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 a key coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development support to PNG in alignment with the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). 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 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 has gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE), climate change, economic dialogue and open government positioned as cross-cutting objectives across all engagement areas.

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

EOPO 1         Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability EOPO 2         Strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) EOPO 3         Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets EOPO 4         Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods EOPO 5         Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

About the Opportunity

The Government of PNG is considering institutional changes for the Department of Petroleum to modernise, reinvigorate and transition its structure and functions to a Statutory Authority to better meet its mandate. This role will have the responsibility to support Government considerations related to the organisational change that may occur, provide guidance on similar organisational structures in other jurisdictions, ensure principles of good corporate governance underpin the organisational change. 

Key responsibilities 

The Advisor will be responsible for providing capacity building and technical assistance to the Ministry of Petroleum, working with the Department of Petroleum and any new statutory authority and supporting the change management process for any roles and responsibilities transitioned, and new ways of working. 

The Adviser will integrate and promote principles of gender equity, disability and social inclusion in all aspects of this role.  The Adviser will also work with APEP executive to meet MERLA requirements, as necessary.

Key deliverables

The role will engage with the Ministry, Department and other stakeholders to deliver the following outputs:

Strength/needs based assessment to inform any transition plan, which could include the identification of areas/individuals requiring training, capacity-building, and technical assistance, such as:  providing independent advice: the provision of independent policy advice to GoPNG. service delivery: performing public functions and implementing government policy within defined boundaries, clearly defined goals or objectives. maintaining organisational integrity: performance and reporting against governance and accountability frameworks, including the prevention, scrutiny and detection of maladministration, misconduct and corruption. performing regulatory functions: exercising regulatory power, including the use of legal instruments (such as issuing licenses and permits) to achieve policy objectives and imposing an obligation on organisations or individuals engaged in resources sector activities (such as by enforcing the provisions of acts or regulations and other regulatory instruments). stewardship of public assets: making and implementing decisions about asset acquisition, use, and disposal. Organisational change plan to support any transition of functions to a new entity. Advice regarding corporate governance principles, and efforts to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Other deliverables as agreed with the Australian High Commission.

Key working relationships 

Ministry of Petroleum Department of Petroleum APEP Director and Team Leader, Economic Policy Division (APEP) Australian High Commission, GoPNG officials and private sector counterparts

Confidentiality:

No confidential operational matters are to be disclosed to outside parties without prior approval of the Australian High Commission. All matters and information which are not in the public domain are considered to be confidential.

Fraud Corruption Control Policy:

APEP staff, subcontractors and consultants are required to comply with the Abt Associates’ Fraud and Corruption Control Policy. The Whistleblower Protection Policy protects employees’ rights when they report suspected fraud and corruption and extends to their work environment.

About You 

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

Experience: The adviser should have considerable experience leading change management initiatives within large, complex organizations. They should have a proven record of successfully managing change in the areas relevant to the program, such as process improvement, organizational design, or technology implementation. Industry knowledge: Knowledge of the petroleum sector is highly desirable, particularly experience with a petroleum industry regulator, to understand the context and challenges of the organisational re-design. Qualifications: The ideal candidate should have formal qualifications in change management, such as a degree or certification in change management, project management or relevant field. Behaviours: The adviser should possess strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They should have excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. They should be able to work well under pressure, be initiative-taking and have a flexible attitude. Attributes: The adviser should be adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment. They should have a strategic mindset, be able to think creatively and be able to analyse complex problems. They should be able to understand the big picture and be able to translate it into actionable plans. They should also be able to build and lead a team and be able to work effectively with varying levels and functions within the organization.

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: 27 November 2024 (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

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.