Program Manager Foreign Policy
Australian High Commission
Applications close Wednesday, 25 November 2026
An exciting opportunity to join the Australian High Commission in Vanuatu and contribute to advancing the Australia-Vanuatu partnership.
Permanent full-time position open to Vanuatu Citizens only.
Based in Port Vila
Salary: VUV 4,292,085 per annum
The Organisation
The role of the Australian High Commission in Vanuatu is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas development program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. Details of our work, as well as our purpose and priority functions can be found on our website www.vanuatu.embassy.gov.au
The Position
As a Program Manager, you will be part of the Political, Economic, and Public Diplomacy Section at the Australian High Commission in Vanuatu.
You will be responsible for political monitoring, reporting and analysis, and supporting policy development, diplomatic engagement and representation. The role has a strong foreign policy focus, including engagement across the foreign affairs, maritime, internal affairs and cyber security portfolios. You will work collaboratively within the team to deliver high-quality briefs, analysis and written products to support the High Commission’s objectives.
The role has a strong stakeholder engagement focus. You will build and maintain a network of contacts in politics, government, business and civil society, with a focus on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The role supports incoming and outgoing VIP visits, including protocol and diplomatic engagement requirements where needed, and contributes to economic engagement activities.
Program Managers are also responsible for supporting financial management and compliance, including financial, fraud, performance and quality reporting. In the event of a disaster, you will be required to support the High Commission’s crisis response.
Essential Selection Criteria
► Tertiary qualifications in public policy, international relations, development or related sectors.
► Minimum of five years technical expertise and/or experience in public policy, international relations, development or related sectors.
► Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and representational roles.
► Proven ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
► Working knowledge of aid and program management, including basic financial and compliance requirements.
► Sound understanding of development policy and its application in a Pacific context.
► Knowledge of Vanuatu Government systems, processes and operating environment.
► Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn corporate systems.
► Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Bislama.
► Ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality.
► Good understanding of Vanuatu’s culture, institutions and governance context.
Required Languages
Bislama
English
Job Description
Apply Online
Applications for this role must be submitted online using the link below.
Do NOT email your application.
Applications close Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Reference: Link-2134
