Director General (DG), Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE)

Job Description

Location: Betio, Kiribati
Full-time | 2-year contract with likelihood to extend to 5 years 
Must have ability to obtain valid work rights for Kiribati | Open to international applicants

• Lead transformative infrastructure development in the Pacific.
• Shape national policy, mentor engineering teams, and drive inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure delivery.
• Competitive remuneration package, in country role with regional return flights included in package

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with governments, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges across the Indo-Pacific. For more information, please visit our website.

The Opportunity

The Kiribati Australia Infrastructure (Te KAI) Program is a flagship initiative supporting high-quality, climate-resilient, and inclusive infrastructure development in Kiribati. As Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the delivery infrastructure projects across the country.

You will oversee more than 150 technical staff across four engineering departments, provide strategic direction, and lead the implementation of complex, multi-donor infrastructure projects. This is a unique opportunity to influence national development outcomes, build local capacity, and foster resilient infrastructure systems in one of the world’s most remote island nations.

The Program: Te KAI

Te KAI is a flexible and responsive mechanism to deliver small to medium-scale infrastructure projects in Kiribati. It integrates:

• Capacity development for MISE staff and systems
• Infrastructure design and delivery with a focus on GEDSI, climate resilience, and community engagement
• Project management including monitoring, evaluation, and handover support

Te KAI is managed by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with DFAT and the Government of Kiribati.

Your Role

• Lead MISE’s Engineering Services Division, overseeing technical design, cost planning, civil works, energy, water, sanitation, and IT units
• Provide strategic advice and oversight for large-scale infrastructure projects funded by DFAT, World Bank, Asia Development Bank, and others
• Mentor and build capacity of local engineering teams
• Develop and implement national asset management strategies
• Guide policy development, cabinet papers, and technical briefs
• Integrate cross-cutting themes including gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection, and climate resilience
• Represent MISE in high-level stakeholder engagements across government and donor partners

About You

You are a seasoned infrastructure leader with deep experience in civil engineering and project management in Pacific or remote island contexts. You bring strategic vision, technical expertise, and a collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and drives results.

You will possess:

• Tertiary qualifications in Infrastructure Engineering and Management or Civil and Water Engineering
• You will be a Chartered Engineer (or equivalent), and be able to sign off and/or certify engineering drawings
• Significant experience in infrastructure development and construction oversight (approximately 10 years would be preferred)
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and contracts, including procurement
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Experience working in multicultural and resource-constrained environments

How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you and you meet the requirements, click the “Apply for Job” button and submit your application before the closing date — we’d love to hear from you.

Your completed application will include:

• Resume
• Cover letter (max two pages) outlining your suitability for the position and alignment with the selection criteria

Applications for this position close on 24 August at 11:59am AEST

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Have questions about the role? Please contact Katie at idev.hrservices@tetratech.com

Safeguarding and Inclusion

Tetra Tech has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), child abuse, modern slavery, and safeguarding-related retaliation. We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and promoting gender equality and inclusion. All successful applicants will undergo qualification, referee and criminal record checks.

About the Organization

Why Tetra Tech International Development?

As a leading development consulting firm, Tetra Tech International Development works with people and communities to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges to achieve a positive impact.

Working at Tetra Tech International Development means working within a values-led organisation that invests in flexible work environments built on trust, safety and well-being. Through unified systems, flexible and supportive workplaces, we provide the foundations required for our team to enjoy the work they do and deliver value every day. Read more about our culture, purpose and values here.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with disability; First Nations Peoples; and people of all cultures, genders, abilities and experiences to apply.

Should you require additional support with your application, please email IDEV.HRServices@tetratech.com  or phone (08) 8375 4400.