Design Manager

Are you ready to lead impactful infrastructure projects in the Pacific? Te KAI is seeking a Design Manager to drive infrastructure design in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) and DFAT. This is a unique opportunity to bring your skills to Betio, Kiribati, and contribute to sustainable development across the islands.

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

• Based in Betio, Kiribati
• Two-year appointment with option to extend
• Work with likeminded, determined and professional colleagues motivated to create positive change through small to medium value infrastructure projects.

The Kiribati Australia Infrastructure Program (Te KAI)

The Kiribati Australia Infrastructure Program (Te KAI) aims to provide a flexible and responsive mechanism to deliver small to medium value infrastructure projects in Kiribati that are of a high-quality, climate resilient, inclusive and purpose-built. 

Key responsibilities

• Support the Team Leader in identification and prioritisation of projects in partnership with MISE and DFAT.
• Lead and project manage design activities, mentoring junior staff to deliver quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders, including DFAT, MISE, and local authorities, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Oversee design planning, engineering inputs, and implementation, coordinating with construction teams and subcontractors to meet safety, accessibility, and climate resilience standards.
• Facilitate community consultations, integrate gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and safeguarding considerations, and address design queries to ensure project alignment with community needs.
• Manage budget planning, financial forecasting, and reporting requirements, ensuring accountability and value for money in all program design activities.
• Promote cross-cutting themes (GEDSI, Climate Change/Disaster Risk Reduction) across all activities, championing high standards in safety, environment, and child protection.
• Support staff performance management and capacity building, enhancing local expertise in design and construction functions.

Selection criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in civil/structural engineering, architecture or a related field.
• 8+ years in design and delivery of building projects, with strong skills in stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and project management in international development contexts, ideally in Pacific Islands.

• Skilled in managing complex infrastructure projects, risk mitigation, financial planning, and team management.
• Understanding of Australia’s International Development Policy and GoK priorities; experience integrating GEDSI, child protection, and PSEAH in projects.
• Strong communicator with cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and integrity in managing diverse teams and building productive relationships.

For a complete position description, please click here.

How to apply

Click the "Apply for job" button. 

Applications will only be accepted via the Tetra Tech International Development Website. Emailed applications will be disregarded.

Please submit:

• 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 11:59 PM (AEST) 29 November 2024

Due to a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.