Abt Global- LEAP Project Manager | PIE

Job Description

Abt Global is seeking a highly
qualified individual for the role of Efficient and inclusive Markets - Program
Manager on the Australia PNG
Economic Partnership (APEP) Program. This role is a locally engaged position
and is based in Port Moresby.

• Commencing in January 2026 
• Contract duration: Up to December 2026, with a possible extension
• Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to all candidates

About the Program 

The Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) Program is a five-year initiative funded by the Government of Australia to support the Government of Papua New Guinea in providing better access to quality education for PNG’s children.

Launched on July 1, 2022, PIE focuses on early-grade education in Enga, Sandaun, Central, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, driving policy and systemic reforms to create real, lasting change.

Expected End-of-Investment Outcomes (EOIO):

1. Increased Access and Retention – More children (girls, boys, and children with disabilities) enrol and stay in school in selected provinces using sustainable, replicable approaches.
2. Improved Teaching and Learning – Targeted provinces adopt sustainable and scalable methods to enhance early-grade teaching and learning quality.
3. Systemic Change – Evidence of education sector improvements that enhance early-grade education delivery.

By testing, implementing, and monitoring innovative solutions, PIE is ensuring that every child gets the education they deserve.

Learning Enhancement and Access Program

As part of PIE, the Learning Enhancement and Access Program (LEAP) is being mobilised to improve the quality of early childhood education and pre-primary to Grade 2 (Prep-G2) levels in selected provinces. LEAP consists of four core components:

1. Preparing children to be ready to learn through Early Childhood Education (ECE): Supporting existing ECE centres to meet national quality standards.
2. 2. Supporting teachers to teach effectively: Providing teaching and learning materials, delivering in-service teacher training and ongoing support, and upgrading teacher qualifications, focusing on preparatory to grade 2 teachers and head teachers in targeted provinces.
3. Modernising the infrastructure and management of the education sector: Equipping the Ministry of Education with high-quality data management systems, piloting a national learning assessment system, and financing refurbishments to school infrastructure.
4. Project management, monitoring & evaluation, and capacity-building: Ensuring effective implementation, monitoring, evaluations, and capacity-building.

LEAP target locations: Provinces of Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Morobe, Madang, Milne Bay, East New Britain, New Ireland, and National Capital District.

About the Opportunity

LEAP Project Manager:

To bring this transformational initiative to life, the National Department of Education (NDoE) is assembling a high-performing Project Management Unit and seeking a skilled Project Manager to join the team!

To ensure seamless project preparation and implementation, a Project Preparation Grant (PPG), in partnership with PIE funding, will kickstart key activities for LEAP[1] in 2025.  LEAP will be financed by US$100 million in International Development Association loan, an additional US$50 million loan from OPEC fund, and an Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade grant worth~US$9.7 million, resourcing the program through to October 6, 2031.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversee day-to-day project operations.
• Coordinate all project-related activities across national and provincial levels. 
• Ensure smooth collaboration between stakeholders, including development partners.
• Drive project progress and reporting, directly advising the Project Director

The initial contract will be for 12 months, funded through the PPG and PIE program.

• Subject to satisfactory performance, the contract may be extended under the LEAP through a GoPNG contract.
• LEAP will be implemented by NDoE in collaboration with Provincial Divisions of Education over five years, beginning in 2026.

This is your chance to ensure a stronger foundation for learning and leave a lasting legacy for PNG’s childre

About You 

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

Key Selection Criteria:

       Mandatory:

1. Post-graduate qualification in Business Administration, Public Policy, Project Management, Urban/Regional Planning, Economics, Sociology, or related fields such as education, public management, governance, or project management.
2. 5+ years in project management, with 3-5 years in a senior leadership role, covering areas such as strategic planning, M&E, policy formulation, social research, quality assurance, data management, or organizational development.

         Desirable Criteria – Candidates that meet the following criteria will be considered favourably:

1. Senior experience in government, particularly with education programs and large-scale, donor-funded projects in Papua New Guinea or the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Proven ability to manage multiple contracts and consultants, prioritise demands, and ensure timely project execution.
3. In-depth knowledge of education and development issues in Papua New Guinea, including policy challenges in the sector.
4. Strong decision-making, leadership, and proactive problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments and provide strategic advice.
5. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and developing strategic documents.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, planning/monitoring software, and experienced in contract management, financial accountability, and regulatory compliance.

Bonus: Experience working on World Bank-funded projects is a strong advantage.

We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘Apply Now’

About the Organization

Abt Global 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 Abt Global.

Equity

Abt Global 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.