AIFFP PMO Safeguards Manager

Job Description

• Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea • Full time, Two-year fixed term with option to extend • AIFFP PMO Director and TSSP3 Inclusions and Safeguards Director

About TSSP Phase 3

The PNG–Australia Transport Sector Support Program Phase 3 (TSSP3) is a critical, high-priority Australian investment that stands to make a major contribution to PNG development outcomes. 

Working closely with the Government of PNG (GoPNG), TSSP3 will build on the significant body of achievements, lessons and relationships from the past 17 years of operation and will continue to contribute to the achievement of the overarching goal of: 

‘A more effective, efficient, and inclusive transport system, enabling the economic and social development of PNG.’

TSSP3 has three End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) which are expected to be achieved over the initial five-year duration of the program. They are as follows: 

EOPO 1: Better Transport System Management. Targeted GoPNG transport sector agencies are supported to more efficiently, effectively, and inclusively plan, budget, and manage the transport system 

EOPO 2: Improved Safety Standards and Coordination. Australian assistance to targeted GoPNG transport sector agencies contributes to improving the policy and regulatory environment to enable safety for all and foster greater sector coordination 

EOPO 3: Expanded, Sustainable and Affordable Assets. Investment in transport assets is expanded, and PNG transport sector actors apply their improved capability to deliver and maintain such assets. 

Gender equity, disability equity, and social inclusion (GEDSI), social and environmental safeguards, locally led development (LLD) and monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and adapting (MERLA) are a key focus for the program and are integrated into all of TSSP3’s activities and operations. 

This phase of TSSP3 will run from November 2023 to November 2028. 

About Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is a AUD4 billion initiative of the Australian Government that enables quality infrastructure across the region. It partners with governments and private sector in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, to provide grant and loan financing for high-quality, transformational energy, water, transport, telecommunications, and other infrastructure. The AIFFP is administered by DFAT, in coordination with but separately to DFAT bilateral programs. The implementation structure of AIFFP investments is strongly aligned with multilateral development bank programs.

The AIFFP is implementing several infrastructure projects in PNG in the transport (ports and roads) and energy sectors. This position relates to AIFFP’s transport projects. The transport projects are the AIFFP’s largest value investments and involve close to AUD700 million in loan and grant financing under two separate AIFFP funded infrastructure programs: 

(i) PNG Ports Infrastructure Investment Program (PIIP): The Australian Government is providing AUD621 million to support the PNG Ports Corporation (PCL) 30 Year Master Plan to upgrade priority ports in PNG. The PIIP is the AIFFP’s largest investment.

(ii) PNG Roads Project (PNGRP): The Australian Government is providing AUD76 million to support the Papua New Guinea’s Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) to undertake long-term maintenance and rehabilitation of priority highways in PNG.

To support effective program implementation, the AIFFP is financing a Program Management Office (PMO) to support the effective delivery of the PIIP and PNGRP. The PMO, embedded within the DFAT TSSP3 implements both programs, offering comprehensive project management and support services. It serves as the main focal point for the AIFFP team and PNG project proponents, fostering collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. The PMO is part of the Joint Implementation Unit (JIU), a multi-stakeholder team combining expertise from PNG Ports, the Project Management Supervision Consultant (PMSC)and the PMO, overseeing all aspects of project delivery and ensuring effective outcomes. Whilst other stakeholders form part of the JIU, the AIFFP PMO leads program implementation and procurement for the PIIP.

The Role

The AIFFP PMO Safeguards Manager will provide strategic oversight, organisational strengthening and skills building, and monitoring to strengthen safeguards implementation across the AIFFP transport portfolio. This role focuses on oversight rather than direct site delivery. Working through TSSP3 and reporting to both the AIFFP Project Director and the TSSP3 Inclusion and Safeguards Director, the Safeguards Manager will support:

• Implementation of the AIFFP-funded Supporting Connect PNG Investment Program – Wau and Sepik Highways, including the Wau Highway Long-Term Maintenance Contract (LTMC)
• Implementation of the Ports Infrastructure Investment Program (PIIP)
• Integration of inclusion and safeguarding across all AIFFP transport sector activities in PNG
• Capacity building of PNG Ports and DoWH to improve implementation and monitoring of safeguards.

Construction contractors are responsible for delivery, with compliance overseen by the PMSC the AIFFP PMO within TSSP3. The Safeguards Manager will enhance safeguard implementation by ensuring alignment with PNG legal requirements, DFAT guidelines, internationally recognised standards (such as IFC Performance Standards), and program and project-specific risks. The role will also apply relevant principles and activities from the TSSP3 GEDSI Strategy and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCDR) Strategy.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position:  https://tinyurl.com/2wr32xrz

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in Workplace Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Safeguards Management, International Development or another relevant degree and a Post Graduate qualification is desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years demonstrated professional experience in a similar level role working with major infrastructure projects.
• Working knowledge or demonstrated awareness of DFAT and IFC Environmental and Social Safeguard policies (or equivalent), processes and standards.
• Demonstrated experience in safeguard assessments, management, monitoring and reporting in developing countries, preferably in PNG or the Pacific and Timor-Leste. 
• Demonstrated experience in delivering safeguard training and skills development activities.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently as well as contribute positively to a team environment.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal, communication, representational and cross-cultural skills.
• Ability to apply independent judgement and influence, and develop consensus on difficult and controversial issues, balancing multiple stakeholder expectations and objectives.
• Strong commitment to addressing GEDSI, safeguards and climate change related issues.
• Commitment to teamwork and engaging with all relevant stakeholders
• Ability to coach, mentor and upskill other people and ability to build effective relationships
• Patience, tolerance, resilience, flexibility, and preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging, developing country environment.

HOW TO APPLY
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday, 21 September 2025 / 11:59pm / AEST

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.  Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.

About the Organization

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com