Job Description

Consultant – Sustainability Plan Development, Pharmaceutical Society of PNG (PSPNG) | PATH Program

• Commencement: Mid-June 2026

• 45 input days

• Location: Port Moresby

• Open to PNG applicants only

About the Program

The PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH) is a six-year (2020-2026) health sector program funded by the Australian Government under the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership for Development. 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.

PATH assists National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), Bougainville Department of Health (BDoH) and other peak bodies within the health sector such as The Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea (PSPNG) to contribute to health system strengthening in PNG.

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

1. PHA’s more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces.

2. 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 (IO’s) are: PHA Leadership, Enhanced GEDSI Capacity and Essential Health Services.

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 purpose of this assignment is to establish the development of a Sustainability Plan that will guide the Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea's (PSPNG) transition from a project-supported establishment to a self-sustaining, member-driven, and nationally relevant professional body for the pharmaceutical sector.

The outcome of this assignment will complement the PSNG’s recently completed a suite of core organisational governance and viability reforms (Constitution, Strategic Plan, Governance Framework, Policies and Procedures).

The objective of this Sustainability Plan will be to articulate how the Society will maintain and grow its operations, services, influence, and financial viability over the medium to long term. Furthermore, the Sustainability Plan will enable the PSPNG to sustainably deliver its mandate, retain relevance to its members, and operate effectively beyond time‑bound project or donor support.

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

3.1 Review of Organisational Foundations

• Review newly developed organisational documents (constitution, strategic plan, policies and procedures).
• Assess alignment between the Society’s mandate, strategic objectives, and operational capacity.

• Identify strengths and gaps relevant to long‑term sustainability.

3.2 Sustainability Context and Stakeholder Analysis

• Analyse the national pharmaceutical and health professional environment, including regulation, professional recognition, and complementary bodies.
• Identify key stakeholders (members, regulators, government, training institutions, affiliated bodies, private sector, partners).
• Assess stakeholder expectations, incentives, and willingness to support the Society over time.

3.3 Assessment of Sustainability Dimensions

The consultant will assess the sustainability of the Society across the following key areas, identifying strengths, gaps, risks, and practical actions for improvement.

3.3.1. Governance and Leadership Sustainability

• Effectiveness and capacity of the Board
• Clear decision‑making and accountability structures

• Succession planning for leadership roles

3.3.2. Financial Sustainability

• Membership model and fee structure
• Feasibility of diversified income sources (e.g. Continuing Professional Development (CPD), accreditation, conferences, advocacy, partnerships)
• Financial management systems, controls and savings

3.3.3 Operational Sustainability

• Secretariat functions and staffing model
• Adequacy of systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and administrative capacity
• Ability to operate effectively within PNG’s resource and geographic context

3.3.4. Membership and Value Proposition Sustainability

• Relevance and quality of member services
• Member engagement, retention, and growth strategies
• Clear articulation of benefits to pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals

3.3.5. Policy Influence and Sector Relevance

• Role in professional standards and continuing professional development (CPD)
• Effectiveness of advocacy and engagement with government and sector stakeholders
• Contribution to health system strengthening

3.3.6. Equity and Inclusion

• Inclusion of women, early‑career pharmacists, and provincial/rural practitioners
• Accessibility of membership and services across PNG
• Consideration of under‑represented groups within the profession

The assessment should inform practical, prioritised recommendations that are realistic, affordable, and aligned with the Society’s strategic objectives.

3.4 Development of the Sustainability Plan

Develop a Sustainability Plan that includes:

• Sustainability vision and guiding principles
• Clear short, medium, and long‑term sustainability objectives
• Defined roles and responsibilities of the Board, secretariat, committees, and members
• Financial sustainability strategy with indicative projections
• Capacity‑building and institutional strengthening actions
• Risk analysis and mitigation measures
• Sequenced, costed implementation roadmap aligned with the existing Strategic Plan

3.5 Validation and Finalisation

• Facilitate validation discussions or a workshop with the Society’s leadership and key stakeholders
• Incorporate feedback into the final Sustainability Plan

Key deliverables

1. Inception Note

   • Understanding of the assignment, methodology, and workplan

2. Draft Sustainability Plan

   • For review by the Society and implementing partners

3. Final Sustainability Plan

   • Incorporating feedback and ready for Board endorsement

4. Optional (if required)

   • Executive summary or presentation for members and partners

Reporting and Coordination

• The consultant will report to the Society’s President/Board/PATH Program Manager.

• Regular progress check‑ins will be agreed at inception.

About You

The consultant must demonstrate the following key selection criteria:

• Advanced qualifications in public health, pharmacy, organisational development, or related field.

• Proven experience developing sustainability, transition, or institutional strengthening plans.

• Understanding of professional associations, councils, or societies (health sector preferred).

• Experience in financial and business model analysis for non‑profit organisations.

• Strong facilitation, analytical, and high‑quality writing skills.

How to Apply

• Applicants must strictly address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in his/her cover letter when submitting his/her application online, along with his/her CV as a single document.

• Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Any applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.

• The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Closing Date: Friday 5th June 2026 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

Abt Associates 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.