Senior Program Manager (Political)

Australian High Commission

Applications close Monday, 16 March 2026

● The Australian High Commission (AHC) is looking for a dynamic, professional, hardworking, and highly motivated individual to join our team in the role of Senior Program Manager with our political section.

● Permanent full-time position Vanuatu Citizens only

● Based in Port Vila

● Salary VT5,084,508 to VT5,834,580 / annual

The Organisation

The Australian High Commission in Vanuatu has a high-performance culture which is underpinned by a resilient, motivated, and loyal workforce. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and bring a range of qualifications and experiences to the table. We support each other and share a unity of purpose and commitment to serving the Vanuatu-Australia relationship.

We promote Australia’s interests, facilitate international trade and investment, deliver development assistance, respond to crisis and provide services to Australian citizens. Details of our work, as well as our purpose, outcomes and priority functions can be found on our website www.vanuatu.embassy.gov.au

The Position

Under limited direction, the Senior Policy Officer will lead staff within the political section which is primarily responsible for political monitoring, reporting and analysis, progressing Australia’s foreign affairs priorities, and for the delivery of the Vanuatu-Australia Community Grants Program (VACGP). This role supports incoming and outgoing VIP visits, and other duties as required, including as directed by the High Commissioner, including the delivery of cultural diplomacy, engagement with the foreign affairs, maritime and internal affairs portfolios, and cyber security priorities, among other areas. In the event of a disaster, you will be required to be part of the disaster response team.

Essential Selection Criteria

► Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or a minimum of five years’ experience in public policy, development or related sectors

► A strong understanding of Vanuatu politics and familiarity with the Vanuatu public service

► An operational knowledge of development policy and program management experience

► Highly developed program management skills, with supportive skills in financial management, contract management, and monitoring and evaluation

► High-level communication skills in written and spoken English and Bislama are essential

Desirable Selection Criteria

► Knowledge of Vanuatu and Government of Vanuatu systems and processes

► High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

► The officer must not be an office bearer for any Vanuatu political party

► Applicant must have a current legal right to work in Vanuatu

Job Description

Please read the Job Description before applying. Download with this link:

https://tinyurl.com/ycxpum4k

Apply Online

Applications for this role must be submitted online using the link below.

https://tinyurl.com/bd94cnfd

Do NOT email your application.

Vanuatu citizens are strongly encouraged to apply

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants with a disability are encouraged to apply

Applications close Monday, 16 March 2026

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