Health and Development Program Adviser - Cambodia

About the role

Abt Global's Specialist Health Service provides strategic health advice to the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). As Health and Development Program Adviser in Phnom Penh, you will give strategic oversight and technical leadership to Australia's health portfolio in Cambodia and support the social protection portfolio so that the two are well aligned. The role is based in the embassy and runs from 1 January 2027 to 28 February 2029.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of the health and social protection portfolio, advise senior management on policy, political economy, design, planning, risk management, performance assessment and reporting, and share lessons learned with other embassy staff.
• Lead engagement with partners such as the World Bank, GIZ, WHO, FAO and UNICEF, and act as a rotating co-chair of the health donor coordination group; coordinate DFAT official visits and public diplomacy.
• Build relationships with Cambodian counterparts including the Ministry of Health, the National Payment Certification Agency, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the NCDDS.
• Advise on engagement with Cambodia's health and social protection policies, including universal health coverage, digital transformation and the health workforce plan.
• Coordinate, monitor and report on the Partnerships for a Healthy Region (PHR) and regional/global programs, and represent 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 principles and prior experience with DFAT or a partner government in a similar role.
• Experience in a representative role such as an in-country donor coordination group, and experience mentoring local staff.
• Postgraduate degree in public health, international development or a related field.
• Fluency in English and cross-cultural competence.

Required skills

• Strong aid and program management, including monitoring and evaluation.
• High-level report writing and excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead briefing, design and reporting materials.
• Desirable: knowledge of multilateral institutions' roles in Cambodia's health and social protection sector, and prior DFAT experience.

The monthly remuneration is AUD 13,387 gross, inclusive of superannuation and allowances. Applications are submitted online with a CV and cover letter as a single PDF, closing on 29 November 2026.