Aviation Advisers: Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A)

Position: Technical and Policy Advisers in the Pacific Aviation Sector

Program: Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A)

Location: Remotely, with travel to the Pacific region as required.

Expertise: Expertise will include but not be limited to:

• Aviation sector policy development

• Aviation safety, audits and compliance

• Aviation demand analysis, route analysis, forecasting​, strategic advice

• Airport planning, management or operations

• Airline operations and management

• Civil aviation regulatory expertise, particularly those that are practised in the Pacific aviation sector

• Tourism management and policy development

Deadline for applications 11:59pm (AEST) 05 August 2025

Program Background

Aviation is an important enabler of economic activity and human development in the Pacific. It connects Pacific countries to the world and each other, facilitating tourism, trade, labour mobility and access to health and education services. Aviation in the Pacific is disadvantaged by the small size of Pacific Island countries and their geographical remoteness, both from within each country, the region, and from international hubs.

The Australia – Pacific Partnerships for Aviation program (P4A) aims to strengthen the Pacific aviation sector, improve aviation safety outcomes, increase cooperation and coordination among aviation actors and ultimately support economic growth.

P4A will be delivered through three key outcome areas, including (but not limited to):

1. A stronger enabling environment, including improved governance, regulations, policies, and plans that strengthen the Pacific aviation sector and reform unsustainable practices.

2. Improved Safety, Quality and Reliability through strengthened technical capability and more common approaches that improve aviation operations' safety, quality, and reliability.

3. Greater coordination, cooperation, and connectivity are needed to maintain connectivity between Pacific Island countries and strengthen regional and bilateral coordination and cooperation in regulatory and operational areas.

P4A will also mainstream cross-cutting sectors to ensure outcomes strengthen child protection and safeguarding, climate change resilience and adaptation, support locally led leadership and improve Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) outcomes.

P4A is a five-year Australian Government initiative implemented by DFAT and Adam Smith International.

Objective of this Assignment  

In order to support delivery of the P4A program, P4A will require experts in the areas set out above, though these categories are not exhaustive and P4A will consider EOIs from candidates with expertise and experience P4A considers will advance program objectives. Advisers will also be required to demonstrate knowledge of the Pacific aviation sector and industry, or similar operating environment.

P4A is seeking to establish framework agreements for the provision of expertise that can be easily drawn upon to provide technical inputs, capacity-building/training, expert advice and guidance, and quality control to program investments. Advisers will be contracted on the basis of an agreed daily rate, with variable input levels which will be directed in response to program needs. Advisers will be expected to work directly to key stakeholders including DFAT, the P4A team, Pacific aviation ministries and industry counterparts.

Advisers may be requested to work on concurrent activities, based on program requirements.

Scope of Work

Roles and Responsibilities

The Adviser will:

• provide advisory support services to the P4A program;

• work collaboratively and constructively with relevant Ministries, regulators, airport authorities and airlines across the region to support program outcomes and quality decision-making framework for the national aviation sector;

• seek to build partner capability;

• report to DFAT for bilateral policy support provided;

• provide briefings to DFAT and/or P4A Team as required;

• identify coordination opportunities between donors, and other relevant actors in the sector;

• consider opportunities for improved outcomes in cross cutting themes of gender equality; disability inclusion and the environment;

• consider principles of sustainability and resilience for the aviation sector;

• provide information to communications team to finalise communications plans and products; and

• perform other duties in support of P4A initiatives, as required by DFAT.

Outputs

The Adviser must:

• consult widely across the aviation sector including with government, regulators, airport authorities, airlines, meteorological services and multilateral agencies as appropriate for individual tasks and consult with cross cutting GEDSI stakeholders;

• identify, collate and verify key aviation sector information in support of P4A initiatives;

• document analysis and recommendations to support a knowledge database and record of activities;

• provide support on other topics agreed with the nominated Secretaries/Ministry Heads, or stakeholders as identified to strengthen the safety, sustainability and capability of partner governments’ aviation sectors; and

• provide support on Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) communications and inclusion deliverables.

Deliverables

• Deliverables will vary depending on the nature of the assignment and may include the following: reports; draft policy documents; briefing papers; technical guidance materials/methodologies; and tools, workshop, seminar and training delivery; reporting and other similar outputs.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent industry operational experience relevant to their area of expertise

• A minimum of 10 years significant working experience in one or more of the areas of expertise set out on page one.

• Experience working in Pacific Island countries, or similar operating environment, and knowledge of their aviation sector.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working collaboratively in a development partner context.

• Experience in GEDSI, environment stakeholder and community engagement

• Experience in working with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams

• Strong mentoring and capacity-building skills.

How to apply

For Individuals:

Please submit a CV and cover letter via the ‘Apply’ button. Your cover letter should detail your expertise, capability statement, and alignment with the requirements of the P4A program. The cover letter should also outline your daily (8 hour) rate in AUD.

For Organisations:

Please submit a concise (3-4 pages) Expression of Interest (EOI) and accompanying personnel CVs (max 2-pages each) to procurement@p4a.com.au

Your EOI should detail your expertise, capability statement, and alignment with the requirements of the P4A program. Please include an outline of key client engagements, your rate card, and availability.

EOIs will be reviewed based on demonstrated expertise, relevant experience and the requirements of P4A program.