APLP Delegation Support Specialist

APLP Delegation Support Specialist

Australia

and 2 more

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Job Description

Expression of Interest:

Position: APLP Delegation Support Specialist - Surge Support Pool

Position type: Consultant - pre-qualified Surge Support Pool

Pool duration: Until 30 June 2027, with possible extension

Location: Australia-wide, with particular interest in specialists based in Canberra, Cairns and Townsville

Assignments: As needed; assignments may vary in duration and complexity

Flexibility: Domestic travel, work outside standard business hours and short-notice availability may be required

About the Program

The Australia Pacific Leaders Program (APLP) is an Australian Government initiative that seeks to empower current and emerging Pacific leaders to deliver outcomes in their communities, strengthen their skills and build relationships with Australian agencies and institutions.

Activities include study tours, high-level visits, professional development and support for locally led projects, including assistance to deliver community-level initiatives.

APLP aims to:

• empower leaders to deliver practical outcomes in their communities
• build stronger, long-term relationships between Pacific leaders and Australia
• strengthen leadership capability across the Pacific.

About the Program Support Unit

The Program Support Unit (PSU) supports the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to deliver APLP. Abt Global is contracted to deliver the PSU.

The PSU provides the practical support needed to deliver activities, including planning, logistics, procurement and coordination. It works closely with DFAT in Canberra and Posts across the Pacific to ensure activities are delivered to a high standard.

About the Opportunity

APLP is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals to join a pre-qualified Surge Support Pool providing flexible delegation support during high level visits and related activities.

Pool members may be engaged to provide additional capacity to APLP staff during periods of peak delivery. Support may include delegation coordination, visitor management, protocol arrangements, stakeholder liaison, participant support and on-the-ground coordination.

Assignments will be offered on an as-needed basis and will be subject to an agreed scope of work. Pool members will work under the direction of the Program Activity Manager or Program Activity Lead, who will retain overall responsibility for the activity.

Inclusion on the Surge Support Pool does not guarantee work.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on the requirements of each assignment, you may be engaged to:

• support the coordination and management of visiting delegations

• provide on-the-ground support during High Level Visits and related activities

• assist with protocol arrangements and official engagements

• liaise professionally with delegates, government and diplomatic stakeholders, service providers and APLP staff

• support airport arrivals and departures, delegate movements and daily schedules

• provide practical participant support and respond to delegate needs during visits

• support meetings, events, site visits and official engagements

• coordinate with APLP staff, venues, accommodation providers and other service providers on transport, hospitality and other logistical arrangements

• monitor agreed schedules and promptly communicate changes or emerging issues

• troubleshoot operational issues and escalate matters appropriately

• maintain accurate administrative records and contribute to activity reporting, where required

• perform other delegation-support duties within the agreed scope of the assignment.

• About You

We are seeking individuals who can provide professional and flexible support in fast-paced environments. Applicants should demonstrate:

• experience supporting high-level visits, delegations, VIPs or international guests

• experience coordinating logistics, protocol, hospitality and on-the-ground activities

• strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with government, diplomatic, senior or other high-profile stakeholders

• strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage detailed schedules, competing priorities and changing requirements

• sound judgement, professionalism and discretion, including the ability to identify issues, respond appropriately and escalate matters when required

• ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small team, with a responsive and adaptable approach

• availability to undertake assignments that may involve travel, short-notice engagement or work outside standard business hours.

• Highly Desirable

• experience working with Pacific leaders, governments, institutions, organisations or communities

• knowledge of Pacific cultural protocols and operating contexts

• experience supporting DFAT-funded activities or comparable Australian Government programs

• broader event delivery, travel, logistics or activity coordination experience

• experience supporting activities in Canberra, Cairns or Townsville, or capacity to undertake assignments in these locations

• experience engaging with First Nations Australians and familiarity with First Nations culture, people and organisations.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in international relations, government, international development, project management, events, logistics or a related field is desirable. Equivalent relevant professional experience will also be considered.

• LI-AUSBRIT

• Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

• Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.