Director General (DG), Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE)

Location: Betio, Kiribati
Full-time role
Internationally advertised role

Job Opportunity

• Lead transformative infrastructure projects that shape the future of Kiribati.
• Mentor and build capacity in local engineers, contributing to long-term development outcomes.
• Apply your expertise in a unique, dynamic Pacific island environment, tackling real-world challenges and delivering impactful solutions.

Program Overview

The Kiribati Australia Infrastructure (Te KAI) Program supports high-quality, climate-resilient, and inclusive infrastructure development in Kiribati. As Director General (DG), Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), The role will provide strategic leadership and oversight across the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), supporting the Directors of the four Engineering Services Departments, which together comprise over 150 staff.

This role involves oversight of large-scale, multi-donor projects, management of national assets, and mentoring of local engineering teams, with a focus on sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure development in Kiribati’s unique island context.

Your Role

• Provide Strategic Leadership for Infrastructure Projects – Serve as Project Director for major World Bank and ADB-funded infrastructure projects, overseeing project design, costing, implementation, and multi-donor coordination.
• Technical Oversight and Advisory – Review, assess, and advise on civil infrastructure, energy, water, sanitation, and building projects, ensuring safety, durability, and alignment with national standards.
• National Assets Management – Maintain and strengthen the National Assets Management Strategy, ensuring accurate data and proactive planning for public infrastructure, including roads, airfields, coastal protection, and utilities.
• Mentorship and Capacity Development – Build and enhance the technical capacity of MISE staff through mentoring, on-the-job training, and guidance from planning through to project implementation and maintenance.
• Lead the Engineering Services Division – Manage and coordinate all activities across multiple technical units, fostering organizational efficiency and delivering high-quality engineering outputs.
• Project and Asset Maintenance Oversight – Oversee the development and implementation of public asset maintenance plans, material testing laboratories, and preventive infrastructure assessments to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Mainstream Cross-Cutting Issues – Integrate gender equality, child protection, and disability inclusion into policy frameworks, project planning, and capacity-building initiatives, and promote innovative approaches for technical development.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in managing infrastructure or technical programs in remote, low-lying island states, with a deep understanding of the unique economic and physical challenges of Kiribati. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

You will possess:

• Advanced Qualifications and Expertise – A tertiary degree (Master’s preferred) in Infrastructure, Civil, or Water Engineering, with deep theoretical knowledge applied successfully in practice.
• Extensive Regional Experience – Minimum 10 years in civil and infrastructure engineering, including oversight of complex projects in Pacific or small island contexts, preferably low-lying atolls.
• Leadership and Team Development – Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior staff, and build local capacity in civil engineering and project management.
• Technical and Project Management Skills – Strong skills in design review, costing, procurement, and contract management for civil infrastructure and building projects.
• Cross-Cultural and Stakeholder Engagement – Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to work effectively across diverse, multicultural environments and with multiple stakeholders.
• Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Practices – Experience integrating gender equality, disability and social inclusion, child protection, climate resilience, and other cross-cutting development priorities into projects..

If you meet most of the criteria but not all, we still encourage you to apply. A professional development plan and support from the Safeguarding Adviser will be available for the right candidate.

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

How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you and you meet the requirements, click the “Apply for Job” button and submit your application online before the closing date — we’d love to hear from you.

Your completed application will include:

• CV with a minimum of two referee contacts
• Cover letter (max two pages) outlining your suitability for the position and alignment with the selection criteria

Applications for this position close on 20 March at 11:59am

Have questions about the role? Please contact Ravuama Buadromo at idev.hrservices@tetratech.com 

The successful candidate will be employed directly by Tetra Tech International Development, who will remain the employer for the duration of the contract.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

Tetra Tech has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), child abuse, modern slavery, and safeguarding-related retaliation. We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and promoting gender equality and inclusion. All successful applicants will undergo qualification, referee and criminal record checks.

Why Tetra Tech International Development?

Working at Tetra Tech means being part of a values-led organisation that invests in flexible work environments built on trust, safety and well-being. We provide the foundations for our team to enjoy the work they do and deliver value every day.
Read more about our culture, purpose and values here.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with disability; First Nations Peoples; and people of all cultures, genders, abilities and experiences to apply.