Australia Assists - Emergency Telecommunications Specialist (Early warning systems)

Work on a global humanitarian program contributing to saving lives and alleviating suffering.

Australia Assists is an Australian Government program that deploys skilled humanitarian specialists to support multilateral agencies, governments, civil society and communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and conflict. Australia Assists’ Goal is to: Save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during and in the aftermath of conflict, disasters and other humanitarian crises, and strengthen preparedness for the occurrence of such situations. The program’s Objective is: Targeted deployment of humanitarian expertise that meets the priorities and needs of Australia's multilateral, bilateral and civil society partners and advances Australia's international humanitarian priorities.

For more information please visit our website.

The Opportunity:

• Based in Apia, Samoa
• Open to national and international candidates
• Duration: 12 months from start
• Remuneration: P4 – AUD9,700/month

The Role:

The Emergency Telecommunications Specialist – Early Warning Systems will be embedded within the DMO's Disaster Management section, working alongside the Principal Disaster Management Officer and the Disaster Management Communications Officer. The specialist supports the ongoing operation and maintenance of the ERN and ESN, builds the capacity of DMO staff to manage these systems independently, and contributes to coordination with response agencies and incoming partner investments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work alongside the DMO Communications Officer to jointly conduct regular inspection and testing of ERN and ESN infrastructure in accordance with existing maintenance schedules
• Support the DMO to identify and resolve technical faults and equipment needs, contributing technical expertise as required
• Work with DMO counterparts to review and strengthen SOPs for ERN and ESN activation, testing, and maintenance, ensuring any updates are developed collaboratively and endorsed through appropriate DMO processes
• Deliver hands-on joint training alongside DMO counterparts, building on any relevant training previously delivered through ETC Pacific programs
• Support community awareness activities as directed by the DMO
• Support the DMO in its engagement with the PREPARE-Samoa project team, providing technical input as requested to help ensure incoming investments reflect DMO operational priorities
• Maintain working engagement with ETC Pacific and other relevant regional partners, flagging useful resources, training opportunities, or technical guidance to the DMO as they arise

Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualification in information technology, telecommunications, electronics, radio communications, or a related field; or demonstrated equivalent professional experience
• Formal training or certification in radio communications, emergency telecommunications, or network maintenance
• Demonstrated experience in the operation and maintenance of emergency radio or telecommunications systems, preferably in Pacific Island or comparable small island developing state contexts
• Experience working with or within national disaster management or emergency management agencies, including collaboration with government counterparts
• Experience delivering practical training and capacity building to government staff, and familiarity with multilateral-funded infrastructure projects or humanitarian coordination systems (e.g., ETC Cluster) is highly desirable
• Demonstrated technical skills in the operation, testing, and maintenance of VHF/UHF radio networks and emergency siren or public warning systems

For a complete position description please click here. Use the password: TetraTech2025 for access.

How to apply

Please submit your application by clicking "Apply for job" at the top of this page. Applications will only be accepted via the Tetra Tech International Development Website. Emailed applications will be disregarded.

Australia Assists is committed to equitable access. Applicants with disabilities or are facing other barriers that prevents them from using this application portal, please request reasonable accommodation by emailing HR@australiaasssists.org

Alternative submission formats (e.g. Word, accessible PDF, or email) are available on request. Please contact us to discuss available options.

A completed application includes:

• Resume
• Statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), demonstrating how your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and personal attributes align with the selection criteria

Apply before 11:59pm (AEDT), Sunday 22 March, 2026.