JOB DESCRIPTION

The Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership for Governance program is seeking an experienced Deputy Team Leader who will provide strategic input into technical workstreams under the supervision of the Team Leader and assist in managing strategic relationships with the Australian High Commission (AHC) and Solomon Islands government (SIG) counterparts. This contract term starts January 2026.

About the Program

The Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership for Governance commenced in January 2022 and is an AUD $45 million dollar investment where Australia partners with the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to support its critical priorities over four years. The goal is to build economic resilience and promote policies and practices for sustainable economic recovery and growth. Australia’s objective for this program is to strengthen accountable and inclusive governance in partnership with SIG other stakeholders. The program will contribute to the goal through four end-of-program outcomes.

• EOPO1 PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Contribution to more effective and accountable public financial management systems and practices.
• EOPO2 BUDGET SUSTAINABILITY: Contribution to more sustainable fiscal management.
• EOPO3 GROWTH AND RESILIENCE: SIG progresses economic reforms for enhanced growth, inclusion and resilience.

About the Opportunity

The Deputy Team Leader (DTL) is a senior management team member who reports to the Team Leader and works closely with the Australia High Commission (AHC) to contribute to the strategic direction of the Partnership.

The DTL will provide strategic input into technical workstreams under the supervision of the Team Leader and assist in managing strategic relationships with AHC and SIG counterparts.

Long-term contract: January 2026 – 30 June 2027

Location of work: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities will include:

• Program Implementation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Strategic Management

Key Deliverables

Position Specific Deliverables

• Develop and maintain the Governance Partnership’s Operations Manual, as well as support the development and submission of other head contract reporting deliverables.
• Work closely with the Team Leader and Operations Lead to identify and manage program and operational risks, including risk assessments and gap analysis.
• Ensure work plans and budgets are developed in consultation with government counterparts and are aligned with agreed transition strategies which are technically reviewed and proactively monitored through governance mechanisms.
• Work closely with the MEL Unit to develop effective and appropriate MEL plans.

Executive Specific Deliverables

• High-level responsiveness to AHC issues and requests measured by Partnership receiving a Partner Performance Assessment (PPA) Rating of 5 or above.
• Quality reporting – both program and finance, milestones, deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs) are submitted on time and meet internal (Abt) and external (AHC) requirements measured by receiving PPA rating of 5 or above.
• KPIs relating to the four investment outcomes of the Partnership are of high quality, submitted on time, met and approved by AHC.
• Program is delivered on time and within budget and value-for-money principles drive all Program resourcing decisions measured by receiving a PPA rating of 5 or above.
• Build and maintain open, productive and outcome-oriented relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including AHC and SIG. This will be measured through Program receiving a PPA rating of 5 or above.
• Ensure Partnership delivery addresses issues of inclusive leadership, disability including and security through integrating GEDSI principles and objectives across all activities and as defined in annual work plan.
• All corporate risk and fraud issues are proactively identified, reported, and managed following corporate and DFAT policies and procedures measured by Program receiving PPA rating of 5 or above.

About You

Qualifications

• Recognised tertiary qualifications in any field.
• Masters level or above in economics related field would be an advantage.

Key Selection Criteria

• Suitably experienced in project and/or operations management, donor reporting, including budget and financial management within the Asia or Pacific regions, preferably with DFAT.
• Extensive relationship building and representational skills, with experience in liaising at different levels with a range of organisations.
• Demonstrated team leadership experience in complex, multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural contexts.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills including demonstrated ability to write high-quality reports for donor audiences.
• Proven ability to identify and manage risks and find sustainable solutions to complex problems.
• Proven success in individual and organisational capacity development and sustainability of efforts, particularly the demonstrated ability to share knowledge and achieve outputs in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience working on economic reform processes or policy issues in developing country contexts would be an advantage.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people with sexual diversity or disability, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement for a position. At Abt Associates we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every role requirement, we encourage you to apply in any case. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles.

How to Apply

Please apply online via our Abt Careers website: Careers at Abt Global | Join Our Team

Please attach a cover letter and a detailed CV as a single document, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2025, Sunday, 11:59PM (Solomon Islands standard time)

About Us

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtassociates.com

Equity

Abt Associates values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.