• Long Term Adviser position, AUD$18,600 per month inclusive of superannuation
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term contract with the possibility of up to 2-year extension
• Apply your expertise to provide strategic advice across DFAT on its bilateral, regional, and global health policy and programs – bringing an authoritative voice on a range of public health matters.

About the Program

Managed by Abt Associates, the Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The SHS is the primary source from which DFAT accesses health and development expertise and advisory services to improve the quality of health programming across DFAT’s global and regional health portfolio, through enabling access to responsive technical advice and support.

About the Opportunity

The Global Health Division (GHD) in DFAT requires a Principal Sector Specialist (PSS) Health. The PSS Health is a senior specialist position within the Global Health Division (GHD), reporting to the First Assistant Secretary GHD.  The PSS Health leads a small team of Public Health Advisors to provide strategic advice across DFAT on its bilateral, regional, and global health work – bringing an authoritative voice on a range of public health matters.

The PSS Health will provide strategic and technical leadership on DFAT’s health investments (Australia will provide an estimated $840.8 million health assistance in 2023-24). This includes supporting bilateral health programming in priority countries in the Pacific and Southeast Asia (PNG, Solomon Islands, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu); and through major regional initiatives such as the 5-year, $620 million Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative.  The PSS Health will bring their technical public health skills to: improve equitable access to quality essential health services and advance universal health coverage; strengthen prevention, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks and health emergencies; expand access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, and support non-communicable disease prevention and control.

The Principal Sector Specialist – Health will:

• Lead the provision of public health advice to support DFAT’s foreign policy and international development objectives in health, with a particular focus on universal health coverage and health security.
• Shape the development of strategic health policy, in support of DFAT’s engagements and investments at bilateral, regional, and global levels.
• Guide the implementation of major regional health initiatives in the development program, including Partnerships for a Healthy Region.
• Provide on-demand health advice to DFAT’s geographic divisions and posts to shape bilateral health programs in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
• Represent Australia at key domestic, bilateral, regional, and global health forums.
• Foster linkages and advance relationships between Australian public health and medical institutions and experts and institutions in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Build the capability of DFAT staff working in the health sector, particularly posted officers working in health.
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of key analytical products on DFAT’s health sector programs and performance.

About You

We are seeking individuals who will bring:

• Professional standing: Over 10 years’ experience in a public health leadership role within government or community organisations.
• Depth of technical knowledge: Relevant tertiary qualifications. Postgraduate qualifications in public health or equivalent, combined with substantial experience in public health and development practice. Medical degree highly desirable, combined with postgraduate qualifications and/or training in public health.
• Demonstrated knowledge/understanding of development issues and/or aid programming.
• Outstanding representation and advocacy skills, including in building and sustaining internal, domestic, and international networks.
• Results and outcomes focused and experience in delivering development outcomes within complex or resource-constrained health settings.
• A commitment to contribute to an inclusive and supportive professional environment where diversity is valued.
• This is a security-designated position. The ability to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) is a minimum requirement.
• Excellent written English, with demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas clearly with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Highly Desirable

• Direct experience working on health or development programs or with partner governments in Southeast Asia and/or the Pacific.

Applicants must be Australian citizens as these positions will require a security clearance. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement for a position. At Abt Associates we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every role requirement, we encourage you to apply in any case. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online through the Abt Associates website attaching your resume/CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Email us at [email protected] for any queries about the position and / or the recruitment process.

We welcome and thank all applications, however due to the anticipated volume of submissions, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date:  12 September 2023 – midnight (Canberra time) 

 

About Us

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtassociates.com

Equity

Abt Associates values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.