Job Description

Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Economic and Social Research Facilitator role on the Australia Papua New Guinea Economic Program (APEP). This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and open to all applicants.

• Commencement: January 2026
• Locally Engaged Staff
• Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to all applications

About the Program

The Australia – Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment which commenced in April 2022 and runs through Feb 2028 with the possibility of a two-year extension. APEP is delivered as part of the broader Australia – Papua New Guinea (PNG) Partnership which brings strong alignment and integration with Government of PNG and Government of Australia (GoA) development priorities. APEP is also a primary vehicle and coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development aid to PNG.

APEP works collaboratively with other Australian investments and development partners, to deliver impactful and sustainable development outcomes across four key engagement areas:

• EOPO 1 - Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
• EOPO 2 - Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• EOPO 3 - Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• EOPO 4 - Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

Gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI) and women’s economic empowerment are central to APEP and integrated across all engagement areas and activities. Other cross-cutting themes are climate and ensuring the perspectives of First Nations Australians are embedded into APEP planning and implementation.

About the Opportunity

The Economic Research and Dialogue (ERD) Workstream supports improved evidence-based research and data to raise public dialogue and inform policymaking in PNG.The Economic and Social Research Facilitator will work closely with APEP Workstreams to develop identified economic and social research opportunities to inform policies and APEP investment designs that contribute to a resilient and diversified. The Economic Research and Dialogue (ERD) Workstream supports improved evidence-based research and data to raise public dialogue and inform policymaking in PNG.

The Economic and Social Research Facilitator will work closely with APEP Workstreams to develop identified economic and social research opportunities to inform policies and APEP investment designs that contribute to a resilient and diversified economy that provides a high quality of life for all Papua New Guineans.

The Economic Researcher will contribute to high-quality analytical and policy work across macroeconomic, fiscal, financial, and development issues such as agriculture and inclusive markets. The role involves coordinating external research as well as preparation of economic reports and policy notes.

The role requires project management skills in addition to strong quantitative skills, creativity, and sound judgement in dealing with incomplete, inconsistent, or outdated data. For example, the ability to triangulate across multiple sources and apply robust methods suited to data-constrained environments. The Economic and Social Research Facilitator will be able to distil complex economic information into clear, evidence-based insights to inform decision-making by senior management and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

The Economic and Social Research Facilitator, under direction from the Senior Program Manager, and in response to Workstream Team Lead requests, will work collaboratively to:

• Identify gaps in economic and social knowledge and policies that are aligned with key development policy priorities of the GoPNG and the GoA.
• Undertake and support the development and delivery of economic and social research that:
  • Improves knowledge of economic, social and public policy trends that link directly to the development and implementation of rigorous and practical policy solutions to PNG’s developmental challenges.
  • Responds to Workstream research requests that Inform the design, implementation and monitoring of APEP investments.
  • Strengthens and promotes local research institutions as high quality centres for learning and applied research in economic, social and public policy.
• Develop pathways to improve collaboration with, and between, local research institutions, and with PNG policymakers.
  Develop and maintain strong and effective stakeholder relationships including with the APEP Workstreams, the Australian High Commission, and GoPNG agencies.
• Support improved generation and access to research and data through collaboration with think tanks and non-government institutions. Facilitate improved dissemination of research to stakeholders, to stimulate dialogue, and influence economic and social decision making.
• Ensure where possible that economic and social research incorporates GEDSI and climate change mitigation considerations.
• Other responsibilities as directed by the Senior Program Manager, and/or requests from the APEP Director and Workstream Team Leads.

Key deliverables

• High-quality economic, social and public policy research that links directly to the development priorities of the GoPNG and GoA. This will involve rigorous analytical work, and possibly cross-country comparative research
• Support to the Senior Program Manager and APEP Workstreams in the design and implementation of research, including the selection of research service providers based on context, sectoral specialisation, and geographic factors.
• Advice to the Senior Program Manager and APEP leadership team on research activity progress, based on robust monitoring, reporting and quality assurance of milestone deliverables agreed to with sub-contractors and grantees.
• Evidence that APEP-supported research is used to inform GoPNG development policies.
• Primary drafting of supporting documents, including concept screening notes and proposed activity designs (PADs).
• Integration where possible of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE) and climate change mitigation across all research engagement areas.
• Other deliverables as agreed with the Senior Program Manager.

Key working relationships

• Senior Program Manager.
• APEP Director and Workstream Team Leads.
• PNG and international research institutions.
• Senior GoPNG representatives and policy makers.
• AHC representatives and other members of PNG’s donor community.
• PNG business leaders and private sector associations.
• PNG’s media and communications sector

About You

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

Qualifications:

• Post graduate tertiary qualifications in economics, social and public policy

Knowledge:

• Strong foundation in micro and macroeconomic theory, applied policy analysis.
• Excellent practical understanding of economic and social trends, research design, implementation and monitoring.
• The ability to translate research findings into practice opportunities and deliver evidence-based reporting and advice to mixed audiences.
• Recognition of GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment and climate change mitigation to inform economic and social research.

Skills/Experience:

• At least ten years’ experience in a research environment (academia, development institutions, consulting or public policy) environment in PNG, or similar.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to communicate complex economic concepts clearly.
• Strong written communication skills with experience preparing evidence-based reports.
• Proven track record of drafting and/or reviewing analytical reports, research papers, or technical notes.
• Ability to work effectively with PNG and external researchers.
• Experience working in low-data or capacity-constrained environments, particularly within the Pacific region, is desirable.
• Experience in integrating GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment and climate change mitigation issues in research

Personal Attributes:

• Delivers results on time for management and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills working in a cross-cultural context.
• Promotes Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity.

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.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a police clearance.

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

Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026 (Mid-day, 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.

<For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘Apply Now’>