Operations Manager

Manila, Philippines | Full-time |One-year fixed-term contract
Applicants must have the right to work in the Philippines.

• Lead operations, procurement, HR administration, risk and compliance for a major international development program.
• Support the effective delivery of Australia Awards Philippines.
• Work collaboratively with DFAT, Tetra Tech, partners and a diverse program team.

Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with governments, businesses and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tetra Tech has a 40-year history of successfully delivering international development projects on behalf of donors around the world. Our people work alongside local partners to support stability, economic growth and good governance, positively changing people’s lives.

The opportunity

Australia Awards Philippines (AAP) supports the selection, mobilisation and reintegration of Filipino Australia Awards recipients. The Program also supports short courses, fellowships and learning visits, and facilitates ongoing engagement between Australia and Australian-educated Filipino alumni.

AAP strengthens bilateral cooperation by fostering people-to-people and institutional links between Australia and the Philippines. The Program also supports cross-cutting priorities including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), localisation and climate change.

As the Operations Manager, you will lead the operational functions that enable AAP to deliver effectively, efficiently and in compliance with DFAT, Tetra Tech and Philippine requirements.

Reporting to the Program and Partnerships Director, you will oversee office operations, procurement, contract administration, human resource administration, risk and compliance, operational planning and business continuity. You will establish and maintain systems, processes and controls that support accountability, efficiency and service quality across the Program.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in strengthening the operational foundations of a high-profile program that contributes to Australia–Philippines relations and the professional development of Filipino leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead office operations, administration, facilities, assets, logistics and business continuity arrangements.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve program policies, procedures, systems and operational controls.
• Oversee procurement, contract administration and supplier management, ensuring transparency, value for money and compliance.
• Manage human resource administration, including recruitment, onboarding, workforce processes, employee records and implementation of HR policies.
• Support operational planning, budgeting, resource allocation and reporting.
• Embed effective governance, risk management and compliance practices across program activities.
• Support compliance with safeguarding, fraud control, privacy, records management, child protection and PSEAH requirements.
• Identify operational risks, provide practical advice and escalate issues appropriately.
• Build productive relationships with staff, service providers, partners, Tetra Tech corporate teams and other stakeholders.
• Lead, supervise and develop operational staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational performance, compliance and service delivery.

About You

You will be an experienced operations professional with the ability to manage multiple functions in a complex organisation, program or project environment.

You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, management, administration, human resources, procurement, international development or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational functions, systems, processes and controls.
• Experience overseeing procurement, contract administration and supplier management.
• Experience managing HR administration and supporting workforce policies and processes.
• Experience leading, supervising and developing staff.
• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management and compliance principles.
• Excellent organisational, planning, problem-solving and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, make recommendations and escalate issues appropriately.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, correspondence and briefing materials.
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using operational systems and databases.
• A collaborative, inclusive and solutions-focused approach.
• Strong integrity, professionalism, accountability and attention to detail.

Experience working in a donor-funded, international development, government or similarly complex operating environment is desirable. Experience working in the Philippines or a comparable context will also be highly regarded.

For a complete position description, please click here.

How to Apply

If this opportunity has sparked your interest and you have the skills and expertise required, please click the "Apply for job" button. 

Please submit:

• Resume
• Statement of suitability (not exceeding two pages), demonstrating how your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and personal attributes align with the selection criteria.

Apply before 11:59 PM AEST, 13 October 2026