Location: Port Moresby, PNG   Commencement: April 2025 Duration of contract: Up to 28 February 2026 Open to PNG Citizens only

 

About the Program 

A stable, prosperous, peaceful and resilient PNG is critical to Australia's interests. Australia is PNG's largest development partner; its main partner on economic and security issues. 

The Australia PNG Subnational Program (APSP) is an enabling mechanism comprised of three separately designed programs including: Bougainville Partnership (BP), Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP), and Western Province Partnership (WPP). Each program has its own outcomes, theory of change, operational approach and separate monitoring and evaluation systems. 

The APSP also includes the Subnational Governance Implementation Plan (SGIP) that proposes a scalable foundational delivery model of subnational engagement. The SGIP is referenced in the APSP Contract and Strategic Framework as the continuation of the current network of subnational advisers (SNA) in the Western Province, Highlands, Sepik’s and Morobe.

There are five high level outcomes which span all programs:

Output one: Effective gender-centred programs delivered for Bougainville, Kokoda, and Western Province Output two: Support DFAT to coordinate Australian inputs in selected subnational contexts Output three: Technical assistance targeted at key institutions and policy reforms Output four: Rapid programming of resources in support of DFAT priorities Output five and six: Analysis, learning, and adaptation

Managed by Abt Associates under a single contract from 2022 to 2026, the centralised approach is aimed to ensure and drive value for money by realising back-office efficiencies, ensure gender is consistently at the forefront of each program and deliver opportunities for learning and adaptation between programs.

 

About the Program Activity

The Western Province Partnership (WPP) is a component of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Subnational Program (APSP). The objective of the WPP is for Australia and Western Province foster stronger ties and greater coordination to improve human and economic development, enabling infrastructure and regional security.

The WPP will work toward the realisation of the following end of program outcomes (EOPO) by 2026:

Women and men participating in program activities have diversified livelihoods from agriculture and fisheries. Targeted communities collaborate to strengthen welfare, production, and resilience. Women contribute to decision-making and take on leadership roles in targeted provincial, district, and community structures. Policy and practice at provincial and district levels are directed towards delivery of minimum priority services. 

The WPP is nested under the Western Province Strategy which aims to unify Australia’s development assistance and captures Australia’s whole-of-government engagement.

 

About the Opportunity

The APSP Procurement team is responsible for: 

End to end management of major and complex or high-risk minor procurement activities and associated contract management Providing guidance on procurement processes and contract administration and management including compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and laws and standards relevant to procurement activities Management and implementation of Abt Associates’ procurement processes including market analysis, approaches to market, evaluation and awarding of contracts and contract administration.

The Procurement Officers role is to facilitate and support program procurement and contracting activities and assist with the implementation of the company’s corporate and program specific contracting and procurement policies and procedures under the program.

A key function of the position will be the demonstration of a visible and systematic commitment to achieving gender equality at Abt and for achieving against agreed gender equality performance objectives.

 

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the members of the APSP Procurement Team and support the end-to-end management of major and complex or high-risk minor procurement activities and associated contract management, and provide administrative support as required; Support the provision of technical procurement advice to partnership teams in relation to procurement activities, form of approach to market and best modality for achieving desired outcomes; Support the provision of advice and guidance on procurement processes and contract administration and management including compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and laws and standards relevant to procurement activities; Assist with in-country contracting and associated procurement processes in accordance with the Program Operations Manual; Maintain the program Contracts and Procurement Register and other relevant registers and assist with associated reporting; Assist in the management and advancement of program operation compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and laws and standards relevant to procurement activities; Undertake due diligence and co-ordinate safeguarding assessments to support contracting processes; Support process and systems improvements for procurement and contracting activities and assist with development of procurement templates and tools where required; Build effective relationships with the Abt Associate’s clients, staff, contractors and stakeholders as required; Assist in compliance with the Abt Associates Procurement policy, invoice payment processes, and other relevant policies and procedures relating to procurement and contracts; Ensure effective filing and accurate document and data control across the WPP; Support the WPP team in identification and mitigation of risk; Identify and report any cases of suspected fraud directly to the Deputy Team Leader and/or Financial Compliance section; Work closely with Daru and Head Office to implement anti-fraud and zero tolerance to corruption leading practice across WPP activities; and Undertake other duties as required by the Senior Procurement Manager or Deputy Team Leader (WPP), including provision of assistance to other PNG based programs where required.

 

Key working relationships 

Reporting to:

Deputy Team Leader, WPP  Senior Procurement Manager, APSP

Working alongside:

Senior Procurement Coordinator, APSP (POM) Infrastructure & Procurement Coordinator  Finance Team Subnational Adviser Manager, Community Grants Scheme  Manager, Economic Initiatives Program Abt PNG Management Services Unit

 

About You 

Qualifications

Appropriate qualifications - degree or relevant qualifications in administration, finance or a related discipline

Knowledge

Demonstrated understanding of procurement and financial management procedures Knowledge of grants/contracts, operational compliance, and project cycle management.

Skills/Experience

Three years relevant experience in administration or financial management in support of program delivery within complex environments. Demonstrated ability to proactively deliver results for the program. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-cultural team. Demonstrated commitment to promoting gender equity and social inclusion in all aspects of this role. Excellent administrative and operational skills and experience, including working knowledge of Microsoft Excel Good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Excellent time management and organisational skills. High level of attention to detail. Punctual, responsible and reliable.

Personal Attributes 

Delivers results for stakeholders Builds teams and cooperation Promotes Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity Adapts to change

 

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: Sunday, 2 March 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