Vuvale Community Grants Program Manager - Australia Pacific Leaders Program (APLP)

Australia Pacific Leaders Program (APLP)

- Locally engaged position open to candidates who have the right to live and work in Fiji; relocation and international employment benefits will not be applied.
- Part-time inputs - 3 days per week, commencing December 2026 and contract until 30 June 2027.
- Base in Suva, Fiji.

Overview:

The Australian High Commission’s Vuvale Community Grants program provides funding for small-scale, locally led activities that support practical and sustainable development outcomes in Fiji.

The 2026–27 grant round will be managed through SmartyGrants, with applications closing in December 2026. The position will provide practical administrative and coordination support to Suva Post across the grant round and during early implementation of successful activities.

Position Summary:

The Grants Program Manager will provide administrative and coordination support for the Vuvale Community Grants program. The role will manage grant records and correspondence, liaise with applicants and grant recipients, support assessment and due diligence, prepare grant documentation, and track payments, milestones and reporting.

The position will be engaged through the Australia Pacific Leaders Program (APLP) and will work under the day-to-day direction of DFAT at the Australian High Commission in Suva.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant administration and applicant support

- Manage the administration of the Vuvale Community Grants program in SmartyGrants.
- Manage the grants mailbox and applicant enquiries.
- Follow up with applicants and community members as required and maintain.

Assessment and due diligence

- Support assessment of applications, due diligence and preparation of recommendations for the High Commission’s grants committee.
- Ensure compliance with DFAT Community Grants Program Guidance 2026-27.
- Follow up with applicants where further information is required.

Grant agreements and payments

- Prepare grant agreements and supporting documentation.
- Track payments, spending and outstanding actions.

Recipient support and monitoring

- Provide administrative support to grant recipients and follow up on reporting requirements.
- Establish and maintain productive and respectful working relationships with applicants and recipients.
- Monitor delivery, expenditure and risks, and raise issues with High Commission team members as required.
- Support risk management across the grant cycle, including identifying emerging risks, contributing to mitigation strategies, and informing the Second Secretary of any significant issues.

Records and reporting

- Maintain accurate grant records and provide regular updates to the High Commission.
- Support grant reporting and acquittal processes.
- Comply with relevant Australian Government and High Commission requirements, including conduct, privacy, record keeping, fraud control and safeguarding.

Key Working Relationships:

Reporting to

- Second Secretary, Australian High Commission

Other

- Other Australian High Commission staff
- Grant applicants and recipients
- APLP Program Support Unit, particularly the Program Activity Lead

Selection criteria

Qualifications

- Relevant tertiary qualifications (international development, business, management, etc.)

Skills and Experience

- Experience in grants administration, program coordination, community development or a similar role.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage records, deadlines and follow-up actions accurately.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage effectively with community organisations and individuals.
- Experience reviewing applications, financial information or supporting documentation.
- Sound judgement, attention to detail and ability to work with limited supervision.
- Good written and verbal English and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of Fiji’s community context and experience with SmartyGrants or similar systems would be an advantage.

How to apply:

Applications close on 15 November 2026 .

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the selection criteria of this role up-to-date comprehensive CV.

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