Strategic Advisers

Abt Associates; Jawa Barat; Remote; IDR 1.093.493.000 - 1.530.892.000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting organization is seeking Strategic Advisers to provide technical expertise in health systems for the Australia–Indonesia partnership program. The role involves advising on Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) for health initiatives. Ideal candidates will have experience in international development and strong communication skills. This desk-based position includes travel to Indonesia and an initial 12-month contract with potential extensions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to analyse and synthesise data and provide actionable advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Understanding of gender equality and disability‐inclusive development principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent technical expertise to monitor the program’s performance.
• Support DFAT to integrate GEDSI and climate change into the MERL system.
• Produce written reports of high standards in English.

Skills

Experience in international development in the health sector

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL)

Technical knowledge of human health, animal health, and One Health

Strong cross‐cultural communication skills

Education

Postgraduate qualification in evaluation, international development, public health, or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Position: Strategic Advisers
Location: Desk-based with travel to Indonesia
Duration: Initial 12‑month contract with two 12‑month extension options

About Abt Associates

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 (SHS)

Managed by Abt Global, the 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.

Opportunity

Under 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 sub‑national authorities have adopted improved primary health policies, service delivery approaches and governance arrangements.
• Primary health services – By 2033, selected sub‑national 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 enabling functions – By 2033, national and selected sub‑national authorities have enhanced core workforce capabilities in critical human and animal health system enabling functions.
• Health security – By 2033, national and selected sub‑national 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 (up to a 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. Strategic advisers will also support DFAT in ensuring program implementation approaches align with the program design, best practice and international standards. They will not be involved in program implementation, ensuring objectivity and impartiality.

Responsibilities

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 missions.
• Offer 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 implementation.
• Support DFAT to ensure GEDSI and climate change are integrated into the MERL system, work plans and key deliverables.
• On 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 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 processes.
• Provide DFAT with technical advice on human health, animal health and One Health as required.
• On request from DFAT through tasking notes, provide in‑country and remote inputs for discrete, substantive tasks.
• Produce written reports of a high standard and provide clear, concise and actionable advice in English.

Key Requirements

Required experience

• Experience working in international development in the health sector.
• Demonstrated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for international development programmes including experience developing fit‑for‑purpose MERL systems.
• Proven experience working in health system strengthening in developing countries and/or experience implementing health programmes (preferably in Indonesia).
• Experience working with DFAT and/or other donors (and preferably familiarity with DFAT Design and M&E standards).

Qualifications and Skills

• Postgraduate qualification in evaluation, international development, public health, animal health or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of human health, animal health and One Health as an approach.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and synthesise data and evidence and provide clear, concise and actionable feedback and advice.
• Understanding of gender equality and disability‑inclusive development principles and practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (essential) and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Strong cross‑cultural communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in cross‑cultural contexts.

Desirable Experience

Demonstrated knowledge of Australia’s relationship to, or interests in Indonesia, including history of relations, current context, risks and opportunities, and key stakeholders.

Familiarity and understanding of Government of Indonesia systems and processes, the Indonesian context and health priorities in Indonesia.

Application Process

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.

Applications 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.

EEO Statement

Abt is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.

Disclaimer

Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.