Job description

Position Description 

Position: Building Adviser

Program: Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D)

Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu

Duration: Until June 30, 2026 (with the option to extend)

Required Travel: Possibility of travel within Vanuatu

Reports To: Lead Engineering Adviser

Direct Reports: Nil

Background

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.

Position Summary

The Building Adviser (BA) will work closely with MIPU’s Public Works Department (PWD) to drive the successful planning and delivery of building projects as well as improving processes and systems within the Architects Unit of PWD. The BA will also work with the Ministry of Internal Affairs/Port Vila City Council ‘s Town Planning Division to fulfil their mandate to approve building permits and inspect buildings for compliance with the Vanuatu National Building Code. Assist in the preparation of workplans and ongoing workplan revisions.

Background

The Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’) is an Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) funded initiative. Commencing from January 2025, it will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with Australia's International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan.  

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.  The Fiji Program Support Platform will operate until 30 September 2029.

Region: Pacific

​Country, (City):

Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) 

Type: Contract - Part-Time

Summary: 

The Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is a new permanent visa program delivered by the Australian Government that was launched in 2024. Under the PEV, up to 3,000 visas will be allocated to Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals annually by a ballot process across participating countries. Applicants selected in the ballot are able to apply for permanent residence in Australia. 

The PEV aims to increase permanent migration from the Pacific and Timor-Leste, growing the diaspora in Australia, strengthening people-to-people links, and encouraging greater cultural, business and educational exchange. DFAT has appointed a consortium led by Icon Agency (the Icon Consortium) to deliver the Pacific Engagement Visa offshore support services. Consortium partner Island Spirit is responsible for in-country services, supporting PEV clients in each participating country through the ballot, visa application and pre-departure stages.

Location: Dili, Timor-Leste

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is Australia’s largest and most significant infrastructure investment in the Pacific. This $4 billion infrastructure initiative is actively engaging with countries in the region to significantly boost Australia’s support for infrastructure development in Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. The Facility uses grant funding combined with loans to support the development of high priority, quality infrastructure.

The AIFFP Investment Preparation and Support Unit (SU), managed by Tetra Tech International Development, is contracted to support the AIFFP meet its objectives.

The AIFFP requires an Independent Environmental and Social Consultant (IESC) to assess the E&S compliance of AIFFP projects for the lender of record, Export Finance Australia (EFA). The IESC will be required for up to five projects over the contract period. The IESC will be required initially for three port projects under the AIFFP funded Papua New Guinea (PNG) Ports Infrastructure Investment Program: 1) Oro Bay, 2) Kavieng, 3) Lae Tidal Basin.

The purpose of the IESC role is to provide an independent assessment of the adequacy of the E&S project documentation for EFA and AIFFP and provide an opinion as to whether the Borrower (project proponent) has the capacity to implement the project in accordance with the following safeguards standards:

• Equator Principles, 4th Edition
• The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards 2012
• World Bank Group General Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines
• Other relevant sector-specific World Bank Group EHS Guidelines (e.g. ports, roads)
• DFAT Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy
• National laws, regulations and permits that pertain to environmental and social issues.

EFA will be relying on the IESC to inform their risk screening and approval processes to comply with the EFA Policy for environmental and social review of transactions.

Contribute to impactful change in the Pacific! We’re seeking an experienced Climate Science Specialist to assist the Republic of Marshall Islands’ Climate Change Directorate mitigate the impacts of climate change.