· Remote Working Arrangements and in country inputs for at least 2 weeks
· Commencement: 15 August 2024
· Up to 38 days input
· Duration of short-term contract: 30 November 2024
· Open to PNG Citizens & International applicants
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 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-centred 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
Managed by Abt Global under a single contract from 2022 to 2026, the centralised approach is aimed to ensure and drive value for money by realising back office efficiencies, ensure gender is consistently at the forefront of each program and deliver opportunities for learning and adaptation between programs.
The Bougainville Partnership (BP) took on its current form in 2016, inheriting activities from a number of separately administered initiatives. The new program commenced in April 2022 and 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.
Bougainville Chocolate Festival – Background
In 2016, the ABG’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the BP and other development partners organised the first ‘Bougainville Chocolate Festival’.
The purpose of this event was to bring together cocoa farmers and industry stakeholders from across Bougainville – as well as international industry stakeholders and chocolatiers – with a focus on sharing knowledge and lifting the production of high-quality cocoa.
Prior to 2022 the festival contributed towards the following outcomes according in the BP Results Framework:
· Introduce growers to technologies which improve production and quality, and
· Provide Bougainville’s farmers with access to new higher value-added markets for cocoa.
There have been six festivals since 2016, and it is now an established event in the ABGs annual calendar.
About the Position :
The Festival Review and Strategic & Transition Planning Specialists (the Specialist) will be responsible for the following deliverables:
1. Summary Workplan & Literature review.
2. In-country Review of the 2024 Chocolate Festival.
3. Draft Review of the Bougainville Chocolate Festival and outline of a Strategic Plan-Transition Strategy
4. Final Review of the Bougainville Chocolate Festival and Strategic Plan-Transition Strategy for the Bougainville Chocolate Festival.
A fundamental aspect of the review and strategy will include an outline of process for the transition of the festival from the BP to the ABG and Bougainville’s private sector. It is the view of the BP that going forward agribusiness (i.e. agri-sector input providers, buyers and exports) will play a leading role in further developing and implementing the festival.
The Specialist will report to the Team Leader, Economic Development, BP, although the Specialist will seek guidance from the Chocolate Festival Working Group Co-Chairs, including Secretary, DPI, and CEO, Bougainville Arts, Culture & Tourism Authority (BACTA).
About You
We are seeking an individual with the following:
Qualifications:
· A qualification or equivalent experience in event management, strategic/transition planning, monitoring & evaluation, change management, communications for development, international or community development, tourism, agriculture or similar.
Knowledge:
· A demonstrated understanding of festival or event management, strategic/transition planning, and change management processes.
· Familiarity with project reviews and monitoring & evaluation concepts.
· An understanding of agricultural and/or tourism events (desirable, not essential).
Skills/Experience:
· Proven experience in designing, reviewing or managing events, agricultural/tourism festivals, communications campaigns, conferences or similar.
· Proven experience in external event/project evaluations and strategic/transition planning.
· Proven experience in advising on change management processes.
· Some experience in quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
· Experience working in complex development contexts; experience in PNG or the Pacific is highly desirable.
· Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated experience preparing high quality reports and professional documents for different audiences.
· Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with an ability to lead reviews, especially in a cross-cultural context.
· Ability to integrate and promote principles of gender equity and social inclusion in all aspects of this role including in program reviews and evaluation.
· Ability to work with limited supervision and a consultative approach that is open to feedback.
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 encourage applications from experienced and capable women and people with disabilities. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
About Us
Abt Associates 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.abtassociates.com
Equity
Abt Associates 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.
