APLP Delegation Support Specialist

Abt Global Australia; Cairns Regional; Remote; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Abt Global Australia is seeking expressions of interest for an APLP Delegation Support Specialist to join a pre-qualified Surge Support Pool. This consultant role provides flexible delegation support during high-level visits and related activities across Australia, including Canberra, Cairns and Townsville.

Pool members may be engaged to assist with delegation coordination, visitor management, protocol, stakeholder liaison and on-the-ground coordination. Assignments vary in duration and scope.

Qualifications

• experience supporting high-level visits, delegations, VIPs or international guests
• experience coordinating logistics, protocol, hospitality and on-the-ground activities
• strong stakeholder engagement with government, diplomatic, senior or other high-profile stakeholders
• strong organisational skills with detailed schedules and changing priorities
• sound judgement, discretion, and ability to elevate issues when needed
• working independently and in a small team with flexibility
• availability for travel, short-notice engagements or after-hours work

Responsibilities

• coordinate and manage visiting delegations
• provide on-the-ground support during High Level Visits
• assist with protocol arrangements and official engagements
• liaise with delegates, government, diplomats, service providers and staff
• support airport arrivals/departures and delegate movements
• provide participant support and respond to delegate needs
• support meetings, events, site visits and official engagements
• coordinate transport, accommodation and logistics with venues and providers
• monitor schedules and communicate changes promptly
• troubleshoot operational issues and escalate when needed
• maintain administrative records and contribute to reporting
• perform other delegation-support duties within scope

Job description

Expression of Interest

APLP Delegation Support Specialist - Surge Support Pool

Job Description

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.

• 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

• 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 elevate 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 elevate 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 programsbroader 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.

Important

This EOI establishes a pre-qualified Surge Support Pool. Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee work. Any engagement will be subject to assignment requirements, availability and an agreed scope of work.

About Abt

Abt Global Australia (Abt) is a mission-driven company working in partnership with governments and communities to help create a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future for people worldwide.

Drawing on 60 years’ experience, Abt designs, tests and applies evidence-based approaches to development challenges – from design to implementation and technical assistance through to evaluation. Abt has expertise in governance, economic growth, health, education, gender equality, disability and social inclusion, climate and environment, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and infrastructure.

Abt manages complex development programs on behalf of clients including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Asia Development Bank, and various Australian state governments. These programs are based in over 15 countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Commitment to Equity

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse backgrounds. We provide equitable opportunities for local talent who apply for this position and reasonable accommodation for people with a disability.

Commitment to Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.

Abt Associates is an Afftive 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.