Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Research
Facilitator role on the Australia – PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) Program.
This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and open to PNG citizens.
· Commencement: January 2026
· Locally Engaged Staff
· Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
· Open to all applications
About the Program
The Australia – Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment which commenced in April 2022 and runs through Feb 2028 with the possibility of a two-year extension. APEP is delivered as part of the broader Australia – Papua New Guinea (PNG) Partnership which brings strong alignment and integration with Government of PNG and Government of Australia (GoA) development priorities. APEP is also a primary vehicle and coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development aid to PNG.
APEP works collaboratively with other Australian investments and development partners, to deliver impactful and sustainable development outcomes
across four key engagement areas:
• EOPO 1 - Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
• EOPO 2 - Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• EOPO 3 - Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• EOPO 4 - Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue
Gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI) and women’s economic empowerment are central to APEP and integrated across all engagement
areas and activities. Other cross-cutting themes are climate and ensuring the perspectives of First Nations Australians are embedded into APEP planning and implementation.
About the Opportunity
· High-quality economic, social and public policy research that links directly to the development priorities of the GoPNG and GoA. This will involve rigorous analytical work, and possibly cross-country comparative research.
· Support to the Senior Program Manager and APEP Workstreams in the design and implementation of research, including the selection of research service providers based on context, sectoral specialisation, and geographic factors.
· Advice to the Senior Program Manager and APEP leadership team on research activity progress, based on robust monitoring,
reporting and quality assurance of milestone deliverables agreed to with sub-contractors and grantees.
· Evidence that APEP-supported research is used to inform GoPNG development policies.
· Primary drafting of supporting documents, including concept screening notes and proposed activity designs (PADs).
· Integration where possible of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment
(WEE) and climate change mitigation across all research engagement areas.
· Other deliverables as agreed with the Senior Program Manager.
Key working relationships
· Senior Program Manager.
· APEP Director and Workstream Team Leads.
· PNG and international research institutions.
· Senior GoPNG representatives and policy makers.
· Learning institutions including Australia National University and the University of Papua New Guinea
· AHC representatives and other members of PNG’s donor community.
· PNG business leaders and private sector associations.
· PNG’s media and communications sector.
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Qualifications:
· Post graduate tertiary qualifications in economics, social and public policy.
Knowledge:
· Strong foundation in micro and macroeconomic theory, applied policy analysis.
· Excellent practical understanding of economic and social trends, research design, implementation and monitoring.
· The ability to translate research findings into practice opportunities and deliver evidence-based reporting and
advice to mixed audiences.
· Recognition of GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment and climate change mitigation to inform economic and social
research.
Skills/Experience:
· At least ten years’ experience in a research environment (academia, development institutions, consulting or public
policy) environment in PNG, or similar.
· Excellent writing skills and ability to communicate complex economic concepts clearly.
· Strong written communication skills with experience preparing evidence-based reports.
· Proven track record of drafting and/or reviewing analytical reports, research papers, or technical notes.
· Ability to work effectively with PNG and external researchers.
· Experience working in low-data or capacity-constrained environments, particularly within the Pacific region, is desirable.
· Experience in integrating GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment and climate change mitigation issues in research.
· Project management skills a plus
Personal Attributes:
· Delivers results on time for management and stakeholders.
· Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills working in a cross-cultural context.
· Promotes Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity.
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 welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026 (Midday local time) #LI-AUSBRIT
Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud
Protection.
We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities.
About Us
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 www.abtglobal.com
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.
