Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Sunday 17 August 2025 The Australian Government is committed to a package of whole-of-government initiatives to implement and extend our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India, now in its fifth year, including the 2025 Roadmap for Australia-India Economic Relations. In Australia, the Centre for Australia-lndia Relations was established in 2023 to propel and strengthen community, institutional and business ties, including through a suite of new Maitri (friendship) scholarships, fellowships, partnerships, and targeted events. The Centre serves as a national platform for our burgeoning bilateral cooperation with India. It promotes policy dialogue; builds Australian-lndian business literacy and links; engages Indian Australian diaspora communities to support the bilateral relationship; and deepens cultural connections and understanding. It administers the $20 million Maitri (friendship) scholarships, fellowships and grants program, and cultural partnerships. The Centre's headquarters is located in Sydney, but its work is federal in nature and the CEO position reports to the First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division in Canberra. Beyond its start-up phase, the Centre seeks a highly qualified and experienced Chief Executive Officer to lead its strategic direction and deliver intended outcomes. The successful candidate will have exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including an ability to work with Government Ministers, demonstrated public advocacy skills, a strong understanding of India and issues affecting the Australia-lndia relationships, and a track record of delivering strong outcomes and demonstrated financial management skills in an institution of similar size and stature. Alignment of the Centre's work with the Government's strategic objectives for India is key. We welcome candidates from government and non-government backgrounds (including private sector and not-for-profits) who can apply their knowledge to critically examine complex issues, develop sound policy advice, manage financial delegations consistent with Australian government legislative obligations, and implement solutions. A merit pool will be established for future similar vacancies over the next 18 months. DFAT is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds. Please refer to our Workplace Diversity webpage for further information. Our ideal candidate will have: Demonstrated senior strategic leadership, and people and financial management experience in a similar role delivering high quality outcomes including complex programs designed to strengthen bilateral connections. Exceptional communication and representation skills with an ability to influence diverse audiences, advocate desired outcomes, build common understanding and shape public perceptions. Includes high level political acumen. Extensive experience in corporate leadership including managing complex budgets, leading multidisciplinary teams, cultivating inclusive and high performing work cultures, implementing policies and programs, and ensuring financial accountability and compliance. An understanding of Australian Government legislation, regulations and policies will be essential to succeeding in the role. Outstanding stakeholder management skills, with a highly collaborative style of communication and ability to engage at high levels with governments, business, education, cultural and civil society sectors, including diaspora communities. Demonstrated ability to nurture relationships and build productive high-level networks that deliver value for the Centre and impact for Government. Demonstrated nuanced understanding of India, Australia-lndia relations, and Australia's objectives in the Indo-Pacific. Leadership experience in an Australia-lndia relations role or similar will be highly regarded. High level integrity and commitment to modelling APS values and the leadership attributes set out in the APSC Secretaries' Charter of Leadership Behaviours (Value Others, Be Respectful, Have Integrity, Be Dynamic). The key duties of the position include The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include: Leading the Centre as a national platform for expanding and strengthening relations with India, including across government, business, industry, education, culture, arts, sports and diaspora community sectors. Includes regular public advocacy in a range of forums. In close consultation with DFAT, shaping the strategic direction of the Centre to galvanise cross-sectoral efforts, leverage cross-sectoral resources, springboard government policies, including through grant programs, promote Australia-lndia public dialogue and build the Centre's reputation to position it as a premier forum for advancing Australia-lndia non-government relations. Working closely to DFAT's senior leadership, the Foreign Minister, other Australian Government agencies, and Australian state governments, to ensure strong strategic alignment with broader bilateral and regional objectives. Manage and deliver sizeable grants program aligned with government efforts to bolster the Australia-India relationship. Overseeing ethical and accountable implementation of approved workplans and the Centre's substantial grants programs. Consulting widely and regularly with leading India-Australia stakeholders in both Australia and India to ensure the Centre's strategic workplans are fit-for-purpose and aligned with government and community expectations. Delivering draft business plans and strategic workplans for DFAT and Advisory Board approval. Reporting regularly on the Centre's performance against agreed objectives. Managing a multidisciplinary team and cultivating an inclusive, high-performance culture consistent with APS people, financial management and integrity policies. Also managing complex program budgets and other resources, and ensuring accountability and compliance with Australian Government legislation, regulations and policies.
