Bougainville Portfolio Director

Job Description

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.’

Gender Equity, Disability Equity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Social and Environmental Safeguards, Locally Led Development (LLD), Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (CCDR) 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. 

The Role

The Bougainville Portfolio Director provides strategic oversight, political insight, and high-level leadership for all TSSP3 operations in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. As the most senior TSSP3 representative in Bougainville, the Director leads engagement with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Department of Infrastructure and Utilities (DIU), Department of Works and Highways (DoWH), and other key partners to ensure TSSP3-supported activities are politically attuned, strategically integrated, and aligned with DFAT, ABG priorities, and GoPNG national frameworks. The Bougainville Portfolio Director will also collaborate with other TSSP3 Directors in discharging this role.

The role provides overarching coordination of the TSSP3 Bougainville team and ensures that local implementation draws effectively on the technical expertise and strategic direction provided by Port Moresby-based specialists. The Director is also responsible for managing strategic risk, fostering strong bilateral relationships, and ensuring timely and informed decision-making. Through the Team Leader and Senior Management Team (SMT), the role maintains strong links with the Australian High Commission (AHC), including providing political, contextual and risk updates, and advising on program positioning and delivery.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position:  https://tinyurl.com/yeytemz3

About You

Selection criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in political science, public administration, development studies, infrastructure, or a related field
• At least 10 year’s experience in senior program leadership roles in complex, decentralised, or post-conflict settings
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multi-stakeholders programs, ideally in PNG or the Pacific 
• Strong political analysis and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with government agencies
• Experience working with DFAT or other donor-funded programs, particularly on decentralised service delivery or infrastructure, including familiarity with procurement oversight and contract management process 
• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic and operational risk in dynamic political environments, including maintaining regular updates to the TSSP3 Risk Register and escalation pathways to the Team Leader / SMT

Demonstrated integration of GEDSI, LLD, safeguards and climate / CCDR considerations into planning , procurement and delivery.

HOW TO APPLY
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

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

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday, 12 October 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