Civil Engineering Adviser I Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D)
Position Description
Position: Civil Engineering Adviser
Program: Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D)
Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Duration: Initial term 2 years
Required Travel: Local travel within Vanuatu
Reports To: Lead Engineering Adviser
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 Civil Engineering Adviser will provide technical assistance, guidance, and mentorship to counterparts in Public Works Department (PWD) and Ministry of Public Utilities’ (MIPU) and to support works planning, design, delivery, and capacity building.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage and supervise two local Ni Vanuatu Engineers to support the effective delivery of VAI4D funded road works, providing day to day direction, technical oversight, and ongoing performance development.
Provide technical support to MIPU in the design and project development of VAI4D funded transport infrastructure projects across the roads, maritime, and aviation sectors, noting that road infrastructure represents the majority of the program’s portfolio.
Maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with PWD counterparts, with a focus on strengthening their technical and operational capability through on the job training, coaching, guidance, and structured mentorship.
Assist and provide oversight to VAI4D funded procurement processes, ensuring procurement activities are accurate, timely, compliant, and aligned with GoV policies.
Review, apply, and continuously improve PWD standards, guidelines, and specifications to ensure quality outcomes across all works and support consistent application of best practice in the field.
Support the professional development and uplift of the local contracting sector, encouraging improved workmanship, safety, inclusion, contract administration, documentation, and overall delivery standards.
Support monitoring and reporting against PWD and VAI4D plans.
Support PWD to ensure safeguard requirement such as GEDSI, WHS and Environmental Safeguards are implements.
Other duties as assigned by the Lead Engineering Adviser and/or Team Leader.
Counterparts
Main Counterpart: PWD Manager Operations and PWD Manager Projects
Secondary Counterparts: PWD Principal Engineers, Divisional Managers, and Divisional Engineers
Reporting Requirements
Reports to, works with, and receives strategic direction from the Lead Engineering Adviser and Team Leader; and
Reports to the Australian High Commission Team when necessary and in coordination with the Team Leader.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Relevant qualifications in civil engineering, ideally with a focus on maintenance and construction of transport infrastructure in both urban and rural settings.
Demonstrated experience in delivering transport related maintenance/improvement projects, with at least 10 years’ experience undertaking these projects.
Demonstrated experience in developing the capacity of government agencies and staff, ideally in the Pacific or a similar setting.
Demonstrated experience in contract project management and administration, and procurement.
Proven capability in trialling innovations in construction techniques, equipment, materials and technology to improve construction outcomes.
Understanding of and commitment to DFAT safeguarding issues, specifically child protection, gender mainstreaming, and disability inclusion.
Detailed understanding of safety and environmental protection.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship management skills.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before 15th March 2026, 11:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications and experience, a CV of no more than three pages and the contact details of three professional referees.
This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.
This job is open to all candidates, overseas included. A right to work in Vanuatu is not a requirement.