JOB DESCRIPTION

• Commencement: October 2025
• Duration: 3 months (up to 60 days input)
• Travel to Port Moresby, PNG is required for inputs
• Open to all applicants

About the Program

The Australia – PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment to assist GoPNG to create a stable and more prosperous country. The investment is a key coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development support to PNG in alignment with the 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’s 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 has gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE), climate change, economic dialogue and open government positioned as cross-cutting objectives across all engagement areas.

It has the following End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

• EOPO 1 Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
• EOPO 2 Strengthening Public Financial Management
• 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

This position will support the Department of Finance (DoF) to lead intra-department and consequently government-wide improvements in PFM business processes.

The role will focus on strengthening the design, standardisation, documentation, and practical adoption of core accounting and budget execution business processes by introducing BPIM (Business Process Improvement Methodology) frameworks and change management concepts. This includes supporting the DoF to introduce fit-for-purpose Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), embed accountability for process ownership, and promote a culture of continuous improvement across agencies.

Key responsibilities

• Establish a Government-wide Process Architecture
  • Define and map core accounting and budget execution processes under the remit of DoF.
  • Develop a process architecture framework that identifies ownership, control points, and governance oversight.
  • Define minimum process standards and documentation requirements across agencies.
• Standardise and Operationalise Government SOPs
  • Co-develop standardised SOPs for priority processes using participatory approaches.
  • Build job aids, checklists, flowcharts, and standard forms that agencies can apply and ensure that this factors in modernised processes that are under reform including the upgrades to improved functionality with IFMS – the Governments finance system under Tech1.
• Support Adoption and Behavioural Change
  • Facilitate agency-level pilots and iterative process rollouts.
  • Establish mechanisms for feedback, peer learning, and performance recognition to drive behaviour change.
  • Design a quarterly process review and improvement cycle led by DoF.
  • Mentor champions and agency leads in problem-solving and refinement of processes.
• Ensure Readiness for IFMS Enhancements
  • Translate improved process designs into clear business rules for consideration by the IFMS upgrade team.
  • Prepare communication material that explains how process changes affect roles, timing, and documentation.
• Integrate GEDSI and Climate Risk Considerations
  • Identify how accounting processes can better account for climate-related expenditure and reduce barriers to inclusion.
  • Support the development of climate-responsive budget and reporting processes aligned.

Key deliverables

The outputs of this engagement are:

• Workplan outlining agreed scope, timelines, process priorities, pilot agencies, and engagement plan within the first 15 days.
• A mapped Government-wide accounting and budget execution process architecture framework (Level 1).
• A minimum of ten (10) SOPs co-developed and piloted, covering key processes agreed between APEP and DoF (such as bank reconciliation, 3-day cash forecasting or corporate card acquittal).
• Process governance structure with identified owners, approval workflows, and document control procedures.
• SOP toolkit including standardised templates, flowcharts, checklists, and reference guides.
• Communications packages tailored to different audiences: executive, Heads of Finance, Sub-national PFM.
• Train-the-trainer toolkit on Business Process Improvement Methodology with documented delivery across pilot agencies.
• Baseline and target indicators for process performance (timeliness, documentation quality, exceptions).
• GEDSI integration and climate expenditure documentation incorporated into SOPs, Training the Trainer and communication packages.
• Monthly APEP progress reports and final handover package including SOP library, update cycle, and sustainability plan.

Key working relationships

• Deputy Secretary, Operations Department of Finance
• First Assistant Secretary, Financial Reporting and Compliance
• Assistant Secretary, Accounting Policy and Frameworks
• Director, Australia Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership
• Team Leader, Macroeconomic Policy, APEP

About You

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

• Degree in commerce, accounting, public administration or related field.
• Proven expertise in analysing, redesigning and standardising business processes with a clear track record of designing and implementing standard operating procedures, operational policies or internal control frameworks.
• 10 years’ experience in accounting processes, preferably in a public sector context.
• Demonstrated ability to build capacity and support behavioural change through mentoring, coaching, workshop facilitation, and preparation of user-friendly tools and communications.
• Strong understanding of how public financial management processes work and how they translate into business rules and data requirements.
• Prior experience in using business process methodology tools and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical content to a range of stakeholders, including senior executives, technical officers, and non-specialist users, using plain language and appropriate communication tools.
• Clear understanding of and demonstrated commitment to gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), and the ability to integrate climate risk considerations into PFM frameworks and tools.

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: Monday, 22 September 2025 (Middy, 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