Strategic Advisers

Job Description

Position: Strategic Advisers

Location: Desk-based with travel to Indonesia

Duration: Initial 12-month contract with two 12-month extension period
options

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

Under the new bilateral Australia Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation program (KITA SEHAT), Australia will support the Government of Indonesia to achieve its policy objectives in the intersecting fields of health security, One Health and primary care.

KITA SEHAT will work through a range of mechanisms including technical assistance, public sector partnership, implementation, research and CSO/NGO grants. Gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) and climate resilience will be a strong focus of the program and will be integral to achieving national health goals.

The program’s long-term goal will be guided by four end-of-program-outcomes (EOPOs):

• Primary health care policy and governance – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have adopted improved primary health policies, service delivery approaches and governance arrangements.
• Primary health services – By 2033, selected subnational authorities have improved the quality of and access to primary health services with a focus on stunting prevention and the inclusion of women, people with disability and other marginalised groups.
• Health system enables – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have enhanced core workforce capabilities in critical human and animal health system enabling functions.
• Health security – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have increased capacity for health security and animal health policy development, strategic planning and the assessment, mitigation and management of acute and emerging health threats.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will engage an individual or a team of advisers on draw-down contracts (with an up to number of input days) with expertise and experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), human health, animal health and One Health to provide strategic guidance and input to DFAT on implementation and support the achievement of program outcomes. The Strategic advisers will also support DFAT in ensuring program implementation approaches align with the program design, best practice and international standards. The Strategic advisers will not be involved in program implementation, ensuring objectivity and impartiality.

Specific Duties:

The Strategic Advisers will:

• Provide independent technical expertise and advice to monitor and strengthen the new bilateral program’s performance and relevance
  including through monitoring missions
• Offer strategic technical guidance and input to DFAT on complex program deliverables including the MERL system, key strategies, plans and progress reports developed by the managing contractor during implementation
• Support DFAT to ensure GEDSI and climate change are integrated into the MERL system, work plans and key deliverables
• On request assess the program’s progress towards the achievement of outcomes, identify any new and emerging risks, and suggest adjustments to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability
• Using data and information from the MERL system, progress reporting and monitoring missions, support DFAT to ensure learning is integrated into implementation, activity design and decision-making processes
• Provide DFAT with technical advice on human health, animal health and One Health as required
• On request from DFAT through Tasking Notes, provide in-country and remote inputs for discrete, substantive tasks

Key Requirements:

Required experience

• Experience working in international development in the health sector.
• Demonstrated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for international development programs including
  experience developing fit-for-purpose MERL systems
• Proven experience working in health system strengthening in developing countries and/or experience implementing health programs (preferably in Indonesia)
• Experience working with DFAT and/or other donors (and preferably familiarity with DFAT Design and M&E standards)

Required Qualifications and skills

• Postgraduate qualification in evaluation, international development, public health, animal health or related field and/or equivalent experience
• Strong technical knowledge of human health, animal health and One Health as an approach
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and synthesis data and evidence and provide clear, concise and actionable feedback and advice
• Understanding of gender equality and disability-inclusive development principles and practices

Cultural and language requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (essential) and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural contexts

Desirable Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of Australia’s relationship to, or interests in Indonesia, including history of relations, current context, risks and opportunities, and key stakeholders
• Familiarity and understanding of Government of Indonesia systemsand processes, the Indonesian context and health priorities in Indonesia

How to apply:

Please submit your application on the Abt Global website or following link Strategic Advisers - Abt Global attaching your CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the key requirements of the role. Closing date is 26 November 2025. For
any enquiries, please email recruitment@shsglobal.com.au

Applications are encouraged from individuals and organisations wishing to put forward an individual adviser or team of advisers, who meet the key selection criteria. For teams of advisers, the cover letter must include the daily rate (in AUD) for each adviser proposed, inclusive of any management fee. Travel costs do not need to be listed as all travel arrangements will
be managed by SHS/Abt.

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.

About the Organization

The World at Abt

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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,
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