+ **_Commencement: March 2025_** + **_Maximum number of input days is 20_** + **_Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea_** + **_Open to all applicants_** **About the Program** 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 position will provide strategic guidance and coordinate the development of a comprehensive Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) banking strategy and roadmap to strengthen public financial management (PFM). A key focus will be on modernising and optimising the Government’s PFM to meet evolving public service demands, strengthen transparency, and improve fiscal oversight. **Key responsibilities** The PFM Banking Adviser’s role is to evaluate the existing banking arrangements to identify areas for consolidation, enhanced efficiency and cost reduction. They will be captured in a roadmap towards a government banking system that aligns with the National Payment Strategy and the Department of Finance’s (DoF’s) banking review objectives. Key responsibilities are: **Developing a Whole-of-Government Banking Strategy** + The Strategy will define the Government’s banking arrangements and align them with international best practices, including transactive banking, fund sweeping, and grouping or hybrid single treasury account modalities. + The Strategy will take account of current banking and digital legislation, and domestic banking system processes and protocols that allow for the consolidation of government accounts, minimise idle cash balances, and leverage banking relationships to optimise liquidity management and reduce transaction costs. + It will also lay a strong foundation for efficient cash management, enhanced reporting, and financial sustainability in PNG. **Designing a Three-Year Implementation Roadmap** + The Roadmap will provide for a phased implementation of the banking strategy, including the engagement between the DoF and relevant stakeholders to ensure its success. + It will include measurable milestones and timelines for achieving cost efficiency, liquidity optimisation, and enhanced reporting capabilities. + The Roadmap will also align with existing PFM reforms and support the government’s goal of modernising financial operations in a cohesive manner. **Recommending Optimal Account Structures** + Analyse and make recommendations on practical approaches to implementing grouping or hybrid single account modalities tailored to PNG’s PFM ecosystem. + Recommendations should also be made to improve cash flow management, strengthen oversight of public funds, and reduce financial fragmentation, while ensuring alignment with the Strategy. **Supporting Ongoing Payment and Receipting System Projects** + Provide strategic direction to align current initiatives, such as the EFT payment reforms, online receipting and electronic bank statement integration under the Strategy. + Ensure these projects complement the broader goals of achieving a streamlined, transparent, and integrated PFM banking framework. **Driving Innovation and Strategic Change** + Provide guidance to recast the use of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) to optimise cash management and oversight to promote the more effective management of public funds. + Recommend innovative PFM financial practices that promote transparency, timely payments and alignment with global best practice standards in a PNG context. **Team Building and Other Duties** + Integrate and promote principles of gender equity, disability and social inclusion in all aspects of this role. + Any other matters as directed by the Australian High Commission, APEP and the Secretary, Department of Finance. **Key working relationships** + Secretary, Department of Finance + Department of Finance senior leadership team + APEP PFM Advisers based in Department of Finance + APEP Director and Team Leader, Economic Policy Division + Australian High Commission + Donor agencies **About You** + Degree in Banking, Finance, Economics, or a related field. + Proven track record in developing whole-of-system strategies for government banking or large-scale financial systems. + Expertise in digital payment systems, transactive banking, and hybrid single account models. + Strong understanding of liquidity optimisation, cost-efficiency strategies, and integrated financial reporting. + Knowledge of PNG’s government PFM systems, commercial banking environment, and challenges associated with operating in PNG’s regions. + Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the PNG Government (or similar) policy environment. + Demonstrated ability to document and communicate complex strategies effectively. + Experience in developing phased implementation roadmaps for government or large organisations. + Ability to work closely with high-level advisors, technical teams, and senior government officials. + Strong interpersonal skills to build consensus and drive change. **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, 05 February 2025 (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_