Director, architectural and building engineering department (abed)

Lead the future of Kiribati's building infrastructure through strategic leadership, technical excellence and sustainable institutional development.

Location: Betio, Kiribati | Full-time | Contract duration: Full Time

Lead a multidisciplinary government department of approximately 80 professionals. Shape Kiribati's building standards, infrastructure investment and asset management. Strengthen national capability and deliver lasting improvements to public infrastructure. Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

The Kiribati Australia Infrastructure (Te KAI) program supports the delivery of small to medium scale infrastructure projects across Kiribati. The program partners with the Government of Kiribati and local contractors to deliver high quality, purpose built and climate resilient infrastructure, alongside capacity strengthening for government and the local construction sector.

The opportunity We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director to lead the Architectural and Building Engineering Department (ABED) within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE). Embedded within MISE, you will provide strategic, technical and operational leadership across architectural design, building engineering, cost planning, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and government building maintenance. You will oversee the management of public building assets, strengthen institutional systems and lead a multidisciplinary workforce of approximately 80 staff. Working closely with senior government officials, development partners and industry stakeholders, you will help shape infrastructure investment priorities, strengthen building standards and develop sustainable technical capability across Kiribati.

This is a unique opportunity to influence national infrastructure outcomes, strengthen government institutions and leave a lasting legacy for communities across Kiribati.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership: Lead ABED's departmental performance, workforce development, financial planning, institutional reform and continuous improvement, fostering a high-performing, accountable and inclusive workplace.
• Lead technical and regulatory oversight: Oversee implementation of the Kiribati Building Act and Building Code, including building inspections, technical assessments, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and departmental clearances in accordance with statutory requirements and delegations.
• Drive infrastructure investment and institutional strengthening: Identify priority infrastructure investments, develop funding proposals, strengthen strategic partnerships and support the delivery of climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure.
• Strengthen government building asset management: Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive asset management systems, including building condition assessments, maintenance planning, lifecycle management and investment prioritisation to ensure government infrastructure remains safe, functional and sustainable.
• Advance policy, governance and sector development: Drive institutional reforms, strengthen departmental policies and operational systems, and support the development of Kiribati's local construction industry through technical guidance, professional mentoring and improved industry standards.

Selection criteria

• A relevant university qualification in architecture, engineering, construction, project management, asset management or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of senior experience in infrastructure, construction, engineering or asset management.
• Demonstrated experience leading large multidisciplinary teams or technical departments, including strategic planning, organisational improvement, workforce development and institutional capacity strengthening.
• Technical Expertise and Project Delivery: Strong knowledge and experience in building regulations, infrastructure development, government asset management, procurement, contract administration, financial oversight and regulatory compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Strengthening: Proven ability to engage effectively with senior government officials, development partners and industry stakeholders, build strategic partnerships and strengthen local capabilities. Experience working in the Pacific or similar remote environments is highly desirable.

For a complete terms of reference, please click here.

How to Apply

If this opportunity has sparked your interest and you have the skills and expertise required, please 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 31 October 2026, AEST.

Why Tetra Tech International Development?

We are a values led organisation committed to flexible working, wellbeing, and creating positive impact. Our culture is grounded in collaboration, trust, diversity, and inclusion. Learn more about our purpose and values here.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We are committed to child safety, safeguarding, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

As a leading development consulting firm, Tetra Tech International Development works with people and communities to solve some of the world's most complex challenges to achieve a positive impact. Working at Tetra Tech International Development means working within a values led organisation that invests in flexible work environments built on trust, safety and well-being.

Through unified systems, flexible and supportive workplaces, we provide the foundations required for our team to enjoy the work they do and deliver value every day.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, child safety, safeguarding, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. We encourage people living with a disability; First Nations Peoples; and people of all cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences to apply.

Should you require additional support with your application, please email IDEV.HRServices@tetratech.com or phone +61 (08) 8375 4400.

Tetra Tech has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (‘SEAH’), child abuse and exploitation, modern slavery and safeguarding related retaliation, and this zero-tolerance extends to inaction. Tetra Tech is committed to being a child safe organisation, and to promoting a culture that supports gender equality, and addresses the gendered drivers of violence against women and children.

It is committed to fostering a culture where we prevent and respond decisively and appropriately to harm against people, and that all people are treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of country, project, or office where we work. This will require compliance with Tetra Tech’s Safeguarding and other Codes of Conduct and our associated safeguarding policies (Child Protection and Child Safety, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policy and procedure, and Modern Slavery.

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