Job Description

• Location: Port Moresby, PNG with potential travel to Kokoda Track communities
• Commencement: March 2026
• Duration of contract: 2 years
• Open to all applicants

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, Kokoda Initiative Partnership and South Fly Resilience Plan and Western Province Partnership. Each program has its own outcomes, theory of change, operational approach and separate monitoring and evaluation systems.

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.

The Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP) is a partnership between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to sustainably develop and protect the Kokoda Track and surrounding areas. The KIP support is delivered under three pillars: Track, People and Environment in alignment with the PNG Government’s Kokoda Initiative Master Plan.

Pillar 1 - TRACK Objective: A safe and well-managed track whose special military values and historical integrity are protected.

The KIP works with the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) to promote and protect the Kokoda Track, and enhance Track safety for local communities and visitors through effective policies and governance systems, Track maintenance and communications networks.

Pillar 2 - PEOPLE Objective: Enhanced quality of life and income for landowners and communities of the Kokoda Track region.

The KIP works with the Oro and Central Provincial health and education authorities, church health and education providers and NGOs to improve the quality of life for communities through health, education and community driven development projects and income generation activities.

Pillar 3 - ENVIRONMENT Objective: The sustainable use of the protected area.

The KIP supports the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) to protect the Kokoda Track and surrounding region and preserve the region’s unique biodiversity and cultural environments.

About the Opportunity

The Operations Adviser (Adviser) will work closely with the CEO of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) to execute the strategic vision and ensure the efficient and effective management of the Kokoda Track, promoting sustainable tourism and community development.

The Adviser will advise on and support the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the KTA.

Specific Responsibilities

Operational Management:

• Advise on daily operations of the KTA, ensuring activities align with the goals and objectives of the KTA.
• Advise on, and support development of operational plans, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the CEO to develop strategic plans.
• Translate the CEO’s strategic vision into actionable operational plans.
• Monitor and report on the progress of strategic initiatives.

Financial Management:

• Work with finance executives to advise on the development of the organisation's budget.
• Monitor financial performance and advise on efficient allocation of resources.
• Advise on, and support development of financial reporting to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Advise on, and support out-year budget submission to the Department of National Planning and monitoring
• Advise on, and support document submission to the National Government to support release of budget funding

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Foster strong relationships with local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders including licensed tour operators.
• Ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared with local communities in a sustainable manner.
• Advise on the collection and management of trekking fees and permits, and other related tourism fees.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Advise the CEO on professional development opportunities for KTA operational staff.
• Advise the CEO on human resource management, including, but not limited to recruitment, performance management training and development

Quality and Safety Management:

• Advise on the implementation of occupational health and safety standards.
• Advise on activities to address any operational issues or challenges.

Key working relationships

Reporting to

• KIP Team Leader
• KTA CEO

Working alongside

• KIP Deputy Team Leader and MERL Coordinator
• KIP Provincial Partnership Managers, Central and Oro provinces
• KIP Advisers, project officers, and finance and administration

The KTA Operations Adviser will be required to establish and maintain strong relationships with counterparts from; the Oro and Central Provincial administrations, the Hiri Koiari and Sohe District administrations, NGOs and church organisations in undertaking and implementing KTA and KIP approved projects.

About You

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior advisory or operational management role.
• Proven track record of successful strategic planning and execution.
• Strong financial management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience in effective stakeholder management.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinking, research and analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and accountability.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Kokoda Track, the trekking and tourism industry and broader Kokoda catchment regions.
• Knowledge of DFAT’s social safeguards including Child protection, PSEAH, Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion.

How to Apply

• Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (Specific responsibilities) 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: 16 January 2026 (5pm, 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