Program Director, Nauru-Australia Economic Governance Program

  • Contractor
  • Nauru
  • TBD USD / Year
  • DT Global profile




  • Job applications may no longer being accepted for this opportunity.


DT Global

  • One-year contract, with an option for a 12-month extension.
  • Based in Nauru with Flexible working arrangements.
  • Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
  • Applicants from this position may be used to establish a merit list for similar roles in other Pacific Island Countries.

The Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform (The Partnerships Platform) is looking for motivated and skilled professionals who are keen to make a difference. We seek passionate staff who work collaboratively to deliver ideas and advice that can help our Pacific Island Country partners meet their governance and stability goals. The Partnerships Platform is seeking an experienced and motivated Program Director with a proven track record in leading and managing international development programs The ideal candidate is a collaborative, respectful, flexible and outcomes focused leader with a keen focus on public financial management, economic governance and locally led development.

As the Program Director, you will play a pivotal role in strategic engagement, coordination, and overall management of the Nauru-Australia Economic Governance Program. Your expertise in international development programs, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills, will be crucial in achieving mutually agreed economic governance priorities.

The areas of focus of the assignment are:

  • Strategic engagement and facilitation of the development of strategic priorities for the program in alignment with the Nauru Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) and end of program outcomes.
  • Leading the establishment and implementation of program governance arrangements including the Program Steering Group (integrating with the Government of Nauru (GoN) structures where possible).
  • Developing a consultative annual planning and joint project development process, integrating with the GoN new project proposal process where possible, and ensuring priorities are informed by local knowledge and priorities.
  • Leading the development of project proposals, working in close collaboration with advisory and in-line technical specialists.
  • Leading program outcome analysis processes with stakeholders, convening joint Theory of Change processes and updating the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework as required.
  • Ensure the program actively incorporates evidence such as NSDS reporting, multilateral and regional partners assessments , including ADB Policy Reform Matrix, IMF Article IV, Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA), and the Program’s MERL.

The position is an in-country accompanied, two-year posting with the option to extend for rolling periods of two years. A competitive international standard remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate, including housing, and return airfares if required for international candidates.

Click on the link or copy and paste it to access the Candidate Information Pack, including the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://bit.ly/TORandInfoSheetProgramDirectorNauru

About the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform

The Partnerships Platform was established to provide a suite of flexible, fit-for-purpose development services to Australia and Pacific countries as they continue working together to build a stable, prosperous, and secure region. With a focus on Nauru, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, the Partnerships Platform also supports development investments in FSM, RMI and the Cook Islands.

The outcomes of the Partnerships Platform are presented below:

  • EOIO 1 – Governance program delivery. Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu realise key economic governance outcomes, including GEDSI outcomes.
  • EOIO 2 – Enabling development. Smaller Pacific countries access effective and efficient development program support in priority areas.
  • EOIO 3 – Strong relationships and partnerships in agreed priority areas. In-country and regional partners and programs are coordinated, enabling increased effectiveness of Australian investments in smaller Pacific countries.

About the Nauru-Australia Economic Governance Program

The Nauru-Australia Economic Governance Program aims to bolster Nauru’s resilience to external shocks, diversify its economy, and efficiently manage its resources for the benefit of its people, as outlined in the National Sustainable Development Strategy (2019-30). By providing support for Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms, the program seeks to enhance the delivery of essential services in a cost-efficient and equitable manner. Technical assistance personnel will be stationed in key agencies, including the Department of Finance, to facilitate reforms and improve budget performance. This initiative will complement other Australian-supported programs focused on healthcare and education, all geared towards enhancing service delivery.

The program builds upon existing Australian economic governance support in Nauru through the Partnerships Platform, which includes long-term technical specialists in the PFM system. However, it also expands its approach by offering additional capacity development and technical assistance modalities to the Nauruan government. Through a structured programmatic approach, the program aims to achieve better outcomes and coherence across its investments, fostering a strong partnership with the Government of Nauru in their development endeavours.

About You

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, respect, resilience and adaptability, and a preparedness to work with limited resources in a challenging environment, this includes the ability to successfully build and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

To excel in this role, you should hold tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (economics, commerce, public financial management, public policy, or international development) and have a track record of effectively managing international development programs, including strategic engagement and monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities. Experience in designing donor funded programs in the Pacific is advantageous, as are Pacific language skills.

You will be required to demonstrate a strong understanding of, and commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), child protection and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

About Nauru

There are inherent opportunities and challenges that come with living and working in developing country contexts, including considerations unique to small island states. Applicants should consider these prior to applying. For further information please go to: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/nauru/nauru-country-brief

Other Information

Applicants (and approved dependents) will need to undergo psychometric and medical screening prior to travel. Amendments to the position’s terms of reference may be made during the period of engagement as required.

The Partnerships Platform is committed to increasing the pool of Pacific Islander, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise. Suitably qualified people of the Pacific, Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, including LGBTQIA+, women, gender diverse, neurodiverse and people with disabilities.

We can make adjustments during the recruitment process for people with a disability. If required, please contact our recruitment team via email at recruitment @ auspacpartnerships.com.au to discuss how we can support you.

How to apply

We welcome your interest in joining the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform as an Adviser. Please ensure you review the Candidate Information Pack before applying (click the link or copy and paste it into your browser): https://bit.ly/TORandInfoSheetProgramDirectorNauru

To submit your application, kindly click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and ensure you upload your resume as part of the application process. Please note that we will only accept applications submitted through the online portal.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Monday, 4 December 2023 at 11:59 pm AEST

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applicants may be contacted to establish a merit list for similar roles in other Pacific Island Countries.

About DT Global

DT Global is driven by a fundamental commitment to one goal: to work in partnership with communities, governments, and the private sector to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that transform lives beyond expectations. DT Global—launched in 2019—is built on legacy companies AECOM International Development’s Services Sector, Development Transformations, IMC Worldwide, and Cardno International Development. To fulfil its profit-for-purpose mission, DT Global is a key donor to the DT Institute, an independent not-for-profit organization, in support of DTI’s efforts to test new ideas or expand on donor partner priorities with the aim to improve as many lives as possible.

Our global team of almost 2,500 staff and experts work in over 100 countries. We aim to maximize sustainable development impact across a wide range of practice areas, including Conflict Prevention, Stabilization & Transition; Economic Growth; Environment & Infrastructure; Governance; and Human Development. We meet communities where they are on the development spectrum and help them move to where they want to be. Together, we bring over 60 years of experience, relationships, and technical excellence to improve lives around the world on behalf of our partners, clients, and stakeholders.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal-opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.


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