Port Vila, Efate
SENIOR COORDINATOR , PROGRAMS & RESEARCH – VANUATU
Burnet Institute • Full-time
Senior Coordinator, Programs & Research – Vanuatu
Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Salary: VATU 5,900,000 – 6,500,000 per annum
Position Type: Full-time, ongoing
Burnet Institute is seeking an experienced Senior Coordinator, Programs & Research to lead its Vanuatu programs and research portfolio. This senior leadership role will drive high-quality public health and development programs, oversee research initiatives, strengthen strategic partnerships, and lead the
implementation of the THRIVE Vanuatu project. The position works closely with the Country Representative and provides technical leadership to program and research staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, delivery, monitoring and quality assurance of Burnet’s programs in Vanuatu.
- Drive the development and implementation of the organisation’s research portfolio and evidence-generation activities.
- Manage the DFAT-funded THRIVE Vanuatu project, including stakeholder engagement, youth participation, reporting and performance monitoring.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with government, donors, academic institutions and development partners.
- Support business development, fundraising and new partnership opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, child protection, research ethics and donor requirements.
About You
You will bring:
- A postgraduate qualification in Public Health, International Development, Epidemiology, Health Research, Social Science or a related field.
- At least 7 years’ experience managing public health, research or international development programs in the Pacific or Melanesian region.
- Strong experience leading multi-stakeholder projects, research management, donor engagement and proposal development.
- Excellent stakeholder management, strategic thinking and communication skills.
- Fluency in English (Bislama highly desirable).
Why Join Burnet?
Join a globally recognized organisation committed to improving health equity through world-class research and development programs. Burnet offers the opportunity to support key partners in influencing public health outcomes in Vanuatu while working with a passionate team dedicated to creating lasting impact.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your key experience to vanuatu.office@burnet.edu.au by Sunday 26 th July, 2026.
Requirements
- Lead the planning, delivery, monitoring and quality assurance of Burnet’s programs in Vanuatu.
- Drive the development and implementation of the organisation’s research portfolio and evidence-generation activities.
- Manage the DFAT-funded THRIVE Vanuatu project, including stakeholder engagement, youth participation, reporting and performance monitoring.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with government, donors, academic institutions and development partners.
- Support business development, fundraising and new partnership opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, child protection, research ethics and donor requirements.
- A postgraduate qualification in Public Health, International Development, Epidemiology, Health Research, Social Science or a related field.
- At least 7 years’ experience managing public health, research or international development programs in the Pacific or Melanesian region.
- Strong experience leading multi-stakeholder projects, research management, donor engagement and proposal development.
- Excellent stakeholder management, strategic thinking and communication skills.
- Fluency in English (Bislama highly desirable).