CIFAL Newcastle Centre Director

Our university

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence, with a vision to be a world-leading university for our regions. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead 2030 strategic plan is a commitment to shaping a future that reflects the ambitions of our students and staff, and the priorities of our communities.

In the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings we ranked 30^th overall globally and in the top 20 globally across seven (7) Sustainable Development Goals categories.

The University has a global leader ranking of 3^rd for Climate Action (SDG 13), 3^rd for Life Below Water (SDG 14), 8^th for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6),12^th in the world for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and 14^th in the world for Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).

Our centre

CIFAL Newcastle, a United Nations/UNITAR International Training and Outreach centre supporting, promoting and enabling progress towards the UN’s seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a collaborative endeavour between the City of Newcastle, the University and the UNITAR. Part of the global CIFAL Network, CIFAL Newcastle is the only centre in the Australia and New Zealand region and is proudly hosted by the University of Newcastle.

Embedded within the University of Newcastle, CIFAL Newcastle is an international training centre whose mission is to build the capacity of authorities and leaders in civil society, locally, nationally, and internationally. This is achieved through delivering quality training in targeted areas related to the United Nations SDGs at all levels, from non-award short courses through to Masters level degrees.

The centre is located within the Engagement and Equity Division, alongside units focused on community partnerships, equity and diversity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. and other UNESCO initiatives for equity in higher education.

Be challenged and imagine with us

The CIFAL Newcastle Centre Director will provide strategic leadership and direction for the CIFAL Newcastle Centre. The aim of the Centre is to train, convene and create partnerships and projects that contribute to achieving the United Nations SDGs globally locally, throughout the region, and globally.

The Centre Director will contribute to this goal by working collaboratively with program leaders, the University, broader communities, and community partners to help achieve the Goals through CIFAL Newcastle activities.

How will you inspire us

The Centre Director must enthusiastically support and be familiar with the United Nations SDGs, embrace the values of the University of Newcastle, and respect its tradition of serving students of diverse background, especially Indigenous Australians.

If successful, you will be responsible for a diverse range of functions including design and implementation of a suite of programming. This will include research, training and awareness raising initiatives that simultaneously satisfy the strategic objectives of the University of Newcastle, the requirements of the City of Newcastle and address the United Nations priorities related to the seventeen (17) SDGs.

As a professional leader of a high profile global centre, the CIFAL Centre Director will bring together educational expertise with experience in partnerships, program design and delivery. While we welcome candidates with experience across government, non-government and industry sectors, the ideal candidate will have an academic background, including an in-depth understanding of the Australian tertiary education sector and teaching and learning experience in curriculum design and delivery.

Essential criteria include:

• PhD qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or extensive industry or government experience and proven management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training;
• Minimum five-years’ experience in an academic, postdoctoral, or professional role in a field relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience including the ability to lead/inspire others to deliver exceptional outcomes;
• Proven capability in managing programs, large projects including financial management. Strong commercial acumen and high-level negotiating and influencing experience;
• Demonstrated ability to apply strategic direction and use sound judgement to make critical decisions;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships and networks in a consultative and collaboratively manner with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated capacity to represent the University externally;
• Highly developed leadership and management skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

What we offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• Flexible working arrangements 
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Career development opportunities
• Great Lifestyle – Enjoy the best of coastal living in Newcastle, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and easy connectivity to major cities through the city's airport.

This position will be offered on a 3 -year fixed term (full-time) contract basis.

The Director CIFAL is classified as a HEW9 position, with a salary range between $136,030 to $145,745 plus 17% superannuation.

For further information on our benefits, please visit our website.

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application. 

Your application must include:

i. Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):

o   Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees.

o   Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description. 

ii. Your CV (max. 5 pages)

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Mark Glaze, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition via employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience. 

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date

Applications close on 10 August 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

 We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.