Country Liaison Officer - Vanuatu

Country Liaison Officer - Vanuatu

This is a unique opportunity to support Vanuatu workers in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The role is with the Vanuatu Government and is based in Cairns, Queensland.

Palladium is advertising this role on behalf of the Vanuatu Government. The Country Liaison Officer is recruited by and reports primarily to the Commissioner of Labour. PLMSP and an Australia-based Employer of Record provide operational support, including contracting and logistics.

This is a fixed-term opportunity to 30 June 2027. Applicants must be already living in, or willing to live in Cairns. It is preferred that applicants have existing work rights in Australia.

About the PALM scheme and the Vanuatu Government

The PALM scheme enables workers from Vanuatu and other participating countries to gain employment experience in Australia, build skills and support their families through remittances. The Vanuatu Government works with Australian Government agencies, Approved Employers, PLMSP and community partners to promote worker welfare, scheme integrity and strong bilateral relationships.

About the role

The Country Liaison Officer will enhance the welfare and integration of Vanuatu workers participating in the PALM scheme. The role provides culturally appropriate pastoral care, represents the Vanuatu Government’s interests and works closely with Approved Employers, Australian Government agencies, PLMSP, consular representatives and community services. All support must follow formal referral pathways and escalation channels.

The role will:

• Provide culturally appropriate welfare and pastoral support to Vanuatu workers, including information about rights, services, support networks and referral options.

• Build trusted relationships with workers, Approved Employers, Welfare and Wellbeing Officers, government agencies and community service providers.

• Support workers and employers in complex or sensitive situations, including cross-cultural misunderstandings, workplace disputes, serious illness, domestic violence and other critical incidents.

• Conduct regular workplace and accommodation visits, with employer approval, and use in-person and virtual check-ins to identify welfare concerns early.

• Facilitate routine issue resolution and refer grievances, legal, migration, medical, financial or consular matters through the appropriate formal channels.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records, monitor systemic welfare trends and submit regular updates and quarterly reports with practical recommendations.

• Promote cultural understanding, gender equality, diversity, worker safety and respectful relationships across the PALM scheme.

The Vanuatu Government is looking for someone who:

• Has excellent written and spoken English and Bislama. French language skills are highly desirable.

• Can communicate clearly and build respectful working relationships with workers, employers, government representatives and diverse communities.

• Has experience working with multicultural or Indigenous communities and can provide culturally appropriate support.

• Can work independently, meet deadlines, manage competing priorities and follow formal referral and escalation processes.

• Holds a valid driver licence and can travel frequently within Australia, including interstate and outside regular hours when required.

• Is confident using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, internet browsers, and data entry or case management systems.

• Has practical knowledge of worker support services and referral networks. Relevant tertiary qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

• We encourage applications from people with a strong understanding of Vanuatu culture and experience supporting Pacific communities in Australia.

We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Sharing information about your disability will not negatively affect your application. You are welcome to tell us what adjustments or support would help you take part in the recruitment process. If you would like further information or assistance, please contact recruitment@plmsp.com.au.

How to Apply 
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Please apply online with your CV and a brief cover letter. In your cover letter, explain how your experience meets the role requirements, including your English and Bislama language skills, experience supporting multicultural or Indigenous communities, ability to travel and willingness to live in Cairns.

Closing date: Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 11:59 PM AEST
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About Palladium  
Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value.  We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.   

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.   

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.  

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