Technical Adviser – Gender, Equity, Disability Equity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)

Job DescriptionThe Opportunity The Technical Adviser – Gender, Equity, Disability Equity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) will contribute as a key member of the International Technical Practice (ITP), working across Abt programs and initiatives to support the integration of GEDSI and inclusive leadership approaches. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the ITP, the Adviser will work closely with the Abt Equity Principal, sectoral advisers (governance, health, education, climate change, MERLA), and program and delivery teams to ensure that GEDSI considerations are practical, contextually appropriate, and embedded in program design, implementation and evaluation. The Adviser will contribute across the following areas:

• Applied GEDSI advisory support to Abt programs and targeted technical inputs across program lifecycles
• Business development and proposal support, ensuring GEDSI is effectively integrated into design and positioning
• Thought leadership and learning, contributing to Abt’s technical credibility and evidence base
• Corporate GEDSI practice, supporting internal capability and continuous improvement

The Adviser may be deployed flexibly across programs and will be expected to integrate quickly into existing teams, providing targeted, delivery-oriented support aligned with program objectives, timelines and client requirements. Frequent travel to the Pacific will be required. Core Responsibilities Technical Advisory Services (Technical tasks will comprise the bulk of the Adviser’s time)

• Provide GEDSI technical inputs to program teams, supporting the integration of inclusive approaches into program design, planning and implementation. Where relevant, this includes leading the development of DFAT program GEDSI strategies.
• Work alongside program and delivery teams to identify inclusion risks and constraints (e.g. participation, access, safeguarding, power dynamics) and propose practical, context-sensitive solutions.
• Support the design and delivery of activities that strengthen participation, voice and leadership of women and under-represented groups.
• Integrate quickly into existing program teams and ways of working, adapting to client-led processes and operational realities.
• Where relevant, lead the design and oversee implementation of GEDSI interventions for selected Pacific-focused programs.
• Undertake domestic and international travel as needed to support program delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Business Growth

• Identify and analyse emerging GEDSI trends and priorities in the Indo-Pacific market and integrate these into Abt’s technical positioning.
• Support proposal development by ensuring GEDSI approaches are practical, evidence-based and aligned with client expectations.
• Contribute to the design of programs that integrate GEDSI considerations into practical delivery approaches
• Work with technical and business development teams to strengthen Abt’s reputation for applied, high-quality GEDSI practice.

Thought Leadership and Learning

• Strengthen capacity of Abt staff by providing practical guidance, tools and mentoring on GEDSI and inclusive leadership approaches.
• Contribute to the development of GEDSI thought leadership products grounded in implementation experience.
• Collaborate with program teams and partners to capture and communicate learning and evidence on GEDSI integration in practice.
• Support the development and refinement of context-relevant GEDSI approaches and standards within Abt
• Maintain and contribute to networks of GEDSI practitioners across the Indo-Pacific region.

Team / Operations

• Contribute to broader ITP strategy and quality assurance processes.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, including program management, operations, business development and technical staff.
• Provide flexible, responsive support across multiple programs, including short-term or targeted inputs where required.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

• Contribute to corporate policies and practices on equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Model inclusive behaviours and support an inclusive organisational culture.
• Promote practical, context-sensitive approaches to inclusion across Abt’s work.

What We Value

• Tertiary education degree in gender studies, development studies, sociology, Asia/Pacific studies, economics, political science, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree + 9 years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + 7 years of relevant
• 7 years of demonstrated experience achieving GEDSI progress within Pacific and/or Indo-Pacific program contexts.
• Experience in programs involving leadership, governance, or people-to-people engagement will be an asset.
• Relevant Experience includes:

• Experience integrating GEDSI into design and implementation of programs operating in politically and culturally complex environments in the Pacific or comparable contexts
• Experience working on donor-funded programs (e.g. DFAT, MFAT or similar), with an understanding of client-led delivery models
• Experience supporting inclusive leadership development and engagement, through e.g. exchanges, study tours, training, cohort-based engagement or organisational capacity strengthening
• Experience progressing GEDSI with diverse stakeholder groups across government, civil society or communities
• Experience translating GEDSI principles into practical approaches that work within real delivery constraints, including timelines, logistics and political or cultural considerations
• Experience working collaboratively with program and delivery teams to effectively address GEDSI-related barriers to participation (e.g. gender norms, disability access, geographic constraints)
• Experience writing or contributing to successful proposals for new GEDSI-focused or GEDSI-mainstreamed work (business growth).

About Us Abt Global-Australia is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3000 staff in over 50 countries. Equity Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to all forms of diversity and equality including racial equity, gender, sexual diversity and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Safeguarding We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.