ASI has an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer with road network experience. Join our team in Vanuatu and contribute to building roads and improving connectivity to remote communities. The Engineering Adviser – Projects will provide technical assistance, guidance, and mentorship to counterparts in Public Works Department (PWD) and Ministry of Public Utilities’ (MIPU) and to support works planning, delivery, and capacity building as a road network manager.

The Project

The Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) program is a five-year (2024-2029) investment funded by the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). VAI4D supports the Government of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) to achieve sustainable and well-maintained infrastructure and services for all, through inclusive and effective partnerships. VAI4D continues Australia’s assistance to MIPU/PWD to effectively and efficiently managed Vanuatu’s public roads network while expanding support for strengthening the capacity of MIPU to deliver infrastructure projects in civil aviation, ports and marine, and public buildings.

The VAI4D investment is focused on three end of program outcomes (EOPOs): 

EOPO 1: MIPU PWD manages Vanuatu’s public roads network effectively and efficiently.
EOPO 2: MIPU (civil aviation &/or ports and marine &/or public buildings) use improved systems, processes, and technologies.
EOPO 3: GoV agencies deliver infrastructure portfolios and projects more coherently, effectively, and efficiently, in coordination with GoA partners.

VAI4D also mainstreams and spotlights cross-cutting areas, including gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate change & disaster risk resilience, social and environmental safeguards, localisation, and asset management through the identification, planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of projects.

Duties And Responsibilities
Core Duties and Responsibilities: 
-Provide guidance and feedback to PWD Projects Unit as required including project identification, design, cost estimation, tender and contract documentation preparation, contract administration and project management. 
-Provide support for management of projects to build capacity of PWD Projects Unit and Divisional staff to undertake this role. 
-Support PWD Projects Unit to prepare and monitor the execution of major projects. 
-Support PWD to identify, prepare new project proposals for annual budget submissions. 
-Support PWD to identify potential sources of funding (including AIFFP) and, assist with submissions and consultations to secure funding for major projects. 
-Ensure Social and Environmental Safeguards considerations are addressed in works planning and implementation. 
-Ensure works adhere to PWD Roads and Bridges Design Guide: Incorporating Climate Resilient Design, PWD Standard Drawings and PWD Standard       -Technical Specification for Road and Bridge Works and ensure, environment and safety considerations are addressed in all works undertaken. 
 

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities: 
-Support the introduction of innovative construction techniques, equipment and materials to enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of -PWD works including the trailing of new technologies to enhance construction supervision and monitoring. 
-Provide technical training and ongoing on-the-job mentoring for PWD engineers including road design and climate disaster and resilience. 
-Other duties as assigned by the Lead Engineering Adviser and/or Team Leader. 
 

Requirements:

Required Qualifications And Experience
-Relevant qualifications in civil engineering, ideally with a focus on road network planning, operations and management.
-Demonstrated experience in strategic and operational planning within a road network manager context.
-Demonstrated experience working within public sector agencies, ideally in the Pacific or a similar setting.
-Demonstrated experience in developing the capacity of government agencies and staff, ideally in the Pacific or a similar setting.
-Demonstrated experience in contract project management and administration, project development and procurement.
-Demonstrated experience in asset and network management systems.
-Knowledge of and experience working in a remote setting, ideally in the Pacific or a similar setting.
-Understanding of and commitment to Australian aid safeguard issues, specifically child protection, gender mainstreaming, and disability inclusion.
-Detailed understanding of safety and environmental protection on the road programs.
-Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship management skills.
-Demonstrated experience in the management of contracts and contractors, focused on ensuring quality outputs.
 

How To Apply

Please submit your application online and all applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications and experience, a CV of no more than three pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.