Job Description

• Commencement: August 2026
• Locally engaged Consultant – 6 Months (Flexible work arrangement available)
• Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to all candidates

*Abt is committed to advancing women’s leadership in PNG’s economic development and are building an environment where women can lead progress and shape economic outcomes. Abt promotes an inclusive, respectful and safe working environment for women and encourages PNG women and men to apply.

This position includes health insurance and supportive workplace for parents and carers, including relevant leave and other benefits including shuttle services to and from work.

About the Program

The Australia–Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP) is a flagship partnership supporting Papua New Guinea’s economic development priorities. Delivered by the Government of Australia in close collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea, APEP focuses on strengthening economic systems, institutions, and opportunities that support sustainable and inclusive growth through to 2028.

Working alongside government, research institutions, and development partners, APEP delivers coordinated and high‑impact outcomes across four key engagement areas:

• Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
• Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

Gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment, and climate are central to APEP and integrated across all engagement areas and activities.

About the Opportunity

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) supported by the Australia – Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership, seeks a highly qualified Legal Expert to provide comprehensive legal counsel and drafting support for the finalization of the National Seed Policy. The expert will join the Seed Policy Technical Working Group (TWG) to ensure that all proposed policy mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and legislative clauses are robust, enforceable, and fully aligned with Papua New Guinea’s constitutional framework and administrative law traditions.

The Legal Expert will act as the primary interface between the TWG’s technical agricultural objectives and the statutory requirements of the State of Papua New Guinea. The core objective is to ensure that the new policy does not merely exist on paper but is practically and legally ready for institutional implementation.

This position will play an important role to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of this project and will coordinate implementation of the project activities and deliverables as per the project plan and results framework.

Key responsibilities

• Regulatory Gap Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing agricultural legislation, land use laws, biosecurity and trade regulations to identify potential conflicts or redundancies with the proposed Seed Policy.
• Consultation & Validation: Attend all TWG meetings and sit in on regional stakeholder consultations and validation workshops to provide real-time legal input on proposed mechanisms and address stakeholder concerns regarding legal enforceability.
• Legislative Drafting: Act as a key member of the Drafting Committee to finalize the statutory text of the National Seed Policy, ensuring clarity and legal precision. Translate technical policy recommendations into formal statutory text, ensuring legal precision and adherence to standard drafting practices for PNG legislation.
• Institutional Alignment: Assess the mandates of relevant agencies (e.g., DAL, PNGBA, NARI, NISIT, etc,.) to ensure the proposed seed system governance does not create jurisdictional friction.
• State Solicitor Liaison: Manage direct technical reviews and consultations with the Office of the State Solicitor to ensure the drafted policy meets all requirements for government adoption.
• Conflict Resolution: Provide legal memoranda regarding any conflicting mandates or constitutional impediments identified during the policy development phase.
• Policy Finalization & Submission: Provide legal support throughout the finalization process and assist in the formal submission of the policy to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), the Minister for Agriculture, and the National Executive Council (NEC).
• Other activities of a similar nature requested by the Agricultural Growth & Livelihoods Team Leader

About You

For applications to be considered, a response to the Key Selection Criteria below must be provided

• Education: Bachelor of Law (LLB) from a recognized university; admission to the PNG Bar is required.
• Experience: Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience in legislative drafting, commercial law, or administrative law, preferably within the PNG public sector or for international development agencies.
• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of PNG’s constitutional framework and the legislative process (including the role of the Legislative Counsel), and the requirements for NEC submissions.
• Agricultural Insight: While technical agricultural knowledge is provided by the TWG, the candidate should demonstrate an ability to quickly grasp the complexities of seed systems, biosecurity, and agricultural trade.
• Collaborative Capability: Proven ability to work effectively alongside international technical experts and cross-functional teams in high-stakes project environments.
• Soft Skills: Strong negotiation skills, proficiency in report writing, and the ability to bridge technical jargon/agricultural requirements with clear legal language.

“We value capability and potential, and welcome applicants who believe they can succeed in this role”

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: Sunday, 5 July 2026 (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