Technical Adviser - Workforce Planning

Position: Technical Adviser – Workforce Planning Duration: Up to 70 input days (part time September – 15 November 2025, with option of extension until the 30 June 2026) Location: Apia, Samoa Application deadline: 15 November 2025 About PalladiumPalladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social, climate and economic value.We work with governments, businesses, and investors to help solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, the environment, and, most importantly, people's lives. The Program The Samoa Tautua – Human Development for All Program assists in the delivery of Australia’s commitments to the development of Samoa through building and supporting the human development foundations required for Samoa’s health security, economic recovery, and continued stability thereafter. Tautua prioritises five interconnected pillars of human development: Education, Health, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Protection. Guided by the Government of Samoa, Tautua provides opportunity to create transformative change in human development by addressing complex development needs though multi-sectoral, innovative approaches that identify and focus on the underlying issues. Simultaneously, Tautua intends to be able to respond to emergency, short-term needs, build capacity and through research, monitoring and evaluation apply lessons learned and evidence-based decision making to continuously improve delivery.The goal for Tautua is 'improved health, education, gender equality and social outcomes, and social harmony for all Samoans'. The Role The Technical Adviser will play a critical role in shaping the University’s strategic workforce planning by developing a comprehensive Workforce Plan aligned with its strategic goals, academic programs and operational priorities. This role will also support the development of a strategic policy framework and ensure alignment with due diligence requirements. The Technical Adviser will assist in addressing identified gaps by supporting strategic planning, policy formulation and capacity building across academic and corporate sections, including the Executive Council and staff. The overarching goal is to ensure the University has the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles, at the right time.SummaryThe Technical Adviser will lead the development of a comprehensive Workforce Plan for the National University of Samoa (NUS). This includes reviewing strategic and HR documents, analyzing workforce data, identifying capability gaps, and forecasting future needs. The Adviser will also provide strategic recommendations, develop a monitoring and evaluation framework, and ensure alignment with national and sectoral priorities. The role involves extensive stakeholder engagement, scenario modeling, and final presentation of the plan to key governance bodies.Key Responsibilities Analyze NUS’s strategic documents, HR policies, and organizational structure to understand current frameworks and past restructuring efforts. Assess current workforce composition, skills, demographics, and gaps through consultations and data review, and benchmark against regional and international institutions. Model future staffing requirements based on enrolment trends, academic program changes, retirements, and funding scenarios. Perform gap analysis and propose strategies for recruitment, retention, upskilling, succession planning, and structural adjustments. Draft a detailed, actionable plan with timelines, resource needs, risk mitigation strategies, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Present draft findings to the Vice Chancellor’s Committee, incorporate feedback, and refine recommendations accordingly. Finalize the Workforce Plan to publication standard, prepare summary presentations for sectoral bodies, and participate in an exit meeting with a final report. For full Terms of Reference visit : https://www.tautuapartnership.ws/vacanciesAbout YouWe are seeking an individual to lead the development of a strategic Workforce Plan that strengthens institutional capacity and aligns with the University’s long-term goals. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in workforce planning, organizational development and policy alignment. Familiarity with the Pacific context and a commitment to inclusive, culturally grounded approaches—particularly in supporting gender equality and social inclusion—are highly valued.Additional Key Requirements Include E xceptional organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining attention to detail. Strategic and critical thinking capabilities, supported by a history of analytical work in program or project management environments. Proven experience leading diverse teams, with a focus on fostering positive team culture and delivering results through collaboration and trust. Strong skills in project planning, reporting and monitoring and evaluation. How To ApplyPlease apply via the online job advertisement by clicking on the “apply” button. Your application must include: A written response addressing the selection criteria outlined in the TOR; and An updated CV. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss. Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.