APLP Delegation Support Specialist
Expression of Interest:
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.
APLP aims to:
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
Depending on the requirements of each assignment, you may be engaged to:
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 escalate 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 escalate 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 programs
broader 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.
How to Apply
Applications close on Thursday 5 November 2026 at 11:59PM AEST.
Please apply online through Abt Careers, addressing the Key Selection Criteria (see: About You) in your cover letter and submitting your application and CV as a single document.
Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.
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.
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Abt Associates is an Affirmative 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.
Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.