education, scholarship, grants 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

Click the "Apply Now" button below and please 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 10th July at 11:59pm AEST

This position is open to residents with authority to live and work in Australia. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply promptly, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

About Palladium

Palladium is a global company working to design, develop and deliver positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the globe; broaden access to health, water, power, and infrastructure; build enduring, sustainable, and transformative institutions and market systems to address global challenges; and conserve the natural world. We operate in over 90 countries and have a workforce of 4,000 talented, motivated, and diverse staff of all religions, races, languages, and gender identities. 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 [email protected] 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.