Job Description

• Commencement: As soon as possible
• Long term role, up to February 2028 (with potential for extension)
• Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to PNG nationals only

*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.

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 Program Manager will be part of the Efficient and Inclusive Markets (EIM) team within the APEP Program and work closely with colleagues from other disciplines in APEP, especially the Agriculture Growth and cross-cutting teams. The Program Manager will mostly focus on financial inclusion and Innovative Finance projects. The Program Manager will play an important role in ensuring the effective and efficient management of selected projects across EIM. This EIM portfolio of projects contains a diverse range of interventions and projects designed to address key bottlenecks, gaps and barriers constraining business activities and economic growth. Projects are designed to support GoPNG and other stakeholders with strong linkages to related digital economy development, small business development services, and financial institution strengthening and support.

The Program Manager will support the Unit Manager and Team Leader to ensure the effective and efficient management of projects throughout the full project management cycle across the Partnership. This includes applying relevant technical sectoral knowledge to support implementation of program delivery through providing informed guidance to implementing partners including managing and coordinating implementing partners and contractors. This role required preparing documents like reports, briefings, meeting minutes, etc.

Additionally, there may be opportunities to work across various projects across APEP, as required to achieve APEP’s Intermediate Outcomes and overall objective.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the design and implementation of access to finance, inclusive and innovative financing instruments project activities that lead towards the achievement of EOPOs.
• Support the development of project budgets and costings, contributing to expenditure monitoring, tracking and forecasting.
• Timely tracking of advisers/contractors, deliverables, milestones, risks and program progress as per the contracts, MoUs and agreements.
• Build and maintain open, productive and outcome-oriented relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including DFAT and GoPNG.
• Support project monitoring, reviews, and evaluations that measure the achievement of EOPOs.
• Provide technically sound and high quality of written work including policy and project briefs, concept notes on potential new projects, weekly program updates, meeting agendas and minutes, and program reporting.

• Contribute to the project-level monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

• Lead strategic stakeholder engagements associated with project delivery.

• Integrate and promote principles of gender equity and social Inclusion, climate change mitigation and research in all aspects of this role including in project design, implementation, and evaluation.

• Represent APEP at internal and external meetings and events and coordinate and organize internal and external meetings, events and seminars with program partners and key stakeholders.

About You

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

• Tertiary qualifications in Business Management, Economics, International Development, Trade & Investment, Social Sciences or related field.

• At least 5 years experience in access to finance, innovative financing instruments, banking and finance, or micro finance.

• At least 2-3 years experience in program management.

• Understanding of access to finance challenges for MSMEs in PNG.

• Understanding in risk management, appraisal, and credit facilities.

We value capability and potential, and welcome applicants who believe they can succeed in this role. If you consider yourself qualified for the position, by meeting most selection criteria, you’re encouraged to apply.

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.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

The position is urgently required; applications will be evaluated as they are submitted. We advise all interested candidates to apply promptly.

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.

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.