Assistant Director

Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contract: 8 months, with two possible 12-month extensions
Remuneration: AUD 125,000 – 175,000 per annum (plus accommodation allowance by negotiation)
Eligibility: Nationals of Forum Island Countries only

Assistant Director

About the Pacific Fusion Centre

The Pacific Fusion Centre (PFC) is a cornerstone of the Pacific regional security architecture, supporting collaboration, strategic assessment, and information sharing among Pacific Island Forum (PIF) member countries. Anchored in the Forum Officials Committee Subcommittee on Regional Security (FSRS) and funded by the Australian Government, the Centre provides actionable intelligence, strategic advice, and capacity-building programs to strengthen regional security and resilience.

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The Role

The Assistant Director will join the leadership team of the Pacific Fusion Centre to support the Director in implementing the Centre’s strategic vision and delivering its objectives.

The Assistant Director will play a critical role in building partnerships, mentoring analysts, overseeing strategic programs, and representing the Centre across the Pacific security community. This role is ideal for a highly experienced professional with:

  • Deep knowledge of regional security, intelligence, or national security policy
  • Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy skills
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in a Pacific context
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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

  • Contribute to the Centre’s strategic direction, including annual and long-term plans
  • Foster a high-performing, inclusive multidisciplinary team
  • Act as Director in the Director’s absence

Operational Excellence:

  • Oversee delivery of strategic assessments and operational outputs
  • Mentor and guide analysts under the Pacific Analyst Program
  • Support capacity-building programs and identify emerging security priorities

Partnerships and Outreach:

  • Build and maintain relationships with national security agencies, regional organisations, and key stakeholders
  • Lead strategic engagement initiatives, including virtual dialogues, conferences, and public forums
  • Promote discourse on emerging security threats and facilitate information-sharing networks

Reputation and Representation:

  • Represent the Centre in national, regional, and public forums
  • Shape regional debates around security priorities and emerging threats
  • Prepare reports and communications to demonstrate the Centre’s achievements and accountability

The successful candidate:

  • Extensive knowledge of regional security issues and strategic assessment skills
  • Proven senior leadership and team management experience
  • Outstanding communication, negotiation, advocacy, and representation abilities
  • Experience in the Pacific context, ideally within government, regional, or security agencies
  • Fluency in English and strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills
  • Nationality of a Forum Island Country (including AUS and NZ).
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Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, law, business, management, or related field (essential)
  • Postgraduate degree in security, international relations, public sector management, or related field (highly desirable)
  • Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in public sector, regional, or international organisations
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Benefits

  • Competitive annual contract fee with negotiation options
  • Accommodation, mobility, and transfer allowances
  • Flights, medicals, and insurance provided
  • Pre-departure briefing and in-country orientation
  • Opportunity to shape Pacific security initiatives and contribute to regional capacity-building
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Further Information and How to Apply

How to Apply

  • Email your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the candidate information pack (see link below) to PFCAD@hudson.com
  • For inquiries, contact Pat Hart at +61 439 074 391 or pat.hart@hudson.com

Applications close 11:59pm AEST on Friday, 26 September 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

The Pacific Fusion Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, or beliefs.