Location: Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea Commencement: 1 August 2024 Duration of contract: Up to 28 February 2024  Open to PNG Citizens 

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 (BP), Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP) and South Fly Resilience Plan and Western Province Partnership (WPP). 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-centered 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

The new program commencing April 2022 is identified as a key element of the new Australian Subnational Strategic Framework for PNG, recently established to bring together a rationale and operational framework for a set of place-based initiatives that reflect geographical priorities based on the mutual interests of Australia and PNG.

About the Opportunity 

The CGISP Officer will be responsible for the daily management and operations of the Community Government Institutional Strengthening Program. Working closely with the Department of Community Government and participating with Community Governments other relevant stakeholders and service providers. 

The Officers are responsible for regular site visit and progress reporting on the implementation of the CGISP projects especially the ward development and household solar kit rollout. 

The role requires an energetic, motivated, efficient individuals with strong physical fitness.

Key Responsibilities 

Manage the day-to-day functions and administration of the Community Government Institutional Strengthening Program, this includes;

Relationship Management

Working with the Community Government elected leaders and Managers  Communicating progress with APSP, DCG and DFAT staff Navigating disputes in between project recipients, contractors and stakeholders with cultural sensitive solutions which enable overall program delivery Ensure accurate and ‘on message’ information is disseminated. Conduct professional engagements that represent Abt Associates, donors partners stakeholders in good many

Contribute to Program Learnings and Improvements

Participation in program design discussions, consultations and documentation drafting Completion of field work documentation, survey and site assessment templates Recording observations for improvement in program design Liaise with Management to ensure cohesion and integration of the Community Government Institutional Strengthening Program across BPs other programmatic components, especially BP’s MERL Adviser and GEDSI Coordinator Ensure the implementation of systematic and scheduled monitoring of community project assistance

Advocate for gender equality and social inclusion

At all times note and advocate for gender equality in all aspects of service delivery Liaise with and outwardly exemplify APSP GESI equality aims

Administrative Duties

Provide true and accurate documentation and verbal reporting at all times Engage with Abt Associates employee management systems (timesheet, planning, performance appraisals)  Various office takes as required (copying, scanning, document preparation, supply preparation, packing and moving, etc)  Take responsibility and adhere to Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures and report any issues encountered. Ensure financial acquittals of travel and partner programs are compliant with Abt Associates requirements.

Travel and Logistics

Plan and coordinate travel cooperatively with team member and where asked DFAT Travel to remote locations requiring remote overnight accommodation. Walking and hiking to project sites as required  Take reasonability for know how to use and operate all company equipment taken into the field.  Take responsibility for detailed planning and packing for contingencies which may occur to ensure field visits are successful. 

Key working relationships 

Community Government Institutional Strengthening Sr. Coordinator Senior Program Manger Localisation & Special Projects. BP Colleagues. Participating Community Governments - including their elected Ward Representatives, Managers, Ward Steering Committees and local Leadership & Stakeholders. ABG Department of Community Government. DFAT and MFAT

About You 

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

Selection Criteria Instructions for Applicants

Please provide a one-page typed letter which briefly addresses the four skill sets below with specific examples from your experiences. Two optional writing prompts have been provided for each skill set but you only need to respond to one prompt per skill set. The total response for all four skill sets should be a maximum of one typed page. Each response should be long longer than 300 words. 

We are interested in understanding how your skills, background, and motivation align with the responsibilities of a Community Project Officer. Provide clear, concise responses and highlight any relevant achievements or outcomes related to each criterion. 

Skill Set 1: Demonstrated Leadership Skills:

Provide an example of a situation where you took the lead in a community project or initiative. Describe your role and the impact your leadership had on the project's success. Discuss a time when you had to motivate or guide a group of people towards a common goal. What strategies did you use, and what was the outcome?

Skill Set 2: Motivation and Initiative:

Describe a project or task you initiated within your community or organisation. What motivated you to start this project, and what were the results? Explain how you stay motivated and keep others motivated when faced with challenges or limited resources. Provide a specific example to illustrate your approach.

Skill Set 3: Community Engagement and Involvement:

Share an experience where you actively participated in a community event or project. What was your role, and how did your involvement contribute to the event or project's success? Describe a time when you had to engage with different community members or stakeholders to achieve a project goal. How did you ensure their participation and support?

Skill Set 4: Problem-Solving and Adaptability:

Provide an example of a challenge you faced while working on a community project and how you overcame it. What strategies did you employ, and what did you learn from the experience? Discuss a time when you had to adapt to a significant change or unexpected situation during a project. How did you handle it, and what was the result?

Qualifications/ Skills/Experience

Minimum of Grade 12 certificate Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.  Strong verbal tok pisin competency. Competence with basic computer systems (email, word, excel and tablet usage) Ability to hike in bush conditions for up to three (3) hours. To have or obtain within three months a full Class 3 motor vehicle operator’s license

How to Apply

Please submit your application online; attach your resume/ CV, 2 pages long, and a 1 page cover letter addressing how you meet the selection criteria as above.

Closing Date:  Wednesday,10 July 2024 (5pm, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

Abt Associates 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.