Position: Health Program Adviser, Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, Global Health Division, DFAT (Multiple Positions)

Location: Canberra, flexible working arrangements may be negotiated 

Monthly Remuneration: AU$9,194 to $10,816 per month inclusive of superannuation

Duration: Initial Contract to 28 February 2026 with the possibility of up to 24-month extension 

Short Description:

Global Health Division (GHD) is seeking to create a talent pool of Health Program Advisers to support the implementation of the Partnerships for a Healthy Region Initiative. We are interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas – international development program management, public health policy and programming, health systems strengthening, universal health coverage, communicable and/or non-communicable disease control.

This position requires a baseline security clearance. Applicants must be a citizen of Australia to apply. Employment in the advertised position is dependent on the employee having or obtaining a valid security clearance. Security clearances can take some time to process, and employment cannot be commenced until this process is complete. There is no guarantee that the successful candidate for the position will be successful in obtaining a security clearance. The inability to obtain a security clearance prevents that applicant from being employed and loss of a security clearance at any time will lead to termination of employment.

The World at Abt Global:

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. 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 Global 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.

Specialist Health Service:

Managed by Abt Global, the Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

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.

The Opportunity:

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (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 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 for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, public health administration and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Specific Duties:

GHD is seeking advisers to support the implementation of the Partnerships for a Healthy Region Initiative. We are interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas – international development program management, public health policy and programming, health systems strengthening, universal health coverage, communicable and/or non-communicable disease control.

Manage the implementation of 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. Provide advice and undertake technical analysis to support a broad range of health policy and program implementation requirements. Liaise across DFAT and its diplomatic network, with external agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate program delivery and the provision of health-related advice. Monitor and report on health developments in the Indo-Pacific as directed. Undertake other duties as required. 

Key Requirements:

Required experience

Experience working in international development and/or on global health issues.

Required qualifications and skills

Demonstrated good judgement and ability to deliver work to a high standard and within deadlines.  Good interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team. Strong written and oral English, including an ability to prepare a range of written material to a high standard. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in public health, international development, project management, government, or related fields. 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.

Cultural & language requirements

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.

Desirable experience

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.

How to apply:

Please submit your application online on the Abt Global website www.abtglobal.com attaching your resume/CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the key requirements of the role. 

The closing date for this position is Sunday, 19 January 2025, 12:00 PM.

For any enquiries, please email us at recruitment@shsglobal.com.au 

Abt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.

Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

#LI-AUSBRIT