International Research Advisor

Aus4Skills seeks an International Research Adviser to strengthen research quality, guide policy‑relevant studies, mentor partners, and connect Vietnamese researchers with Australian experts. Lead research design, quality assurance and learning to inform policy and program decisions while ensuring compliance with DFAT priorities. Apply now to drive impact and collaboration.

Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information please visit our website 

The opportunity

• Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
• Up to 25 input days, fixed term until 30 June 2027 (with a need to undertake at least 15 input days before 30 June 2026)

The program

Aus4Skills Phase 3 is a ten-year DFAT-funded program partnering with the Government of Vietnam to strengthen bilateral ties by supporting Vietnam’s human resource development priorities. Focused on higher education, the Vietnam Australia Centre, and vocational education and training (VET), the program builds workforce-ready, inclusive, climate-adaptive skills, public sector leadership, and alumni networks. It targets gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and support for disadvantaged Australia Awards students. Outcomes include stronger Australia–Vietnam strategic partnerships, enhanced public sector leadership and women’s advancement, and industry-aligned VET that meets labour market needs while promoting social equity and sustainable growth.

The role

The VAC Research Adviser provides high-level technical expertise and input on policy research activities, enabling the VAC to achieve its objective of supporting research analysis and evidence-informed policy development in Vietnam, in alignment with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, Government of Vietnam reform priorities and VAC objectives, as well as cross-cutting themes, such as Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), climate change, and localisation. In particular, the VAC implements an annual Policy Research Small Grants Program each year and the role of the VAC Research Adviser is to support implementation of this program. This includes providing technical advice to strengthen the selection process and individual proposals and facilitating connections with relevant Australian experts to ensure the projects support two way knowledge exchange and deepen bilateral collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high‑level technical leadership on VAC research strategy, approaches, procedures, guidelines to ensure outcome‑oriented, program‑aligned research.
• Lead design, review and quality assurance of policy research proposals, grants and ongoing projects, including assessment processes and remedial support for underperforming studies.
• Review and quality‑assure policy papers and annual Policy Yearbook content; synthesise findings for MEL and reporting of project outcomes.
• Advise and mentor Foundational Partners and the VAC team on research design, implementation, capacity development and practical research tools.
• Leverage international research networks (especially Australia) to exchange lessons, inform policy uptake and broker expert partnerships with Vietnamese researchers.
• Ensure all technical advice complies with DFAT/Tetra Tech policies (GEDSI, PSEAH, child protection, privacy, risk and MEL frameworks)

Selection criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in research, education, international relations, or equivalent senior professional experience.
• Substantial senior experience working in research settings and leading research activities.
• Proven track record developing and implementing research proposals, projects, and partnerships in international development.
• Strong knowledge of the research sector in Australia and Southeast Asia, including grant development and management; Vietnam experience advantageous.
• Experience working across cultures and with government, service providers, and donors; familiarity with Australian Government funded projects and policies.
• Excellent analytical, English report writing and communication skills; collaborative, culturally sensitive, detail oriented and adaptable.

 
For a complete position description, please click here. Please use password TetraTech2026.

How to apply

Click the "Apply for job" button. 

Please submit:

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

Apply before 11:59pm AEST, 30 April 2026

Aus4Skills seeks an International Research Adviser to strengthen research quality, guide policy‑relevant studies, mentor partners, and connect Vietnamese researchers with Australian experts. Lead research design, quality assurance and learning to inform policy and program decisions while ensuring compliance with DFAT priorities. Apply now to drive impact and collaboration.

Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information please visit our website 

The opportunity

• Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
• Up to 25 input days, fixed term until 30 June 2027 (with a need to undertake at least 15 input days before 30 June 2026)

The program

Aus4Skills Phase 3 is a ten-year DFAT-funded program partnering with the Government of Vietnam to strengthen bilateral ties by supporting Vietnam’s human resource development priorities. Focused on higher education, the Vietnam Australia Centre, and vocational education and training (VET), the program builds workforce-ready, inclusive, climate-adaptive skills, public sector leadership, and alumni networks. It targets gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and support for disadvantaged Australia Awards students. Outcomes include stronger Australia–Vietnam strategic partnerships, enhanced public sector leadership and women’s advancement, and industry-aligned VET that meets labour market needs while promoting social equity and sustainable growth.

The role

The VAC Research Adviser provides high-level technical expertise and input on policy research activities, enabling the VAC to achieve its objective of supporting research analysis and evidence-informed policy development in Vietnam, in alignment with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, Government of Vietnam reform priorities and VAC objectives, as well as cross-cutting themes, such as Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), climate change, and localisation. In particular, the VAC implements an annual Policy Research Small Grants Program each year and the role of the VAC Research Adviser is to support implementation of this program. This includes providing technical advice to strengthen the selection process and individual proposals and facilitating connections with relevant Australian experts to ensure the projects support two way knowledge exchange and deepen bilateral collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high‑level technical leadership on VAC research strategy, approaches, procedures, guidelines to ensure outcome‑oriented, program‑aligned research.
• Lead design, review and quality assurance of policy research proposals, grants and ongoing projects, including assessment processes and remedial support for underperforming studies.
• Review and quality‑assure policy papers and annual Policy Yearbook content; synthesise findings for MEL and reporting of project outcomes.
• Advise and mentor Foundational Partners and the VAC team on research design, implementation, capacity development and practical research tools.
• Leverage international research networks (especially Australia) to exchange lessons, inform policy uptake and broker expert partnerships with Vietnamese researchers.
• Ensure all technical advice complies with DFAT/Tetra Tech policies (GEDSI, PSEAH, child protection, privacy, risk and MEL frameworks)

Selection criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in research, education, international relations, or equivalent senior professional experience.
• Substantial senior experience working in research settings and leading research activities.
• Proven track record developing and implementing research proposals, projects, and partnerships in international development.
• Strong knowledge of the research sector in Australia and Southeast Asia, including grant development and management; Vietnam experience advantageous.
• Experience working across cultures and with government, service providers, and donors; familiarity with Australian Government funded projects and policies.
• Excellent analytical, English report writing and communication skills; collaborative, culturally sensitive, detail oriented and adaptable.

 
For a complete position description, please click here. Please use password TetraTech2026.

How to apply

Click the "Apply for job" button. 

Please submit:

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

Apply before 11:59pm AEST, 30 April 2026