Job Description

Subnational Manager Autonomous Region of Bougainville | PIE

• Commencement: July 2026

• Duration: up to 30th June 2027

• Location: Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea (with regional travel and travel to Port Moresby as required)

• Open to PNG citizens

About the Program

The Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) Program is a 5-year, Government of Australia investment to support the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) improve the delivery of access to and quality of education for the children of PNG. The expected end-of-investment outcomes for the PIE investment are:

• Targeted Outcome 1: More children (girls, boys, and children with disabilities) in the early grades enrol and stay in school in target locations using replicable and sustainable approaches

• Targeted Outcome 2: Target locations are using sustainable and replicable approaches to support improvements in the quality of teaching and learning in the early grades

• Enabling Outcome 3: Evidence of systemic change within the education sector that improves the delivery of early grades education.

PIE operates at both the national and subnational level, including in the provinces of Central, Enga and Sandaun and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

About the Opportunity

The Subnational Manager Autonomous Region of Bougainville plays a critical leadership role in overseeing program implementation and operations across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB). Reporting to the PIE Team Lead, the role leads a small subnational team and works closely with government, schools, communities, and development partners to support the effective delivery of PIE activities

This role requires a highly collaborative and adaptive leader with strong stakeholder engagement, program management, and operational oversight skills, as well as a demonstrated commitment to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI).

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include:

Lead Program Delivery

Drive implementation of the PIE workplan across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, ensuring activities, grants, and partnerships are delivered effectively, on time, and in line with program priorities.

Build Strong Partnerships

Develop and maintain trusted relationships with the Bougainville Department of Education, National Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), schools, communities, and delivery partners.

Manage and Support the Team

Lead and mentor the Bougainville-based team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning

Oversee Operations and Performance

Monitor budgets, workplans, risks, reporting, and compliance to ensure high-quality and efficient program delivery.

Champion Inclusion and Innovation

Embed gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), adaptive management, and continuous improvement approaches across all activities.

Strengthen Communication and Learning

Support strong program visibility through reporting, stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and communications content.

Key deliverables

• Effective implementation and coordination of PIE activities and grants in Bougainville.

• High-quality reporting, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight.

• Strengthened relationships and coordination with government and education stakeholders.

• Timely monitoring of activity progress, budgets, risks, and deliverables.

• Integration of GEDSI, MERLA, and communications priorities across subnational activities.

• Effective leadership and support of the Bougainville-based team.

Key working relationships

The Subnational Manager – Bougainville will work closely with:

• PIE Team Lead and national program team

• Bougainville Department of Education (BDoE)

• National Department of Education (NDoE) divisions

• Australian High Commission / DFAT representatives

• Schools, district and provincial education stakeholders

• Civil society organisations and subcontract delivery partners

• Community leaders and local stakeholders in Bougainville

About You

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

Essential

• Demonstrated experience managing complex development, education, or community programs in Papua New Guinea or similar contexts.

• Strong leadership, coordination, and team management skills.

• Experience building and maintaining productive stakeholder relationships across government and development sectors.

• Strong operational, financial, and risk management capability.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.

• Demonstrated understanding of gender equality, disability and social inclusion principles and their application in program delivery.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing operational contexts.

Personal Attributes

• A critical thinker with a continuous learning mindset and attention to detail

• An eagerness to contribute to and facilitate transformational change in quality primary teaching.

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: Wednesday 27 May 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’>

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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.