Business Development Manager - PLMSP

Timor-Leste Business Development Advisor

About Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative for the Australian Government that enables workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Timor- Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program’s (PLMSP) role is to provide the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and governments in 9 PICs and Timor-Leste with support to enable workers to access PALM scheme in inclusive ways that maximise the benefits for the workers and national economies while minimising risks from labour mobility participation. Palladium is contracted to deliver PLMSP on behalf of DFAT.

Timor Leste Scale Up

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão released a joint statement on 21 December 2024 announcing bilateral funding of nearly A$50m (A$48.6m) for the Timor-Leste-Australia Labour Mobility and Skills Partnership, to equip Timorese workers with job-ready skills and provide them with more employment opportunities. The Partnership will help contribute to long term economic growth for Timor Leste and will assist the country to achieve its target of 10,000 workers in the PALM scheme by 2027-28.

This Opportunity

The Timor-Leste Business Development Advisor will be responsible for leading Timor-Leste’s efforts in increasing awareness of and demand for Timorese labour by engaging with Australian industries and Approved Employers (AEs) to promote Timorese labour. While based in Australia and working day-to-day with PLMSP, the BD Adviser will report directly to the SEFOPE Secretary of State (or his nominee). This unique arrangement ensures that the role remains firmly embedded within Timor-Leste’s strategic vision while benefiting from PLMSP’s operational support and industry networks.

This is a fixed term opportunity required to the end of June 2027.

Responsibilities

· Contribute to the development and delivery of a Timor‑Leste labour Expansion Approach, consulting with government, industry, training providers and whole‑of‑government partners to increase Australian employer uptake.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with Australian employers to understand their workforce needs and promote the value of hiring Timorese PALM workers.

· Engage closely with PLMSP’s PTLE team, Strategic Growth team, the LSU and Timor‑Leste Government to strengthen the brand and positioning of Timorese labour supply.
Lead and manage industry‑focused promotional and educational activities to increase awareness of the PALM scheme and grow demand for Timorese workers, including industry forums, recruitment visits and targeted outreach.

· Support Australia‑based Timor-Leste CLOs and Labour Attachés to strengthen relationships between employers and Timorese PALM workers.

· Provide advice, written briefs and presentations on process improvements that meet industry needs while upholding good‑practice employment and safety standards.

· Work with the PLMSP GEDSI team to identify and promote inclusive employment opportunities for Timorese women, people with disabilities and remote‑area communities.

· Provide market intelligence and insights to DFAT, SEFOPE and PLMSP leadership on risks, opportunities, sentiment and industry trends relevant to the PALM scheme.

We are seeking an individual who:

· Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Minimum 5 years’ experience in business development, stakeholder engagement or similar management roles.

· Strong understanding of Timorese cultures, values and ways of working, with the ability to operate effectively in cross‑cultural contexts.

· Well‑established networks within the Australian business community and the ability to confidently engage in “business‑to‑business” conversations.

· Broad understanding of labour and workforce needs across multiple Australian industry sectors.

· Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with industry associations, peak bodies, employers and other key stakeholders.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to develop trust, rapport and influence diverse internal and external partners.

· Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities, with experience managing or guiding teams and communicating effectively in English.

We are committed to building a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce to maximize our support. We encourage applications from candidates from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste, and across Australia. You must have valid Australian work rights to be considered for this position - visa sponsorship is not available.

We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Disclosing about your disability will not negatively affect your application. Please tell us as much as you feel comfortable for us to work with you about the appropriate adjustments that you might need. If you would like further information or assistance with this, please contact recruitment@plmsp.com.au

How to Apply

To apply visit https://thepalladiumgroup.com/careers

Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Please note the recruitment process can take between 6 – 8 weeks from close of advertisement for the full process to be completed.

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About Palladium

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.