Adviser – Review of Mental Health Act, Nauru

  • Remote
  • TBD




  • Job applications may no longer be accepted for this opportunity.


DT Global

  • Up to 4 months with opportunity to extend for 2 months if required.
  • A competitive international standard remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate.
  • Applicants from this position may be used to establish a merit list for similar roles in other Pacific countries.

The Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform (The Partnerships Platform) is looking for motivated and skilled professionals who are keen to make a difference. We seek passionate staff who work collaboratively to deliver ideas and advice that can help our Pacific Island Country partners meet their governance and stability goals.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Adviser, Review of Mental Health Act, Nauru for the Department of People Living with Disabilities, Nauru. This individual should havea proven track record in relationship management and providing senior educational advice to government officials and stakeholders. The ideal candidate is collaborative, respectful, flexible, and resilient, with a keen focus on delivering successful results in strategic advisory in the health and Mental Health sector.

The Department is seeking technical support to review the Mental Health Act 1963 considering the recently passed Inclusion of Persons Living with Disability Act 2023 legislation that will domesticate the UNCRPD in the Republic of Nauru. It is anticipated that the review will propose a set of draft amendments to the Mental Health Act 1963.

The Technical Adviser can be based abroad, with work conducted through both remote and in-country means, subject to agreement with the DPLWD. The role will report directly to the DPLWD Secretary and will be informed by Nauru Disability Council, representatives from key Government Departments (and Nauru Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

The areas of focus of the assignment are:

  • Review the Mental Health Act 1963 for compliance with the recent Inclusion of UNCRPD and make recommendations in consultation with the Council.
  • Develop a report to include any recommendations for amendments to the Mental Health Act 1963 to ensure it aligns with and supports The Inclusion of Persons Living with Disability Act 2023.
  • Conduct in-country consultations on the draft recommendations and seek clear direction and guidance from stakeholders and the working group on the amendments to the Mental Health Act 1963 (Trip 1)
  • Work with legislative drafters in the Department of Justice and Border Control and the working group in Nauru to finalise amendments to the Mental Health Act 1963 consistent with Nauru’s legislative drafting practices (Trip 2).
  • Support DPLWD to conduct community and stakeholder information sessions regarding the amendments, including briefings for Members of Parliament as required (Trip 2 – to be confirmed).

Deliverables

  1. Desk-based review report and recommendations
  2. Drafting of proposed changes to Mental Health Act 1963
  3. Stakeholder consultation summary report
  4. Final drafting of amendments to the Mental Health Act

Click on the link or copy and paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://bit.ly/46w0wvQ

About the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform

The Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by DT Global. It provides Pacific countries with a suite of flexible, fit-for-purpose options that support broad governance and stability development outcomes.

About the Department of People Living with Disabilities (DPLWD)

This advisory role is a partnership with the Department of People Living with Disabilities (DPLWD), Government of Nauru.

The Department is responsible for the strategic oversight of the requirements and activities of the local population of people with disabilities. The function was previously managed as a division in the Department of Women’s Affairs.

The Department is headed by the Secretary for DPLWD, reporting to the Minister for Health, Ministry of Women and Social Development Affairs (WASDA) & Internal Affairs.

About You

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, and resilience, with the ability to adapt quickly with proven ability to work remotely.

To be successful in this role, you will have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Law (additional qualifications related to mental health would be highly regarded), Expertise in the drafting of legislation to domesticate the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and/or policy related to mental health, Excellent research, analytical and writing skills, Proven experience in developing consultation tools and conducting community consultations, Experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including people with disabilities, civil society organisations and senior government officials on complex and sensitive legal and policy issues and the Ability to apply a holistic approach to legal and policy reform.

You will be required to demonstrate a strong understanding of, and commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), child protection and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

About The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

There are inherent opportunities and challenges that come with living and working in developing country contexts, including considerations unique to remote small island states. Applicants should consider these prior to applying.

For further information please go to: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/nauru/nauru-country-brief

Other Information

Applicants (and approved dependents) will need to undergo psychometric and medical screening prior to travel. Amendments to the position’s terms of reference may be made during the period of engagement as required.

The Partnerships Platform is committed to increasing the pool of Pacific Islander, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise. Suitably qualified people of the Pacific, Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, including LGBTQIA+, women, gender diverse, neurodiverse and people of different abilities.

We can make adjustments during the recruitment process for people with a disability. If required, please contact our recruitment team via email at recruitment @ auspacpartnerships.com.au to discuss how we can support you.

How to apply

To submit your application, kindly click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and ensure you upload your resume as part of the application process. You will also be required to provide a response in 160 words or less, to explain why you believe you are the ideal candidate for this position. Please note that we will only accept applications submitted through the online portal.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday, 29 October 2023 at 11:59 pm AEST

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applicants may be contacted to establish a merit list for similar roles in other Pacific Island Countries.

About DT Global

DT Global works in partnership with communities, governments, and the private sector to deliver innovative solutions that transform lives. DT Global – launched in 2019 – is built on legacy companies AECOM’s International Development Services Sector, Development Transformations, IMC Worldwide, and Cardno International Development. To fulfill its profit-for-purpose mission, DT Global is a key donor to the DT Institute, an independent not-for-profit organization, in support of DTI’s efforts to test new ideas or expand on donor partner priorities to improve as many lives as possible.

Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries. We bring over 60 years of experience, relationships, and technical excellence to improve lives on behalf of our partners, clients, and stakeholders. We aim to maximize sustainable development impact across a wide range of practice areas, including Conflict Prevention, Stabilization & Transition; Economic Growth; Environment & Infrastructure; Governance; and Human Development. Together, we aim to positively impact 500 million lives by 2045.


Closing date: 29 Oct 2023