About the Program
The Australia PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) known as “The Partnership” is a new multi-sectoral investment to assist GoPNG to create a stable and more prosperous country. The investment will be the main vehicle and coordination point from which Australia will deliver its economic development aid to PNG and will be the primary vehicle to implement Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). The Australian Government is committed to delivering The Partnership in accordance with the principles of integration and alignment with PNG’s economic sector policies, systems and processes.
“The Partnership” will contribute to the achievement of the following overarching goal: a resilient and diversified economy that provides a high quality of life for all Papua New Guineans.
The Partnership overarching policy objective is: to assist PNG in its efforts to achieve sustained growth, capable of lifting the standard of living of all citizens, while also ensuring Australia maintains its reputation as PNG’s economic partner of choice.
The Partnership is a multi-sector investment with gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI) and women’s economic empowerment (WEE), climate as well as economic dialogue and open government, positioned as cross-cutting objectives working across all engagement areas.
It has five End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) that are expected to be achieved:
· EOPO 1 - Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
· EOPO 2 - Strengthening Public Financial Management for Improved Service Delivery and Inclusive Growth
· EOPO 3 - Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
· EOPO 4 - Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
· EOPO 5 - Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue
About the Opportunity
The Bank of PNG (the Central Bank), has been leading the development of the National Payments System. The current program for the Retail Electronic Payments System (REPS) is about to enter its second phase. The first phase established a National Payments Switch for card and mobile payments along with a multi-lateral agreement and the associated regulations, policies, operations and technical infrastructure to achieve interoperability and easier access for small Financial Institutions and Payments Service Providers to participate.
The second phase will build on this foundation using real-time digital payments to drive financial inclusion. The systems and support arrangements will be enhanced to support this.
This role will assist and support the program, and especially the BPNG ICT Team, to implement the new modules and technical elements to achieve the objectives for REPS Phase 2 and the APEP Partnership. Within REPS this is expected to include a central USSD server and Agency Banking solution. These will be offered as white label services to small financial institutions.
Key responsibilities
The Technical Consultant will work with the REPS program team to understand the technical aspects currently implemented and the new requirements for Phase 2, before developing a plan for the technical components and working with the ICT team to implement these in line with other project deliverables identified in the overall program plan.
The Technical Consultant will also review the 24/7 support arrangements – currently a call-out model – to assess effectiveness and adequacy and make recommendations for any necessary improvements to provide the service needed as the usage of digital payments continues to expand and grow. If changes are recommended, then the Technical Consultant will assist BPNG to implement the changes.
The detailed design is currently underway and a planning workshop is being planned for May which the Consultant will be expected to attend.
Key deliverables
Key working relationships
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
· Bachelor level qualification or higher, preferably in a technical area, or equivalent experience, i.e. 5 or more years as a CIO in a large organisation.
· Proven knowledge of successful implementation of national payment systems and technical requirements and processes to operate and support them after implementation
· Experience in finance or banking systems is preferred and experience with switching systems and telecommunications is desirable but not strictly required.
How to Apply
Please submit your application online; attach your cover letter and CV as a single document, addressing how you meet the Key selection criteria of this role.
We welcome and thank all applications; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: Sunday, 30 April 2023 (Midday, local time)
Abt Associates 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 Associates 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.abtassociates.com
Equity
Abt Associates 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.
