Careers at UniSC

• CIDSEL | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Professional Level 7, $102,512 – $112,061 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed term appointment for two years

The Opportunity

The Centre for International Development, Social Enterprise and Leadership (CIDSEL) at the University of the Sunshine Coast plays a key role in advancing UniSC’s global engagement through the delivery of international development and capacity-building programs across the Indo-Pacific. Working with government, industry and community partners, CIDSEL designs and delivers impactful initiatives that strengthen leadership, employability and inclusive development outcomes, aligned with UniSC’s purpose of transforming lives through learning.

As the Senior Project Specialist – Short Courses, you will lead the delivery of DFAT-funded international short course programs, including the AAPNG Youth Short Courses project. Reporting to the General Manager, CIDSEL, you will oversee end-to-end project delivery, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and financial and contractual compliance. You will work closely with internal teams, international partners and service providers to ensure high-quality, culturally appropriate programs delivered both in-country and in Australia. Occasional travel to PNG will be required.

For more information on CIDSEL, please visit us online: Centre for International Development, Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership (CIDSEL)

You will

• provide strategic project leadership to deliver DFAT-funded international short course programs on time, to scope and in line with UniSC and donor requirements;
• embed Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles across program design, delivery and reporting to demonstrate impact; and
• build and maintain effective relationships with government, industry, NGO and community stakeholders, ensuring strong partnerships, compliance and high-quality program outcomes.

About you

You are a highly capable international development professional with strong project management expertise and a commitment to inclusive and ethical practice. You thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and bring sound judgement, attention to detail and cultural awareness to your work. You communicate effectively across cultures, manage competing priorities with confidence and contribute positively to collaborative project teams.

You will possess:

• an undergraduate degree with at least four years’ subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
• demonstrated experience managing donor-funded or government-funded international development projects;
• sound knowledge of DFAT aid priorities and the international development landscape;
• proven capability in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and evidence-based reporting;
• strong understanding and practical application of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles;
• well-developed stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural communication skills; and
• strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description: Senior Project Specialist - Short Courses

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 10 February 2026. 

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Tami Harriott
General Manager, CIDSEL
Telephone: 07 5456 3522
Email: tharriot@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.