Project Officer_Western Province Partnership |APSP

• Location: Daru, Western Province

• Commencement: September 2026

• Duration of contract: Up to 28 February 2030

• Open to PNG Citizens only

About the Program

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

The APSP 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 Global under a single contract from 2026 -2030, the centralised approach aims to drive value for money by realising back-office efficiencies, ensuring gender equality is consistently embedded across each program, and creating 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 to foster stronger ties and improve coordination to support 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 2030:

• 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 Project Officer is responsible for overseeing and administering funding grants through each stage of the grants cycle for either the Community Grants Scheme (CGS) or Economic Initiatives Program (EIP).

The Project Officer will support the capacity development of local actors (WPA personnel, Community Development Workers (CDW), community groups, as necessary) through learning-by-doing in community development and in all aspects of the grants cycle.

Incumbents will prioritise good governance, financial compliance, high-quality community development methodologies, GEDSI (gender equality, disability and social inclusion), and health and safety in all aspects of their work.

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

The Project Officer will be responsible for;

• Support and train Ward Development Committees and community groups to deliver participatory community development activities and to administer community grant funds with a high degree of compliance to program requirements.

• Ensure the implementation of systematic and scheduled monitoring of grants.

• Deliver capacity development and training strategies consistent with program requirements and with the capacity strengthening needs of Ward Development Committees and grantees.

• Integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion and Democratic Governance approaches into all aspects of the delivery of training and support to WPA/SFD personnel, CDWs and grantees.

• Represent the program in a way entirely consistent with the program’s Code of Conduct.

• Support WPA/SFD personnel, CDWs and grantees to develop project plans and budgets consistent with approved activities.

• Prepare schedules for inclusion in grant agreements.

• Support WPA/SFD personnel, CDWs and grantees to undertake monitoring and evaluation and prepare reports of the same.

• Working collaboratively with Procurement and Administration Officers, support all aspects of procurement and logistics associated with training, fieldwork and grant implementation.

• Prepare reports as directed.

• Comply with program Health, Safety and Security requirements and ensure that grantees and partners are conversant with the same.

• Prepare monthly output plans and other plans as directed.

Safeguarding

• Support partner compliance with all relevant policies and procedures regarding environmental and social safeguards.

Other

• Compliance with DFAT and Abt Associates policies.

• Participate in communities of practice, as relevant.

• Support program close out and novation activities.

• Any other reasonable duties as directed by the CGS or EIP Managers

Key working relationships

Reporting to:

• Community Grants Scheme – Manager

• Economic Initiatives Program – Manager

Working alongside:

• WPP Senior Management Team

• Logistics & Administration Officer

• Finance and Administration Officer

• Implementing Partners – WPP

About You

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

Qualifications

• Relevant undergraduate degree / or administration qualifications will be considered favourably.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and ability to undertake a project and program cycle management tasks, including development procedures/approaches.

• Demonstrated understanding of operational, logistics and financial procedures.

Skills/Experience

• Three years relevant experience and/or training work in support of program delivery, logistics coordination, project management and administration 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 Office and online project management tools;

• Ability to drive and current drivers licence (Full; Class 6)

• 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

• Builds Internal and External Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

• Develops People

• Sets Vision and Direction

• Demonstrates Sound Financial and Business-Related Practices

• Builds Teams and Cooperation

• Promotes Technical Excellence and Quality

• Promotes Diversity

• Acts as a Role Model

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.

• Applicants must attach a valid Police Clearance Certificate obtained within 12 months from date their application is submitted.

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

Closing Date: Friday, 2 September 2026, (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

Abt Global is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

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