Partnership Associate Interns - Strongim Bisnis

Position: Partnership Associate Interns

Program: Strongim Bisnis

Location: Solomon Islands

Duration: Part-time over 3 months

Line manager and directly report to: Partnership Technical Lead

Works with: All technical teams

Background

Strongim Bisnis (SB) is the Australian Government's flagship private-sector development program in Solomon Islands. The program works with businesses, industry organisations, government, and other market actors to support the development of a resilient, diversified, and socially inclusive economy. Through a market systems development approach, Strongim Bisnis supports businesses to address constraints to growth, improve competitiveness, access to markets and generate employment and income opportunities. The program places particular emphasis on expanding economic opportunities for women, youth and people with disabilities.

Strongim Bisnis recognises that developing local professional capability is important to strengthening the private sector and ensuring that Solomon Islanders can take on increasingly complex roles in business development and partnership management. The Strongim Bisnis Academy Training Program will provide a small cohort of promising young Solomon Islanders with practical training and exposure to the work of a private-sector development program. The Academy is intended to build a pipeline of local talent who can contribute to identifying business opportunities, understanding constraints to business growth and supporting partnerships that deliver sustainable commercial and economic benefits.

Purpose of this consultancy

The Academy aims to develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional capabilities of young Solomon Islanders interested in pursuing careers in private-sector development, business development, enterprise support or related fields. The program will combine structured training, practical assignments, coaching, and exposure to the work of Strongim Bisnis. Participants will learn how to assess business opportunities, understand the constraints faced by businesses, develop and monitor partnerships, and contribute to commercially viable activities that generate employment and improve incomes. The Academy is a professional development opportunity. Participation does not guarantee employment with Strongim Bisnis or any other organisation. Up to 5 people will be accepted into the Academy, which is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027.

Scope of work

By the end of the program, participants should have developed a foundational understanding of:

• Private-sector development: How businesses operate, grow and create employment and income opportunities in Solomon Islands.

• Market systems development: How businesses interact with suppliers, buyers, service providers, government and other market actors, and how constraints within these systems affect business performance.

• Business analysis: How to research businesses, understand business models, identify growth opportunities and assess commercial challenges.

• Partnership development: How to identify prospective partners, engage businesses, gather information and contribute to the development of partnership proposals.

• Partnership management: The importance of due diligence, agreed objectives, implementation plans, monitoring, risk management and accountability.

• Results measurement: How to collect and interpret information about business performance, employment, income and other development results.

• Professional skills: Written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, time management, ethical conduct and professional engagement with businesses and stakeholders.

Scope of the training program

The Academy will be delivered over approximately three months (not full time). The final training schedule and delivery arrangements will be confirmed with selected participants.

The program is expected to include the following components:

• Structured learning: Participants will attend training sessions covering private-sector development, market systems development, business analysis, partnership design, due diligence, monitoring and results measurement.

• Practical assignments: Participants will undertake supervised exercises based on realistic business and market-development scenarios. Assignments may include researching a business or sector, identifying constraints to growth, preparing a business profile, analysing a potential partnership and developing a basic monitoring plan.

• Exposure to Strongim Bisnis operations: Participants will be introduced to the program's partnership development processes, including how opportunities are identified, assessed, documented and monitored. Subject to operational requirements, participants may also have opportunities to observe meetings, engage with program staff and learn from selected business partnerships.

• Coaching and feedback: Participants will receive guidance from designated Strongim Bisnis staff. Feedback will be provided on the quality of their work, analytical approach, communication and professional development.

• Final assessment: Each participant will complete a final practical assignment or assessment demonstrating their ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the Academy.

Participant responsibilities

Selected participants will be expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in scheduled training sessions and activities.

• Complete assignments and submit work within agreed deadlines.

• Demonstrate initiative, curiosity, reliability and a willingness to learn.

• Work constructively with other participants and Strongim Bisnis staff.

• Maintain confidentiality when exposed to business information or program documentation.

• Observe professional standards, safeguarding requirements and Strongim Bisnis policies.

• Participate in feedback and assessment processes.

Applicants should only apply if they can commit to the full duration of the program.

Safeguarding Considerations

This program may involve engagement with community members, including provincial travel and filmed interviews. The program participants are expected to undertake all activities in a manner that is safe, respectful and inclusive, and consistent with Strongim Bisnis’ safeguarding approach and DFAT’s Safeguarding Framework. The program participants agree to being filmed or interviewed. Any safeguarding concerns identified during the assignment must be promptly raised with Strongim Bisnis management.

Required qualifications, experience, and attributes

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Be a Solomon Islands citizen.

2. Be aged 18–35 at the application deadline.

3. Have completed, or be nearing completion of, a relevant tertiary qualification, diploma, certificate or other recognised post-secondary training. Applicants with strong practical experience and demonstrated aptitude may also be considered.

4. Demonstrate an interest in business, economics, agriculture, tourism, finance, entrepreneurship, development or a related field.

5. Have excellent written and spoken English to participate in the training and complete assignments.

6. Be available to participate in the full three-month program.

7. Demonstrate a commitment to professional conduct, learning and working respectfully with people from different backgrounds.

Previous employment in private-sector development or business partnership management is not required.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

1. A current CV of no more than three pages.

2. A short statement of interest of approximately 300–500 words explaining:

   • Why they want to participate in the Academy.

   • What interests them about business and economic development in Solomon Islands.

   • What skills or experience they would bring.

   • How they hope to use the skills gained from the program.

3. Copies of relevant academic qualifications or certificates, where available.

4. Contact details for two referees, who may be contacted during the selection process.

Applications should be submitted to operations@strongimbisnis.com.sb by November 30, 2026. Applicants should include “Strongim Bisnis Academy Application” in the subject line.

Applications should be submitted via the Recruitee link. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Any questions should be sent to operations@strongimbisnis.com.sb

Please use the following subject line in your email: Adviser role enquiry

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women, people with disabilities, Indigenous and ethnic minority groups, and nationals of Pacific countries are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.