Abt Global - Safeguarding Coordinator | APSP

Job Description

Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Safeguarding Coordinator role on the Australia -Papua New Guinea Subnational Program. This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and open to PNG Citizens only.

About the Organization

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, Kokoda Initiative Partnership and South Fly Resilience Plan and Western Province Partnership. 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 Associates under a single contract from 2026 to 2030, 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.

Abt Associates manages additional programs in PNG, including:

• Australia PNG Economic Partnership (APEP)
• PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH)
• PNG Australia Institutional Partnerships Program (PIPP)
• PNG Partnership for Improving Education (PIE)
• PNG Women Lead (PNGWL)

The Safeguarding Coordinator position is funded through the APSP budget but required to support the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager – Central Safeguarding Unit, with oversight of safeguarding procedures across all Abt Associates programs in PNG.

About the Opportunity

The Safeguarding Coordinator reports directly to the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager – Central Safeguarding Unit and is responsible for implementing safeguarding priorities, tasks, and decisions as directed by the Manager. In the absence of the Manager, the Safeguarding Coordinator will receive direction from and report to the APSP GEDSI & Safeguarding Lead, ensuring continuity of safeguarding oversight and compliance functions.

The role is responsible for ensuring the consistent application of Abt’s safeguarding policies and procedures across all program areas. This includes maintaining the program’s safeguarding register, coordinating and delivering regular safeguarding training for staff, focal points, and delivery partners, and conducting safeguarding risk assessments and required submissions. With a strong operational and compliance focus, the Safeguarding Coordinator supports day‑to‑day safeguarding implementation and ensures safeguarding considerations are embedded across activities under the guidance of Safeguarding and Compliance Manager – Central Safeguarding Unit’s leadership.

About You

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

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in social works, monitoring and evaluation, project management, development, IT, economics, law, governance, or another relevant discipline.

Knowledge

• Good theoretical understanding of social safeguarding, with the ability to translate theory into practice and deliver trainings, risks assessments, reporting, etc.
• Ability to work effectively with internal staff, partners and stakeholders to assess risks, perform analysis, provide recommendations, collate safeguarding data for reporting on a timely basis.
• Reporting requirements of GoPNG/DFAT.

Skills/Experience

• At least five years’ experience in social safeguarding across politically sensitive environments in PNG.
• Good understanding of risks and potential risks
• IT skills including using online portal to perform risks assessments and obtain reports as well as Microsoft Office.
• Good written communication skills with experience responding to partner needs and incidents reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate and promote principles of gender equity, disability, and social inclusion in all aspects of this role.

Personal Attributes

• Delivers results on time for management, partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills working in a cross-cultural context.
• Promotes equity, inclusivity, and diversity.

For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘APPLY NOW’