About the Program

The PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH) is a five-year (2020-2025) health sector program funded by the Australian Government under the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership for Development. It is planned that the program will be extended until 30 June 2026. PATH works with the PNG Government to improve coverage and quality of health services for the people of PNG through effective, equitable, efficient, and inclusive interventions. 

Guided by the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and the Bougainville Department of Health (BDoH) are responsible for the delivery of health services across PNG.

PATH assists NDoH, PHAs and BDoH to strengthen systems for health service delivery targeting infectious diseases, and reproductive, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health, with a focus on promoting women’s leadership.

PATH’s end of investment outcomes (EOIO) are: 

PHAs more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces.  DFAT funded health services are demonstrating efficient and effective models of service delivery, influencing Provincial Health Authority (PHA) performance; and building sustainability by transitioning to PHA management in selected provinces. 

PATH’s intermediate outcome (IOs) are: PHA Leadership; Women in Leadership; and, Healthcare Workforce. 

PATH is a locally led, adaptive, and politically informed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to respond to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program.

About the Opportunity

The Team Leader will have overall responsibility for successful delivery of the PATH program and will:

in partnership with GoA/GoPNG, set overall strategic direction for PATH to achieve its End-Of-Investment Outcomes (EOIOs) and bring partners and PATH team along with this strategy – including by adjusting strategy and managing emerging risks to program effectiveness at implementation. establish and maintain effective partnerships and governance arrangements with the broad range of partners involved in the program and provide high-level leadership to the PATH Executive Leadership Team; be the key point of contact for AHC, and support DFAT’s bilateral relationship with the PNG Government.

Key responsibilities 

Leadership

Set strategy for and oversee implementation of PATH projects/ activities against this strategy, to contribute to PATH EOIOs. Build and support a cohesive technical and operational team that is effective, efficient, and outcome-oriented. Socialise and lead team to work in ways that align to PATH’s Ways of Working, GEDSI and Adaptive Management delivery strategies. Lead team and drive internal change management process to promote GEDSI responsive approaches to delivery Drive Abt’s localisation approach through development and empowerment of local PATH staff. Lead team to ensure all contractual and legislative obligations (risk, fraud, safeguarding) are met on time and to an appropriate level

Stakeholder coordination

Establish and maintain effective, trust-based relationship and dialogue with AHC. Advise AHC on strategic opportunities and risks to advance policy dialogue. In full consultation with the AHC, establish and maintain effective, trust-based relationship and dialogue with GoPNG. Support AHC’s policy dialogue between GoA-GoPNG on health sector reform priorities. Ensure PATH works holistically within DFAT’s whole-of-health portfolio and support appropriate coordination and coherence of DFAT’s investments and contributions to PNG’s health priorities.

Program management

Lead PATH team to deliver programs consistent with the PNG National Health Plan 2021-2030.  Lead PATH team to deliver sustainable approaches that build the long-term capability of PNG’s health system to independently plan, budget, coordinate, and deliver primary health care to support PNG’s long-term economic and development objectives. Support the timely development of plans for PATH Steering Committee approval, to guide achievement of the EOIOs and IOs relating to PHA capacity, accountability, women in leadership, equity, essential services, and health security. Drive innovation in program delivery and foster new partnerships with the private sector, NGOs, CSOs, and government. Ensure value for money and quality in delivery of the program’s activities. Work with corporate services to ensure adequate resourcing to support PATH and, through the Contractor Representative, leverage technical expertise from Ninti and technical experts as required.

Key deliverables

Position Specific Deliverables

Ensure that all deliverables and reports adhere to the head contract, are on time, on budget, meet stakeholder requirements, and are of the highest quality with value for money principles applied. Manage risks to ensure delivery within contract parameters; ensuring that all risk and fraud issues are proactively identified, reported, and managed following corporate and DFAT policies and procedures. Ensure accuracy and consistency of financial, operational, and technical reports. Allocate PATH resources and focus priorities in a manner that best achieves overall PATH goals.

Executive Leadership Team Deliverables

High level of responsiveness to AHC issues and requests measured by Program receiving a high Partner Performance Rating Quality reporting, milestones, deliverables and KPIs are submitted on time and meet internal (contractor) and external (AHC) requirements  Program is delivered on time and within budget and value for money principles drive all Program resourcing decisions  Build and maintain open, productive and outcome-oriented relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including AHC and GoPNG.  Ensure PATH delivery champions issues of women’s leadership, disability inclusion and security through integrating GEDSI principles and objectives across all activities and as defined in annual workplans All corporate risk and fraud issues are proactively identified, reported, and managed following corporate and DFAT policies and procedures

Key working relationships 

PATH Executive and Senior Management team PATH steering committee Relevant AHC representatives Relevant GoPNG representatives (National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities) External Stakeholders and Implementing Partners, including but not limited to CSOs, provincial non-state actors, faith-based actors, female and male reform champions and networks etc.

About You 

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

Significant demonstrated experience in delivery oversight and accountable management on large, complex programs, including leading the development and implementation of program annual plans. Professional qualifications and/or experience in public health highly desirable. Demonstrated experience managing, leading, and mentoring a diverse team of national and international composition (across all seniority levels), and commitment to the principles of inclusion, localisation and equity. Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven experience in developing and maintaining relationships with senior partner government officials, donor representatives and other key stakeholders. Experience working in complex, uncertain, high-energy environments – such as PNG or a comparable experience Excellent analytical and writing skills including the preparation of reports, briefs and policy analysis for a government and key stakeholder audiences

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:  17 November 2024 (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

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.