ACIAR is a small agency with a domestic and international focus. It comprises three branches: Research, Partnerships and Corporate. Reporting to a Research Director, the Livestock Research Program Manager (RPM) will be responsible for design, delivery and monitoring of ACIAR research investments for the livestock program. The remit of the livestock program is to invest in research that simultaneously improves productivity and profitability whilst enhancing food security, human nutrition, environmental stewardship and animal welfare. The livestock program is diverse and includes projects addressing declining livestock system productivity due to climate change, sustainable intensification of small-scale livestock systems, the development of tools and strategies for disease prevention/control, and understanding and promoting the contribution of livestock to human nutrition, health and societal wellbeing. We are looking for someone to develop, commission and manage a portfolio of livestock research-for-development projects that contribute to ACIAR's Strategy and thematic priorities. Projects typically involve partnerships that link the innovation systems in Australia to those in ACIAR's partner countries. We are looking for an experienced research leader with deep subject matter understanding and strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills. To ensure success, the research program manager should have experience motivating diverse teams, managing risks, balancing project scope/budget/time, and navigating stakeholder expectations to deliver high-quality research outcomes. The ideal candidate should be an adaptable, resilient, detail-oriented problem-solver who can see the big picture, foster collaboration and learn from mistakes. The position is based at our headquarters in Canberra, and we are seeking someone with the ability to travel internationally to establish new investments or review existing project activities. The key duties of the position include Manage ACIAR's Livestock program and contribute to ACIAR's corporate activities through the following duties: Grow a portfolio of livestock related research projects that simultaneously improves productivity and profitability whilst enhancing food security, human nutrition, environmental stewardship and animal welfare Support prioritisation and development of livestock program investment opportunities adapting to changing partner country priorities, strategic research needs, and comparative advantage. Foster and grow resilient professional networks and partnerships with research institutions specialising in livestock research within Australia and in partner countries. In response to possible investment priorities, facilitate the development, review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the research investments, ensuring the scientific and technical basis of projects is robust and maximising the potential contribution of the findings to a broader range of stakeholders. Develop and maintain a robust programmatic Theory of Change and associated Monitoring and evaluation activities aligned with the ACIAR 10-Year Strategy and reporting framework as well as whole of government reporting. Contribute guidance and expertise to project development across other parts of the ACIAR research portfolio including through peer review, inputs to submissions and reviews, and participation in internal committees. Ensure consistent adherence to ACIAR policies, procedures and systems. Provide expertise, experience and support in market scanning for research and capacity development related procurement activities.
