Director General (DG), Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE)

Location: Betio, Kiribati Full-time | 2-year contract with likelihood to extend Open to international applicants

• Lead transformative infrastructure development in the Pacific.
• Shape national policy, mentor engineering teams, and drive inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure delivery.
• Competitive remuneration package, in country role with regional return flights included in package

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with governments, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges across the Indo-Pacific. For more information, please visit our website.
The Opportunity The Kiribati Australia Infrastructure (Te KAI) Program is a flagship initiative supporting high-quality, climate-resilient, and inclusive infrastructure development in Kiribati. As Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the delivery infrastructure projects across the country. You will oversee more than 150 technical staff across four engineering departments, provide strategic direction, and lead the implementation of complex, multi-donor infrastructure projects. This is a unique opportunity to influence national development outcomes, build local capacity, and foster resilient infrastructure systems in one of the world’s most remote island nations. The role is fully embedded in the Ministry. Te KAI is managed by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with DFAT and the Government of Kiribati.
Your Role

• Lead MISE’s Engineering Services Division, overseeing technical design, cost planning, civil works, energy, water, sanitation, and IT units
• Provide strategic advice and oversight for large-scale infrastructure projects funded by DFAT, World Bank, Asia Development Bank, and others
• Mentor and build capacity of local engineering teams
• Develop and implement national asset management strategies
• Guide policy development, cabinet papers, and technical briefs
• Integrate cross-cutting themes including gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection, and climate resilience
• Represent MISE in high-level stakeholder engagements across government and donor partners

About You You are a seasoned infrastructure leader with deep experience in civil engineering and project management in Pacific or remote island contexts. You bring strategic vision, technical expertise, and a collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and drives results. You will possess:

• Tertiary qualifications in Infrastructure Engineering and Management or Civil and Water Engineering
• You will be a Chartered Engineer (or equivalent), and be able to sign off and/or certify engineering drawings
• Significant experience in infrastructure development and construction oversight (approximately 10 years would be preferred)
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and contracts, including procurement
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience working in multicultural and resource-constrained environments

For a complete position description, please click here. Please use the Password: TetraTech2025
How to Apply If this opportunity excites you and you meet the requirements, click the “Apply for Job” button and submit your application before the closing date — we’d love to hear from you.
Your completed application will include:

• Resume
• Cover letter (max two pages) outlining your suitability for the position and alignment with the selection criteria

Applications for this position close on 26 October 2025 at 11:59am AEST
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, please submit your application as soon as possible. Have questions about the role? Please contact Katie at idev.hrservices@tetratech.com
Tetra Tech has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (‘SEAH’), child abuse and exploitation, modern slavery and safeguarding related retaliation, and this zero-tolerance extends to inaction. Tetra Tech is committed to being a child safe organisation, and to promoting a culture that supports gender equality, and addresses the gendered drivers of violence against women and children. It is committed to fostering a culture where we prevent and respond decisively and appropriately to harm against people, and that all people are treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of country, project, or office where we work. This will require compliance with Tetra Tech’s Safeguarding and other Codes of Conduct and our associated safeguarding policies (Child Protection and Child Safety, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policy and procedure, and Modern Slavery. Any successful applicants will be required to undertake satisfactory referee and criminal record checks prior to being appointed to any position.
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 (08) 8375 4400.