JOB DESCRIPTION

• Commencement: January 2026
• Locally Engaged Staff
• Based in Port Moresby, PNG
• Open to Papua New Guineans citizens only

About the Program

The Australia – PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment to assist GoPNG to create a stable and more prosperous country. The investment is a key coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development support to PNG in alignment with the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). The Australian Government is committed to delivering the Partnership in accordance with the principles of integration and alignment with PNG’s economic sector policies, systems and processes.

The Partnership’s policy objective is to assist PNG in its efforts to achieve sustained growth, capable of lifting the standard of living of all citizens, while also ensuring Australia maintains its reputation as PNG’s economic partner of choice.

The Partnership has gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE), climate change, economic dialogue and open government positioned as cross-cutting objectives across all engagement areas.

It has the following End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

• EOPO 1 Safeguard Macroeconomic Stability
• EOPO 2 Support More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• EOPO 3 Foster Inclusive Growth & Expanded Livelihoods
• EOPO 4 Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

About the Opportunity

The Macroeconomic Stability Unit Manager is part of the core macroeconomic stability team who are responsible for supporting policy reform from a multi-agency perspective, focusing on the relationships and linkages between agencies, lenders and donors, as well as other strategic partners such as the Australian Government agencies.

The  Unit Manager will lead and/or support a team focused on management oversight of a diverse range of programs and activities across the central agencies of the Government, including the Treasurer’s Office, Department of Treasury (DoT), Bank of PNG (BPNG), Department of Finance (DoF), Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Labour & Industrial Relations (IRC), National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and leading research and technical advisers, including Nathan Associates.

Key responsibilities

The specific responsibilities of this position are to:

• Support the Team Leader in the management of APEP’s technical economic, fiscal and developmental advisory support to e.g. the Treasurer’s Office, DoT, and other Government departments and agencies, as required.
• Closely manage a detailed compliance tracker for embedded advisors (and APEP advisors) to ensure reporting requirements, mandatory trainings, and annual performance appraisals are completed on time.
• Support recruitment of embedded advisors including drafting ToRs, liaising with Abt’s HR team to advertise, shortlist applicants, arrange interview panels, etc.
• Manage and coordinate the onboarding of new Advisers into Workstream 1, introductory meetings, sharing calendar meeting invites, workstation set up, etc
• Work with APEP technical partners such as Nathan Associates, and others to ensure access to global technical expertise is available and coordinate with Abt’s own domestic and international technical networks.
• Organize logistics and manage event planning for bi-monthly Advisor Forums
• Manage engagements with external stakeholders in harmony with the Partnership’s standard operating procedures.
• Develop, manage and track project budgets and costings, and contribute to expenditure reporting in consultation with the Team Leader
• Manage timesheets, reporting, activity updates and compliance of W1 Advisors
• Develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships including Australian High Commission and Government of PNG
• Develop and maintain cross-functional working relationships with PNG Shared Services Units and other PNG programs
• Ensuring Workstream 1 processes are aligned with internal policies and procedures

Specific Deliverables

The expected outputs of this assignment are:

• The provision of high-quality support to the Team Leader, Government of PNG departments and agencies, and the BPNG.
• Successful development, management and coordination of technical and advisory delivery partners, contractors and staff.
• Management of the Workstream’s budget in collaboration with the Team Leader
• Support monitoring and reporting against the performance assessment framework and monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Effective input to the planning, scheduling, design, commissioning and implementation of the APEP annual work plan and associated investments.
• Support to the coordination of programming across all Program activities to increase facility-wide collaboration.
• Proactive identification, reporting, and management of corporate risk and fraud issues following corporate and DFAT policies and procedures.
• Effective stakeholder liaison and communications to promote the APEP Program in line with the requirements of the Australian High Commission,
• Demonstrate commitment to promoting gender equity and social inclusion in all aspects of this role.
• Actively participate in all-of-APEP initiatives, working groups and activities.
• Other duties as directed.

Key Working Relationships

• Team Leader Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability Workstream
• PFM for Service Delivery Unit
• Economic Research & Dialogue Unit
• APEP senior management
• APEP partners and technical advisers including Nathan Associates
• AHC representatives
• GoPNG representatives, including the DoT, DoF, NSO, BPNG, IRC and Treasurer’s Office

 

 

About You

For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.

• A degree in economics or public policy is essential, reflecting the role’s emphasis on macroeconomic policy, public financial management (PFM), and evidence-based development strategies.
• A minimum of five years’ professional experience in managing projects related to economic governance, public financial management (PFM), revenue collection and expenditure management, economic policy, and financial sector development within Papua New Guinea.
• Demonstrated experience in program management and reporting, including budget management.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with proven experience of producing technical and management reports.
• Knowledge and understanding of cross cutting principles including GEDSI and climate change adaptation, and their relevance to the PNG economic environment (desirable).
• Advanced interpersonal skills and capacity to establish strong working relationships with a range of government and non-government partners and stakeholders, including senior personnel.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple activities and competing priorities.
• Experience of working for a development or donor-funded program (desirable).

 

 

How to Apply

• Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document.
• Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.
• The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.

We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud Protection.

We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities