Job Title: Economic Research Coordinator
Project Name: Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP)
Job Type: Contract (Full Time)
Location of Position: Brisbane, Australia (minimum 50% in-office). Other locations may be considered for strong candidates.
Reporting to: Economic Research Manager
Remuneration: Competitive salary and aligned with market rates, commensurate with experience
Time Frame: September 30, 2028
Application Deadline: 6 July, 2026
Application Instructions:
- A cover letter is mandatory to be considered. Cover letters should effectively align your skills and experiences with the specific job responsibilities outlined in the position’s description, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role and current availability.
- Click the “Apply Now” link to upload your cover letter and CV in English.
- Only successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. Alinea works with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. Over 39 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects worldwide. For more information, please visit the Alinea International website.
Alinea International does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. All offers of employment or job opportunities with Alinea International that include any form of a request for payment of fees or to collect information on bank accounts are fraudulent. Any requests for such payment or information should be refused and reported to your local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and to Alinea International.
At Alinea International, we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds, recognising that an inclusive workforce enriches our organisation and achieves smarter, more innovative results.
Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.
Project Description:
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative of the Australian Government enabling workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP) supports DFAT and partner governments to maximise the benefits of labour mobility while minimising risks. The program builds on earlier initiatives and provides capacity building, research, systems, and support services. It aims to ensure inclusive access to opportunities and strengthen economic outcomes for workers and participating countries.
About the Work:
The role sits within the PLMSP economic research team and focuses on implementing the program’s economic research agenda. It involves collaboration with DFAT, partner governments, and research stakeholders across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant economic analysis that informs labour mobility outcomes. The role operates in a collaborative team environment with both strategic and responsive research demands.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support implementation of strategic and responsive economic research activities, including cost effectiveness analysis, policy evaluation, impact assessments, survey design, and research reviews
- Engage with DFAT and Pacific and Timor-Leste government counterparts to identify research needs and priorities
- Draft reports, dashboards, and analyses to communicate findings and inform policy and operations
- Ensure economic analysis reflects impacts on diverse groups, including women, people with disabilities, and marginalised populations
- Align research contributions with PLMSP outcomes and annual research plans
- Work closely with the Economic Research Manager, research team members, and contracted research teams
- Support broader monitoring, evaluation, research and learning activities
- Build partnerships with organisations and consultants undertaking labour mobility research
- Maintain stakeholder relationships and communicate effectively across teams
- Adapt to evolving research demands and manage concurrent project
Qualifications and Requirements:
Essential:
- Tertiary qualification in Economics or a relevant research discipline
- At least 5 years’ experience practicing economics in an international development context and/or labour market systems
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative economic research including modelling, cost-benefit analysis, and field research
- Strong report writing and ability to communicate complex findings to non-technical audiences
- Experience engaging with government and multilateral stakeholders
- Ability to work collaboratively and respond constructively to feedback
- Demonstrated cultural competency with diverse populations
Desirable:
- Experience in the Pacific and Timor-Leste
