The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity:

Abt’s Country Manager will be responsible for the coherence of Abt’s PNG portfolio, identify opportunities for building that portfolio, represent Abt Global in country and be the first point of contact with its primary client, Australia’s Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The role will ensure that Abt Global is able to achieve value for money for its clients, including through creating economies of scale across its multiple activities, improving quality control and enhancing communications with the client. The Country Manager will be responsible for further building relationships with major clients, will monitor feedback and look further improvements to communication with clients and partners across the Abt portfolio. It will ensure that lessons are learned across Abt-managed activities and shared more broadly with the client and contribute to positioning Abt in PNG as DFAT’s foremost development partner. The Country Manager will promote coherence and collaboration across PNG-based activities. The role will work with and be part of the Abt Executive in PNG to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence across Abt-managed programs. 

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

Liaise with PNG program team leaders and contractor representatives to ensure awareness of key risks and challenges across Abt’s PNG portfolio Chair monthly Abt PNG Executive meetings Conduct regular all-staff meetings to drive coherence and consistency across PNG program teams Promote cross program collaboration Monitor culture and morale across Abt’s entire PNG team Monitor core political, social and economic challenges across PNG

Abt’s role and reputation in PNG 

Monitor and aggregate core insights around PNG development impact across Abt’s portfolio Share such insights with clients, through social media more broadly and as articles in LinkedIn or other media Seek feedback on Abt’s role and reputation in country  Develop and oversee appropriate public relations strategy to publicise Abt’s work in PNG, including as necessary province-focused narratives 

Program Development & Growth

Maintain and expand the PNG program portfolio, identifying opportunities for growth with non-traditional donors and clients Provide support to the business development and program delivery team with proposal design and development, ensuring timely submission and providing inputs when applicable. Remain aware of donor and other potential client funding intentions, including opportunities with UK and US aid programs.

Compliance

Oversee program operations and reporting, ensuring compliance with agency standards, policies and procedures, donor regulations and local laws. Support program Team Leaders with the preparation of program annual work plans and budgets, with a focus on cross-program collaboration.  Ensure compliance with local labour, NGO and technicality laws or present concerns to Abt corporate legal team. Implement and monitor the Abt PNG Country Risk Mitigation Framework. Ensure all corporate risk and fraud issues are proactively identified and managed following corporate and client policies and procedures in accordance with program head contracts.  Facilitate investigations on violations of policies and code of conduct as appropriate. Engage in conflict resolution when needed. 

Working Relationships/Representation

Represent the organization and liaise with local and national authorities, the Private Sector, UN, NGO, and donor agencies, to promote the organization’s programs, facilitate successful coordination of activities and ensure transparency and accountability to all stakeholders. Maintain frequent communication with VP Program Delivery and Regional Vice President East Asia and Pacific to ensure program activities and objectives are shared and aligned Support Program Team Leaders with establishing and maintaining strong relationships with their clients and stakeholders Regular communication with Abt Global Client Account Leads regarding new business opportunities in PNG and the promotion of our capabilities and offerings Act as Abt Country Representative for meetings with donors, managing contractors, key stakeholders and others as required.  Ensure maximum visibility of the organisation amongst the NGO community. Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organisation.

Code of Conduct

The Country Manager will lead a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and adheres to those standards. Ensure Abt personnel have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct and related policies and policy safeguards, including PSEAH, Child Protection and Bullying and Misconduct in the Workplace.

Communications

The Country Manager will ensure a high quality and consistent approach to communications for the client. The Country Manager will ensure accurate and timely collaboration and communication with home office, including the preparation and presentation of achievement of indicator targets, budget expenditure and country-pipeline business development opportunities. The Country Manager will report regularly to home office, providing timely updates as required including exceptional reports of program activities. Communicate updates companywide to relevant stakeholders. Participate in media opportunities to increase brand visibility and credibility. Meet with internal and external stakeholders to build and maintain strategic relationships.

Key Outcomes:

Maintain effective and productive relationships with donors and key Stakeholders. Mitigate and manage organisational risk for Abt Global in PNG. Work with Team Leaders to secure contract extension options for Abt’s portfolio of programs in PNG (APSP; APEP; PATH; PIE; PNG Women Lead; PIPP). Target and secure new business in PNG to grow revenue (noting performance bonusses agreed for income generation). Lead and champion Abt values across PNG executive and programs

 

Key Selection Criteria:

Master Degree, in business, law, economics or other relevant fields or a Bachelors Degree and equivalent experience. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, resilience and integrity and proven experience in relationship management.  Ability to build effective teams, lead collaboration and cooperation and ensure program coherence Familiarity with Australian government processes and program management approaches desirable Demonstrated ability to oversee management of programs and their deliverables, or equivalent transferrable experience  Understanding of budgeting, grant management, and donor processes Commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace 

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

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.