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.

Job description

Position Description 

Position: Infrastructure Adviser

Program: Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D)

Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu

Duration: Upto 100 days (with the option to extend)

Required Travel: Possible 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 Infrastructure Adviser (IA) will work closely with MIPU’s Public Works Department (PWD) and with the Department of Ports and Harbor (DPH) and Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu (CAAV) to undertake a comprehensive and thorough Domestic Ports and Airports Situation and Needs analysis focusing on infrastructure assets development and management. The IA would then recommend opportunities for support from VAI4D to drive the successful delivery of aviation and maritime infrastructure initiatives, supporting the achievement of program outcomes.

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.

• Drive strategic initiatives that empower communities and enhance economic growth through labour mobility 

• Based in Suva, Fiji 

• 4 Year fixed term contract (with possibility of ongoing extension)  

Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Program and Logistics Officer role on the PNG-Australia Institutional Partnership Program (PIPP). This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and it is open to PNG Citizens. 

Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Project Accountant, Accelerated Immunisation and Health System Strengthening Phase 2 (AIHSS2) role on the PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH) Program. This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and it is open to PNG Citizens Only.

Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Senior Grants Manager role on the PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH) Program. This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and it is open to all applicants. 

Program Overview:

The Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP, or the ‘Platform’) is a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment that will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the 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, climate 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 Platform has three functional Outcomes: 

1. The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.
2. The Platform has prioritised gender equality and disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji agencies.
3. The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.

The Platform implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji. 

The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sectoral programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted beneficiaries including those who are often marginalised.

The Australian Government is currently delivering three social infrastructure programs (Infrastructure Programs) in Fiji:

• The Cyclone Recovery Program will deliver infrastructure upgrades at Taveuni and Kadavu hospitals. The program will conclude 31 December 2025. 
• The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital Redevelopment Master Plan will deliver a comprehensive masterplan for a new national referral hospital. 
• Fiji Social Infrastructure Program will support upgrades to school infrastructure, commencing with priority schools identified through an audit of Suva-Nausori school infrastructure; and provide technical assistance to the Ministries of Education and Health to uplift their systems, process and capacity for maintenance and upgrades over the medium term.

The incumbent will also manage the Platform’s Infrastructure flexible fund. These programs will be delivered through the Platform, and compliment other infrastructure investments that are delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).