International Manager

Full-time, Ongoing Position

Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)

Melbourne, VIC

Are you passionate about advancing workers’ rights on a global stage? The ACTU is seeking an International Manager to lead our international program, build global solidarity, and represent the Australian union movement in key international forums.

The ACTU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich cultural and social diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

About Us

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) represents almost 2 million workers and their families. Since 1927, we have led some of the most significant workplace struggles in Australia’s history. The ACTU’s role as a peak body is to encourage workers to join their union, be a national voice for our movement, and advance and defend workers’ rights through coordinated campaigns, representation, and support for our affiliates.

The Role

As International Manager, you will deliver the ACTU’s international policy priorities in collaboration with affiliates and regional and international organisations. You will develop, implement, and review the ACTU’s international program, policies, campaigns, and solidarity actions, supporting the growth of genuine trade unions worldwide. You will manage a small team, represent the ACTU at international forums, and provide policy advice and research on global issues impacting workers’ rights.

Note: The role requires frequent travel interstate and overseas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ACTU’s engagement with regional and global union bodies, including ITUC, TUAC, ILO, and relevant organisations.
• Manage a small team to deliver on international priorities.
• Facilitate and enhance the involvement of ACTU affiliates in international work, including supporting the ACTU’s international committee.
• Represent the ACTU at international meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Provide policy advice and research on international issues affecting workers’ rights and ACTU Congress Policy.
• Advocate and engage with government and external stakeholders on priority international issues.
• Support ACTU delegations to international meetings and events.
• Ensure delivery of ACTU commitments under funded international programs.
  
  

Key Selection Criteria

• High-level understanding of Australian and international trade union movement values, policies, and structures.
• Knowledge of key international institutions and policy issues relating to workers’ rights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and analyse policy and advocate for change.
• Experience working in international settings and respecting cultural and social diversity.
• Capacity to represent a national peak body in international fora.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and handle sensitive information.
• Experience managing a small team.
• Commitment to trade union values and social justice.
  
  

Benefits

The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $142,677 – $162,159 depending on skills and experience, along with:

• Additional 15% superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Working from home opportunities
• Generous leave arrangements, including up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• The opportunity to work a rostered day off arrangement
  
  

How To Apply

Please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role, along with your CV, to the Ben Moxham, Director, Industrial and Policy at [email protected].

Please note: Applications without a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria will not be considered.

Closing Date: Applications close on Friday, 16 January 2026

Apply Now