Job Description

Legal Officer | APEP

• Commencement: November 2026
• Long term role, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to PNG Nationals

About the Program

The Australia PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment to assist GoPNG to create a stable and more prosperous country. The investment is one of the coordination points from which Australia delivers its economic development aid to PNG under the PNGAus Partnership. The Australian Government is committed to delivering the Partnership in accordance with the principles of integration and alignment with PNG’s economic sector policies, systems and processes.

The Partnership’s overarching policy objective is to assist PNG in its efforts to achieve sustained growth, capable of lifting the standard of living of all citizens, while also ensuring Australia maintains its reputation as PNG’s economic partner of choice.

The Partnership incorporates gender equality, disability, social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE), climate change and economic dialogue and open government as cross-cutting objectives for all engagement areas

It has the following four End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

• EOPO 1 - Safeguard Macroeconomic Stability
• EOPO 2 - Support More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• EOPO 3 - Foster Inclusive Agricultural Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• EOPO 4 - Catalyse Economic Research and Dialogue

Each of the four EOPOs is supported by a Team Lead and other program staff that design and manage implementation of activities in accordance with the APEP Program Logic

About the Opportunity

The Legal Officer will support contracting and compliance activities and in-house legal advisory service in consult with the Manager, Legal and Contracts.

The Legal Officer is regularly required to provide legal advice including but not limited to commercial law, company law, contract law, and employment law issues. The Legal Officer works very closely with program Procurement and Finance teams and the Legal and Contracts Community of Practice (CoP) Lead to support compliance with corporate and program specific Operations Manual relevant policies and procedures and has financial management system contract approval delegations.

Key responsibilities

The APEP Legal Officer will report to the Legal and Contracts Manager and undertake the following responsibilities:

• Provide legal advisory services to the program, including drafting and preparing briefs, written legal advice, and leading on complex contract drafting and contract negotiations;
• Advise on legislative compliance and assist in the management and advancement of the compliance framework for Abt Associates Papua New Guinean program operations as required by the program Executive Team from time to time;
• Support program procurement with complex tender processes as required, while ensuring compliance with applicable procurement standards and requirements (including the Australian Commonwealth Procurement Rules) and the program Operations Manual;
• Support program contracting due diligence in accordance with program head contract requirements and DFAT guidance including relevant list checks, company registrations and coordinating Safeguarding assessments;
• Support in-country program contracting across a range of areas including construction, minor works, human resources, subcontracting and grants. Contracting services include advisory, drafting and negotiations;
• Support program grant contracting matters and compliance with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines and the program Operations Manual;
• Support the maintenance of the in-country program Contracts and Grants Registers, Brisbane contract register and other program compliance registers and assist with associated reporting;
• Act as a Fraud Control Officer and support on fraud reporting, mitigation and training in the program as and when the need arises;
• Support program compliance training activities, including staff training, risk analysis and mitigation and reporting across all team responsibilities in the program;
• Promote value for money principles across all aspects of program operations;
• Support the advancement of process and systems improvements for contracting and compliance activities and assist with development of contracting and procurement templates and tools where required;
• Work closely with the Brisbane based teams on in-country contracting procedures and reporting;
• Support other Abt Associates managed programs in PNG when required;
• Build effective relationships with the Abt Associate’s clients, staff, contractors, and stakeholders and provide education, training and capacity building;
• Provide Commissioner of Oaths services; and other duties as required,

Key deliverables

• Support the Legal and Contracts Manager and PNG Programs with an efficient and high standard of contracting and legal support;
• Support the Legal and Contracts Manager and contribute to and help maintain a corporate risk management framework to ensure all corporate risk, program risk, and fraud issues are proactively identified, reported and managed following corporate and DFAT policies and procedures;
• Ensure the accurate and up to date maintenance of program specific contract, grants, fraud registers and other registers as directed.
• Reporting against the Abt PNG Operations Manual and PNG Program Head Contract as required by key program and corporate stakeholders; and
• Effective management of relationships with the PNG Contracts and Legal team, APEP Executives and program staff.

Key working relationships

• Legal and Contracts Manager
• Legal and risk staff across Abt PNG programs
• Key Abt PNG Shared t Services staff including Procurement, HR and GEDSI.
• Program Executives and Senior Management team
• Abt Associates Brisbane Head Office Corporate teams.

About You

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

• Bachelor of Law Degree and admission to practice law in Papua New Guinea
• Has a minimum of 1 – 3 years relevant experience
• Current Restricted Practicing Certificate or the ability to obtain one

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: 28 October 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.

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

About Us

Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com

Equity

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity

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.