Strategic Advisers

JOB DESCRIPTION Position: Strategic Advisers Location: Desk-based with travel to IndonesiaDuration: Initial 12-month contract with 12-month extension period optionsThe World at Abt Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.Specialist Health Service:Managed by Abt Global, the Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). SHS is the primary source from which DFAT accesses health and development expertise and advisory services to improve the quality of health programming across DFAT’s global and regional health portfolio, through enabling access to responsive technical advice and support.The OpportunityUnder the new bilateral Australia Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation program (KITA SEHAT), Australia will support the Government of Indonesia to achieve its policy objectives in the intersecting fields of health security, One Health and primary care.KITA SEHAT will work through a range of mechanisms including technical assistance, public sector partnership, implementation, research and CSO/NGO grants. Gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) and climate resilience will be a strong focus of the program and will be integral to achieving national health goals.The program’s long-term goal will be guided by four end-of-program-outcomes (EOPOs):Primary health care policy and governance – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have adopted improved primary health policies, service delivery approaches and governance arrangements. Primary health services – By 2033, selected subnational authorities have improved the quality of and access to primary health services with a focus on stunting prevention and the inclusion of women, people with disability and other marginalised groups. Health system enables – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have enhanced core workforce capabilities in critical human and animal health system enabling functions. Health security – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have increased capacity for health security and animal health policy development, strategic planning and the assessment, mitigation and management of acute and emerging health threats. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will engage an individual or a team of advisers on draw-down contracts (with an up to number of input days) with expertise and experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), human health, animal health and One Health to provide strategic guidance and input to DFAT on implementation and support the achievement of program outcomes. The Strategic advisers will also support DFAT in ensuring program implementation approaches align with the program design, best practice and international standards. The Strategic advisers will not be involved in program implementation, ensuring objectivity and impartiality.Specific Duties:The Strategic Advisers will:Provide independent technical expertise and advice to monitor and strengthen the new bilateral program’s performance and relevance including through monitoring missionsOffer strategic technical guidance and input to DFAT on complex program deliverables including the MERL system, key strategies, plans and progress reports developed by the managing contractor during implementationSupport DFAT to ensure GEDSI and climate change are integrated into the MERL system, work plans and key deliverablesOn request assess the program’s progress towards the achievement of outcomes, identify any new and emerging risks, and suggest adjustments to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and sustainabilityUsing data and information from the MERL system, progress reporting and monitoring missions, support DFAT to ensure learning is integrated into implementation, activity design and decision-making processesProvide DFAT with technical advice on human health, animal health and One Health as requiredOn request from DFAT through Tasking Notes, provide in-country and remote inputs for discrete, substantive tasksKey Requirements:Required ExperienceExperience working in international development in the health sector.Demonstrated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for international development programs including experience developing fit-for-purpose MERL systems Proven experience working in health system strengthening in developing countries and/or experience implementing health programs (preferably in Indonesia)Experience working with DFAT and/or other donors (and preferably familiarity with DFAT Design and M&E standards) Required Qualifications And SkillsPostgraduate qualification in evaluation, international development, public health, animal health or related field and/or equivalent experienceStrong technical knowledge of human health, animal health and One Health as an approachDemonstrated ability to analyse and synthesis data and evidence and provide clear, concise and actionable feedback and adviceUnderstanding of gender equality and disability-inclusive development principles and practicesCultural And Language RequirementsExcellent written and verbal communication skills in English (essential) and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectivelyStrong cross-cultural communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural contexts Desirable ExperienceDemonstrated knowledge of Australia’s relationship to, or interests in Indonesia, including history of relations, current context, risks and opportunities, and key stakeholdersFamiliarity and understanding of Government of Indonesia systems and processes, the Indonesian context and health priorities in IndonesiaHow to apply:Please submit your application on the Abt Global website or following link Strategic Advisers - Abt Global attaching your CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the key requirements of the role. Closing date is 26 November 2025. For any enquiries, please email recruitment@shsglobal.com.auApplications are encouraged from individuals and organisations wishing to put forward an individual adviser or team of advisers, who meet the key selection criteria. For teams of advisers, the cover letter must include the daily rate (in AUD) for each adviser proposed, inclusive of any management fee. Travel costs do not need to be listed as all travel arrangements will be managed by SHS/Abt.Abt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.Terms of Reference – Short Term Adviser (Draw-Down Contract)Position TitleStrategic Advisory Team (SAT)ProgramAustralia Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation (KITA SEHAT)Classification of role as specified under safeguarding policiesWorking with childrenContact with childrenWorking with Vulnerable AdultsContact with Vulnerable AdultsNil (Desk based no travel and/or no access to personal data or images of children/vulnerable adults)Location/sDesk basedDesk Based with possible domestic travelDesk based with possible international travelTravelIndonesia: Level 2: Exercise a high degree of cautionPossible 2 x 14-day trip to Indonesia for each member of the SAT with domestic travel to program locationsTermUp to a maximum of 40 input days over 12-months with the possibility of two 12-month extension option periods subject to performance and budget availability.Reporting toThe adviser will report to:SHS: Gael Haimes, Operations ManagerDFAT: Madeleine Scott, First Secretary HealthBackgroundUnder the new bilateral Australia Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation program (KITA SEHAT), Australia will support the Government of Indonesia to achieve its policy objectives in the intersecting fields of health security, One Health and primary care.KITA SEHAT will work through a range of mechanisms including technical assistance, public sector partnership, implementation, research and CSO/NGO grants. Gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) and climate resilience will be a strong focus of the program and will be integral to achieving national health goals.The program’s long-term goal will be guided by four end-of-program-outcomes (EOPOs):Primary health care policy and governance – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have adopted improved primary health policies, service delivery approaches and governance arrangements. Primary health services – By 2033, selected subnational authorities have improved the quality of and access to primary health services with a focus on stunting prevention and the inclusion of women, people with disability and other marginalised groups. Health system enablers – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have enhanced core workforce capabilities in critical human and animal health system enabling functions. Health security – By 2033, national and selected subnational authorities have increased capacity for health security and animal health policy development, strategic planning and the assessment, mitigation and management of acute and emerging health threats. Purpose and objectivesIn accordance with the new program design, DFAT will engage an independent Strategic Advisory Team (SAT) to provide expert advice to DFAT and oversee key evaluations and reviews. The team will not be involved in the implementation of the program, ensuring its objectivity and impartiality.The SAT’s primary responsibilities will include providing strategic guidance and input to DFAT, to ensure that program implementation aligns with the program design and is efficient and effective in delivering impact and appropriate to context.The SAT will include high-level monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) and performance management expertise and sector specific expertise, including human health, One Health and animal health.Duty StatementThe SAT advisors will:Provide independent technical expertise to monitor and strengthen the new bilateral health program’s performance and relevance including through monitoring missions. Offer strategic technical guidance and input to DFAT on complex program deliverables including the MERL system, key strategies, plans and progress reports developed during implementation by the managing contractor. Support DFAT to ensure GEDSI and climate change are integrated into the MERL system, work plans and key deliverables.On request, including through monitoring missions, assess the program’s progress towards the achievement of outcomes, identify new and potential or emerging risks, and suggest adjustments to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.Using data and information from the MERL system, progress reporting and monitoring missions, support DFAT to ensure learning is integrated into implementation, activity design and decision-making during implementation.Provide DFAT with technical advice regarding MERL Systems, application of DFAT’s GEDSI’s framework, human health, One Health and animal health.As requested by DFAT through tasking notes, provide in-country and remote inputs for discrete, substantive tasks as required. All written reports must be of a high standard and provide clear, concise and actionable advice in English. Reporting and PaymentThe adviser will be tasked with work by DFAT and will proceed following mutual agreement of expected days to be worked and outcomes. The adviser will report to Madeleine Scott, First Secretary Health. Performance management and tasking of the adviser will be the responsibility of DFAT Human Development Section. Any performance issues will be discussed with SHS/Abt Global as required.The adviser will submit a monthly activity report and invoice to SHS.The total inputs (days and reimbursables) claimed should not exceed the total number of input days included in this ToR.Deliverable PublishedYesNoPolicy contextAdvisers are expected to align their work with DFAT’s development and foreign policy priorities and to incorporate DFAT’s cross-cutting priorities on gender equality, disability equity, climate change and First Nations engagement. Advisers should seek advice from DFAT about the most appropriate ways to align tasks to these policies. Advisers should also discuss whether there are other relevant DFAT policies.ConditionsConditions of engagement may include completing and signing the following documents:The Deed of ConfidentialityThe Declaration of Adviser StatusSafeguarding Code of ConductAs per DFAT requirements, an Adviser Performance Assessment (APA) will be undertaken at the completion of the assignment.Key Selection CriteriaThe SAT will collectively have the following expertise and experience:Required ExperienceExperience working in international development in the health sector.Demonstrated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for international development programs including developing fit-for-purpose MEL systems for international development programsProven experience working in health system strengthening in developing countries and/or experience implementing health programs (preferably in Indonesia)Strong technical knowledge of human health, animal health and one health as an approachExperience working with DFAT and/or other donors (and preferably familiarity with DFAT design and evaluation standards)Required Qualifications And Skills Postgraduate qualification in evaluation, international development, public health, animal health or similar or equivalent experienceDemonstrated ability to analyse and synthesise data and information to provide clear, concise and actionable feedback and adviceCultural & Language RequirementsExcellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectivelyStrong cross-cultural communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural contextDesirable ExperienceUnderstanding of, and experience integrating gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) and climate change into all stages of the program cycleFamiliarity and understanding of Government of Indonesia systems and processesKey documentsThe SAT may refer to the following documents or information:Investment Design Document (link: Investment design document - Australia Indonesia partnership for health transformation | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade )Australia - Indonesia Development Partnership Plan 2024-2028 (link: Australia – Indonesia Development Partnership Plan 2024-2028 | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade )DFAT Monitoring and Evaluation Standards (link: DFAT Design and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Standards | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade )Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan 2025-2029 (RPJMN 2025-20249) Indonesia’s Health Transformation Agenda (link: INDONESIAN HEALTH TRANSFORMATION )Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 (link: Chapter 9: Healthcare | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates