Description
Our Mekong-Australia Partnership Leadership & Skills (MAP L&S) team is seeking an experienced Short Course Specialist to design and manage high-quality short courses, masterclasses and regional dialogues that strengthen professional learning and subregional cooperation across the Mekong. Apply now!
Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.
Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo‑Pacific region.
The opportunity
- Location: Remote (with in‑region and occasional travel as required)
- Engagement: Short‑term adviser — up to 120 input days per year, over 2 years
- Applicants from Mekong subregion countries are strongly encouraged to apply
Mekong‑Australia Partnership Support Unit (MAP SU)
The MAP Phase 2 Support Unit, funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), provides enabling services and delivery support for MAP activities as directed by the Mekong Hub at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. MAP SU delivers the Leadership & Skills program and supports activities such as scholarships, short courses, masterclasses, regional dialogues, on‑award and alumni engagement, and alumni grants.
About the role
Reporting to the Team Leader, Leadership & Skills and working closely with the MAP Hub and the L&S Thematic Working Group, the Short Course Specialist will lead the design, procurement and delivery oversight of short courses, masterclasses and dialogues that align with MAP strategic priorities. The role provides technical leadership and operational guidance across the short course cycle to ensure consistent, inclusive and high‑quality learning initiatives across the Mekong subregion.
Key responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership on Masterclasses and guidance to the Short Course Coordinator.
- Design program approaches for Masterclasses, short courses and dialogues, and support priority‑setting with the Mekong Hub and Posts.
- Prepare scoping documents, concept notes and procurement inputs; manage end‑to‑end procurement and contract management of third‑party providers in line with GOA/DFAT and Tetra Tech rules.
- Develop standard operating procedures, process flows and templates to guide design, procurement and implementation within agreed timelines.
- Ensure effective use and continuous improvement of MAP SU systems to track participant interest, enrolment, participation, completion of work‑based projects and reporting.
- Integrate Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) into course design (pre/post assessments, daily learning management, evaluation surveys and completion reporting) and work with the MEL Manager on data analysis and reporting.
- Ensure participant welfare and academic oversight in partnership with Service Providers, and apply GEDSI, accessibility and reasonable accommodations.
- Work with the MAP SU GEDSI Adviser to mainstream gender equality, disability and social inclusion across activity design, delivery and operations.
- Ensure compliance with DFAT and Tetra Tech standards on risk management and safeguarding (child protection, PSEAH, fraud prevention); identify and escalate operational or reputational risks.
- Contribute inputs to MAP SU Annual Plans, six‑monthly Progress Reports and other program reports.
Selection criteria — Qualifications & experience
- Post‑graduate qualification in international development, leadership, adult education, public administration or related field.
- Minimum 7 years' relevant experience designing, coordinating and managing short courses, masterclasses or similar professional learning events.
- Proven adult education/learning design experience that engages diverse adult learners and supports professional development.
- Demonstrated experience working with external service providers including procurement and contract management.
- Strong knowledge and experience working in the Mekong subregion, with cultural and contextual awareness of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Experience collaborating with DFAT or similar government/donor agencies, and familiarity with Australian strategic priorities and operational frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience integrating MEL, GEDSI, safeguarding and climate/First Nations considerations into program design.
- Experience with VET/Registered Training Organisations and the Australian higher education sector is desirable.
Knowledge & technical skills
- Strong skills in preparing scoping documents, concept notes and progress reports.
- Understanding of procurement processes, contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, event registration systems and survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey).
- Ability to develop SOPs, policies and templates to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive information and manage administrative workflows with minimal supervision.
- Strong written and verbal English; additional regional language skills (Thai, Vietnamese, Khmer, Burmese or Lao) desirable.
Skills & personal attributes
- Proactive, self‑motivated and highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong project and event management capabilities; able to prioritise and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Cultural competency and capacity to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary and cross‑cultural teams.
- High integrity, professional conduct and accountability consistent with DFAT and Tetra Tech values.
- Commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection and safeguarding standards.
- Willingness and ability to travel within the Mekong subregion as required.
Safeguarding & compliance
Tetra Tech has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), child abuse and exploitation, modern slavery and safeguarding‑related retaliation. Successful applicants will be required to undertake referee and criminal record checks prior to appointment.
For more information please click here for the position description, using TetraTech2026 as the password.
How to apply
- Applications accepted only via the Tetra Tech International Development careers site — click the “Apply for job” button.
- Please submit:
- Resume (CV)
- Statement of suitability (no more than two pages) demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria and confirming availability for up to 120 days/year over 2 years
- Applications close: 11:59pm (AEST) 25 January 2026.
If you require additional support with your application, please email IDEV.HRServices@tetratech.com or phone (+61) 883 754 400.
Why Tetra Tech International Development?
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. Read more about our culture, purpose and values here.
Tetra Tech International Development is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with 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.
Position Type
Headquarter position
Project opportunity
Proposal and tender opportunity
Internship
Region
Australia and Indo-Pacific Teams and Clients
Sector
Agriculture and Food Security (International Development)
Climate Change Services (International Development)
Democracy, Rights, and Governance (International Development)
Economic Growth (International Development)
Education (International Development)
Energy (International Development)
Environment and Natural Resources (International Development)
Gender Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (International Development)
Health (International Development)
Infrastructure (International Development)
Institutional Strengthening and Localization (International Development)
Land Rights (International Development)
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (International Development)
Stabilization (International Development)
Water Security and Sanitation (International Development)
Additional Information- Organization: 755 IDV
Apply on company website