The World at Abt

　　Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

　　We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

　　To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

　　The Opportunity

　　The position is Senior Health Program Adviser. Successful candidates will be engaged through Abt and will work in DFAT, Canberra. The salary for this role is AU$11,300 to $13,100 per month, depending on experience and including superannuation .

　　The roles will be based in Canberra and are Long Term Adviser positions with initial contract to 28 February 2026, with a possibility of a 24-month extension. Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated with successful applicants.

　　DFAT promotes and protects Australia’s international interests to support Australia’s security and prosperity. DFAT works with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.

　　DFAT’s Global Health Division provides advice on international health issues and develops and delivers programs that contribute to regional and global health. GHD works across the Australian Government, with NGOs and research organisations, partner governments and multilateral bodies such as the World Health Organization to advance Australia’s interests and priorities.

　　DFAT’s $620 million, five-year Partnerships for a Healthy Region supports a broad range of activities to strengthen health systems in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, public health administration and sexual and reproductive health and rights. GHD is seeking to create a talent pool of senior long-term advisers to support Australia’s development engagement in the health sector, including the implementation of the Partnerships for a Healthy Region Initiative.

　　Core Responsibilities:

　　The position will support DFAT in one or more of three key areas:

　　Strategic policy, technical and program advice in support of Australia’s global and regional health engagement.

　　Engagement with partners, partner governments, posts and stakeholders, to support implementation and coordination of DFAT activities.

　　Design, management, monitoring and evaluation of health programs.

　　We are interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas – development program governance and administration, public health policy and programming, health systems strengthening, universal health coverage, communicable and/or non-communicable disease control.

　　Key Responsibilities:

　　Provide strategic advice and undertake technical analysis to support a broad range of health policy and program implementation requirements.

　　Engage in complex problem solving and issues management to deliver strategic outcomes.

　　Manage the implementation of multiple complex health programs in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, including program design; contracting; monitoring and evaluation; program governance; financial and program management; risk management; and internal and external stakeholder engagement and management.

　　Prepare high quality written material to support policy engagement and program implementation, including input for briefings, reporting and information requests.

　　Monitor and report on health developments in the Indo-Pacific as directed.

　　Represent the Global Health Division in meetings with internal and external partners.

　　Support GHD and Posts with communications material (including social media, media releases, speeches, and other communications products).

　　Undertake other duties as required.

　　Key Selection Criteria:

　　Significant record of high achievement in international development and/or on global health issues.

　　Has, or has the ability to obtain a baseline security clearance (minimum) or an NV1 security clearance (preferred). This requires applicants to have Australian citizenship.

　　Ability to cultivate productive working relationships across teams and with partners, including in cross-cultural contexts.

　　Desire to contribute to an inclusive and supportive professional environment, where diversity is celebrated.

　　Substantial experience in health program management, including design, implementation, delivery and/or monitoring and evaluation.

　　Previous experience working with DFAT.

　　Strong understanding of health and/or development issues in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia’s priorities and interests.

　　Demonstrated strong judgement and ability to deliver work to a very high standard and within deadlines.

　　Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong representation and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.

　　Very strong written and oral English, including an ability to communicate with influence to shape strategic thinking and policy development.

　　Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in public health, international development, project management, government, or related fields.

　　How to Apply

　　Please submit your application online through the Abt website attaching your resume/CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the selection criteria. Please note, this role requires valid working rights for Australia this is not a sponsored position. Applications close on the 12 th of February at 11:59pm.Refer to TOR to review further details and key requirements for this opportunity - Senior Health Program Adviser