Health and Development Program Adviser - Cambodia

About the role

The Specialist Health Service, managed by Abt Global, advises the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on health. As Health and Development Program Adviser in Phnom Penh, you will provide strategic oversight, technical leadership and management of Australia's health portfolio in Cambodia, support the social protection portfolio and align the two. The role is fixed term, from 1 January 2027 to 28 February 2029, with a stated monthly remuneration of AUD 13,387 gross plus allowances.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and technical leadership of the health and social protection portfolio, advising senior management on policy, political economy, design, planning, risk management, performance assessment and reporting
• Lead engagement with partners such as the World Bank, GIZ, WHO, FAO and UNICEF, and coordinate donor groups, including serving as rotating co-chair of the health donor coordination group
• Prepare briefings and public diplomacy for DFAT official visits and build relationships with Cambodian counterparts such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economy and Finance
• Advise on engagement with Cambodia's health and social protection policies, including universal health coverage and the health workforce development plan
• Act as the focal point for regional and global health programs, including representing Australia as an Alternate Member of the Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund
• Support the design of new bilateral investments and help build the capacity of program staff

Required profile

• At least 10 years of health, health systems strengthening, governance and/or social protection programming experience in an international development context
• Familiarity with Australian development program principles and prior experience with DFAT or a partner government
• Experience in a representative role in donor coordination networks and in mentoring local staff
• Postgraduate degree in public health, international development or a related field
• Fluency in English; knowledge of multilateral institutions' roles in Cambodia's health and social protection is desirable

Required skills

• Program management, monitoring and evaluation, and high-level report writing
• Understanding of gender equality, disability-inclusive development, climate change and health, and of Cambodia and Southeast Asia development challenges
• Ability to work independently and lead briefing, design and reporting materials

Applications are submitted online with a CV and cover letter as a single PDF, closing on 29 November 2026.