Position Title: International Technical Advisor – Kiribati Energy Policy Reform
Duration: Full-time, 12-month in-country assignment (with possible extension)
Location: South Tarawa, Kiribati
Applications Deadline: 5:00pm (NZ Time) on Sunday, 21 June 2026
The New Zealand Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), is partnering with the Government of Kiribati to support national energy sector reform, including the review and update of key national energy policies and planning instruments.
MFAT is seeking an International Technical Advisor – Energy Policy Reform to provide technical and coordination support to the Energy Planning Division (EPD) within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE). The role will support the review, development, and consultation of the Kiribati National Energy Policy (KNEP) and the Kiribati Integrated Energy Roadmap (KIER), along with associated priority energy policy instruments.
This role will be based in South Tarawa and contracted directly to MFAT. It is a senior technical advisory position working closely with the Energy Planning Division, relevant government agencies, and development partners to strengthen energy policy, planning, and coordination capability.
The key functions of the International Technical Advisor – Energy Policy Reform are to:
- Provide technical and coordination support to the Energy Planning Division in relation to national energy policy and planning reform.
- Undertake background research, data collection, validation, and analysis to inform the review and update of the Kiribati National Energy Policy and Integrated Energy Roadmap.
- Assess existing energy‑related policies, legislation, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and identify gaps and priority reform areas.
- Prepare technical background papers, draft policy documents, analytical notes, and supporting materials for energy policy development.
- Support the development of additional priority energy sector instruments as agreed (e.g. metering policy, rural electrification policy, energy efficiency policy, or energy access standards).
- Develop and implement detailed work plans, consultation schedules, and review timelines (to be confirmed through an inception report).
- Coordinate, facilitate, and document stakeholder consultations with government agencies, SOEs, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and communities.
- Prepare progress updates, consultation reports, and technical deliverables for MISE and MFAT.
- Provide ongoing, practical capacity‑building and knowledge transfer support to Energy Planning Division staff.
The qualifications and expertise required to be successful in this role will include:
- A postgraduate qualification in energy planning, renewable energy, engineering, economics, public policy, or a related discipline.
- At least 7–10 years’ professional experience in energy policy, energy planning, or related technical advisory roles.
- Demonstrated experience supporting renewable energy and/or energy efficiency initiatives.
- Strong understanding of energy policy frameworks, regulatory instruments, and national energy planning processes.
- Experience working in developing country contexts, preferably in Pacific Island countries or other small island developing states.
- Strong analytical, research, and policy writing skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within government systems and multicultural environments.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior technical adviser to contribute directly to national energy policy reform in Kiribati and to support long‑term, sustainable energy planning outcomes. Candidates who are collaborative, adaptable, and experienced in policy‑focused technical assistance are encouraged to apply.
The initial assignment will be for 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and programme requirements. The role is full‑time and requires an in‑country presence in Kiribati, with travel within Kiribati (including Kiritimati Island) as required.
The successful appointee will be expected to operate professionally, uphold MFAT’s requirements for conduct while working overseas, and work respectfully within Kiribati’s cultural and institutional context.
Full Terms of Reference (ToR): https://bit.ly/49oTqNg
Apply online: https://bit.ly/4dQj9zw
Hudson Global Resources has been engaged to manage this procurement process. For all correspondence, requests, or to obtain the full Role Description, please contact:
Jessica Middlemiss
Practice Lead, NZ
Phone: +64 27 277 4865
Email: jessica.middlemiss@hudson.com
