REnew Pacific is calling for applications from potential partners to deliver off-grid renewable energy solutions in remote and rural communities across the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.

This Call for Proposals seeks solutions that will:

• increase access to reliable and affordable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote communities
• improve lives, livelihoods and climate resilience of remote communities, especially women and people with disabilities.

REnew Pacific

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REnew Pacific is a AU$75M program over 4.5 years. It aims to scale and expand on the critical lessons learned in the DFAT-funded Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) pilot to support DFAT and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to address climate infrastructure mitigation, adaptation and resilience among Pacific states and help Australia be the climate infrastructure partner of choice in the Pacific.

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.

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.

Duration

Until 31 October 2025 (6-8 months)

Location

Hanoi, Vietnam

Reports to

P4I Energy Lead

Closing date

04 Apr 2025

About P4I

Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is an Australian Government initiative partnering with Southeast Asia to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth through quality infrastructure. P4I partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

P4I works with partners to strengthen infrastructure decision-making and practice across the transport, energy, utilities and telecommunications sectors. P4I’s focus is on the early stages of the infrastructure lifecycle, including planning and prioritisation, financing strategy, and procurement.

The four main services offered by P4I are linkages with Australian government agencies and other institutions, technical and policy advice, infrastructure project advice and knowledge-sharing and learning.
As the foundation of quality infrastructure, P4I also integrates gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, and disaster risk reduction and climate change considerations into all activities.

Delivered through a single team, P4I is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in collaboration with Ernst & Young, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation and Ninti One. P4I has a head office in Bangkok, with other staff located around the region.

Scope of Work

The responsibilities of the Expert will depend on specific skills and job requirements, as well as the needs of P4I and ERAV in knowledge sharing and capacity building for ERAV. The Expert will provide support to ERAV’s Power Market Department under the expert-sharing cooperation mechanism. Responsibilities will be based on the Expert’s qualifications and may include (but are not limited to) the following tasks as requested for research by P4I and ERAV.

1. Facilitate ongoing technical collaboration with ERAV through expert support, knowledge sharing, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives.
2. Sharing information on the activities on the survey and Market Analysis and Technical Support as requested
   • Collection of Quantitative Data:
      
     1. Gather historical market data, including electricity demand, generation, pricing trends, and settlement outcomes.
     2. Collect statistics on market participation, such as the number of wholesalers, independent power producers (IPPs), and renewable energy generators.
     3. Obtain data on curtailment rates for renewable energy, grid congestion issues, and system outages.
   • Qualitative Data Collection:
      
     1. Conduct interviews and surveys with key stakeholders, including ERAV, market participants, grid operators, and independent power producers.
     2. Gather insights into operational challenges, regulatory hurdles, and market design concerns directly from stakeholders.
   • Market Analysis and Technical Support:
      
     1. Conduct in-depth analysis of Vietnam’s wholesale electricity market (VWEM), including its design, implementation, and alignment with intended objectives.
     2. Identify challenges and propose practical solutions for improving the VWEM, addressing inefficiencies, transparency, and market participation.
   • Policy and Regulatory Guidance:
      
     1. Provide insights into Vietnam’s regulatory and policy landscape, particularly the New Electricity Law and related regulations (e.g., Circular No. 21/2024/TT-BCT, etc.).
     2. Advise on integrating renewable energy and implementing mechanisms like direct power purchase agreements to foster private sector investment.
   • Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building:
      
     1. Assist in organizing workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder consultations to share Australia’s experience in competitive power markets and renewable energy integration.
     2. Support ERAV in building institutional capacity to implement and manage wholesale market reforms effectively.
   • Engagement with Stakeholders:
      
     1. Serve as the primary local liaison with ERAV and other key stakeholders (e.g., energy companies, government agencies, and market participants).
     2. Facilitate communication between P4I’s Australian experts and Vietnamese stakeholders, ensuring mutual understanding of technical concepts and recommendations.
   • Program Coordination:
      
     1. Coordinate local logistics for P4I’s program activities, including meetings, site visits, and events.
     2. Monitor program progress and ensure alignment with P4I’s objectives and timelines.

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.

AIFFP requires the consulting services of eligible individual consultants with procurement expertise, to support the program of project procurement activities across the portfolio. Support will also include provision of technical assistance in procurement strategies and plans, development or review of bidding documents and subsequent tender evaluation and awarding processes.

We are seeking procurement specialists with experience in

• procurement in implementation of infrastructure and/or development projects;
• procuring under public enterprise/multi donor/ADB/World Bank/DFAT or similar frameworks, and proponent led procurements;
• value for money principles, ethics, transparency, life cycle valuation, and quality in major procurement;
• the use of the FIDIC suite of stand forms of contract including the Red Book, Yellow Book or the other equivalents.
• applying the provisions of environmental and social safeguards, climate change, local labour considerations and workplace health and safety in major procurement; and
• working in the Pacific region is desirable.

The Request for Expressions of Interest is attached, as is a Word version of the Suppliers Response Form (Part C) for ease of responding.

The Portfolio Manager is an integral part of the REnew Pacific program and leads the in-country management of the program’s portfolio of renewable energy projects in Vanuatu. The Portfolio Manager assists in the development and granting of projects and manages the day-to-day interactions with recipient partners, monitoring progress and supporting implementation. The role also contributes to implementation of REnew Pacific strategies and plans including GEDSI, localisation and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Make a tangible difference in the lives of students and communities in Vanuatu. Support the disaster recovery efforts, delivery of high-quality infrastructure projects and work collaboratively with the Vanuatu Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to build technical capacity.

The opportunity

• Based in vibrant Port Vila, Vanuatu with occasional travels to outer islands
• Full-time contract to 20 December 2026
• Support MoET to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects across Vanuatu, and advise on post-earthquake recovery efforts

Road Engineer - Vanuatu

ASI has an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer with road project experience. Join our Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) team in a full-time role, based in Vanuatu and contribute to building roads and improving connectivity to remote communities on this five-year (2024-2029) DFAT funded investment.

The Engineering Adviser – Projects will provide technical assistance, guidance, and mentorship to counterparts in Public Works Department (PWD) and Ministry of Public Utilities’ (MIPU) to support works planning, delivery, and capacity building as a road project manager.

Adam Smith International is seeking an experienced roads engineer with senior management experience to lead our engineering team. Reporting to the Team Leader, they will be responsible for leading the coordination of physical works support to enhance delivery of PWD road maintenance and improvement works, and support development of MIPU/PWD capacity as a network manager. As a senior member of the team, this role will also contribute to M&E and program reporting.

The Project

This will be a full-time position, located in Vanuatu supporting the Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) program, a five-year (2024-2029) DFAT investment.

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.