Position:Lead Engineering Adviser
Program:Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D)
Location:Port Vila, Vanuatu
Duration:Initial term 2 years, with availability to extend based on performance.
Required Travel:Local travel within Vanuatu
Reports To:Team Leader
Direct Reports:Engineering Adviser – Buildings, Civil Engineer, Engineering Officer, Contracts and Procurement Officer, ProMIS Adviser, Climate Resilience Adviser
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 manage 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.
VAI4D also mainstreams and spotlights cross-cutting areas, including gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate change and disaster risk resilience, social and environmental safeguards, localisation, and asset management through the identification, planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of projects.
The Lead Engineering Adviser will lead 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. The Lead Engineering Adviser role is an international designated full-time position located in Port Vila.
The responsibilities of the Lead Engineering Adviser include, but are not limited to:
Coordinate and oversee Engineering Unit (EU) to support PWD capacity development and provide quality control of works within the six PWD Divisional offices, with a particular focus to develop capacity that aligns with PWD’s Transition to Road Network Manager Strategy and Plan.
Develop a demand-driven response mechanism that ensures Divisional offices receive support following requests for technical assistance, delivered through the EU team.
Oversee the Procurement Adviser in the strengthening of MIPU/PWD procurement processes, including the development of innovative models of procurement, community level procurement and competitive small works procurement.
Ensure Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations are addressed in works planning and delivery.
Work closely with MIPU/PWD to prepare high quality annual road operations work plans (and medium-term plans, when multi-year funding available) and support MIPU/PWD to monitor execution and expenditure.
Ensure workplans are linked to the Public Roads Strategy and make best use of the Inventory Management System/Road Asset Management System.
Review MIPU/PWD standards and guidance to ensure these reflect best engineering practice, including the PWD Roads and Bridges Design Guides, Standards and Specifications and ensure climate change and disaster resilience, environment and safety considerations are addressed.
Provide leadership and quality assurance in the development of a pipeline of road project designs and cost estimation and support the development of design processes that embed this capability within PWD.
Support PWD to improve operational efficiencies including rates of production, unit costs, equipment utilisation rates, and on-time production.
Support the introduction of innovative construction techniques, equipment and materials to enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of MIPU/PWD works.
Support the trial of new technologies to enhance construction supervision and monitoring of road conditions.
Support the development of a comprehensive, fit-for-purpose, digitalised Roads Asset Management System (RAMS).
Coordinate and provide technical training and ongoing on-the-job mentoring for MIPU/PWD Divisional Managers, technical staff and operators, private contractors, communities, and Provincial government staff.
Contribute to all outputs required under the VAI4D Program, including during the transition, inception and implementation phases.
Support the Team Leader to deliver the Inception Plan, Inception Report, MEL Framework, Monthly Progress Reports, Annual Plans, Annual Reports, the Completion Report and ad hoc reports, as requested.
Reports to, works with, and receives strategic direction from the Team Leader.
Reports to Australian High Commission Team when necessary and in coordination with the Team Leader.
Supports relevant program and M&E reporting requirements.
Relevant qualifications in engineering, ideally with a focus on transport infrastructure or roads.
Demonstrated senior experience in leading and delivering roads operations and road maintenance/improvement projects, with at least 10 years’ experience undertaking these projects internationally, ideally in the Pacific or similar settings.
Proven successful experience leading and managing teams of senior-level specialists to deliver quality outputs.
Extensive experience with the development of road assessment and designs from the pre-feasibility study stage through to being ready to tender for construction.
Extensive experience in roads costing estimates, programming/planning, procurement and contracting.
Successful experience working within and developing the capacity of government agencies and staff in road network management, through informal and formal modalities, ideally in the Pacific.
Proven capability in trialling innovations in construction techniques, equipment, materials and technology to improve construction outcomes and efficiency.
Understanding of and commitment to Australian aid safeguard issues, specifically child protection, gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion.
Detailed understanding of safety and environmental protections on roads programs.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship management skills.
Knowledge and experience working with the institutional structures and key stakeholders in the transport sector.
Proven experience in contributing to strategic direction and providing management to multi-disciplinary teams in a cross-cultural context.
Exceptional written communication skills, with demonstrated experience delivering high quality outputs for donors, ideally DFAT.
Exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and the ability to develop highly productive relationships within a large team and across key stakeholders.
Demonstrated high level organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities within timeframes.
Successful change management and problem-solving skills and the capacity to resolve conflict.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the link below.
Applications should include:
A current CV outlining relevant qualifications and experience
A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
Applications close on Sunday, 7 June 2026.
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ASI is committed to child protection, safeguarding, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Women, people with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
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