JOB DESCRIPTION

• Commencing in January 2026 
• Contract duration: Up to December 2026, with a possible extension
• Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to all candidates

About the Program 

The Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) Program is a five-year initiative funded by the Government of Australia to support the Government of Papua New Guinea in providing better access to quality education for PNG’s children.

Launched on July 1, 2022, PIE focuses on early-grade education in Enga, Sandaun, Central, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, driving policy and systemic reforms to create real, lasting change.

Expected End-of-Investment Outcomes (EOIO):

1. Increased Access and Retention – More children (girls, boys, and children with disabilities) enrol and stay in school in selected provinces using sustainable, replicable approaches.
2. Improved Teaching and Learning – Targeted provinces adopt sustainable and scalable methods to enhance early-grade teaching and learning quality.
3. Systemic Change – Evidence of education sector improvements that enhance early-grade education delivery.

By testing, implementing, and monitoring innovative solutions, PIE is ensuring that every child gets the education they deserve.

Learning Enhancement and Access Program

As part of PIE, the Learning Enhancement and Access Program (LEAP) is being mobilised to improve the quality of early childhood education and pre-primary to Grade 2 (Prep-G2) levels in selected provinces. LEAP consists of four core components:

1. Preparing children to be ready to learn through Early Childhood Education (ECE): Supporting existing ECE centres to meet national quality standards.
2. 2. Supporting teachers to teach effectively: Providing teaching and learning materials, delivering in-service teacher training and ongoing support, and upgrading teacher qualifications, focusing on preparatory to grade 2 teachers and head teachers in targeted provinces.
3. Modernising the infrastructure and management of the education sector: Equipping the Ministry of Education with high-quality data management systems, piloting a national learning assessment system, and financing refurbishments to school infrastructure.
4. Project management, monitoring & evaluation, and capacity-building: Ensuring effective implementation, monitoring, evaluations, and capacity-building.

LEAP target locations: Provinces of Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Morobe, Madang, Milne Bay, East New Britain, New Ireland, and National Capital District.

About the Opportunity

LEAP Project Manager Recruitment:

To bring this transformational initiative to life, the National Department of Education (NDoE) is assembling a high-performing Project Management Unit and seeking a skilled Project Manager to join the team!

To ensure seamless project preparation and implementation, a Project Preparation Grant (PPG), in partnership with PIE funding, will kickstart key activities for LEAP[1] in 2025.  LEAP will be financed by US$100 million in International Development Association loan, an additional US$50 million loan from OPEC fund, and an Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade grant worth~US$9.7 million, resourcing the program through to October 6, 2031.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversee day-to-day project operations.
• Coordinate all project-related activities across national and provincial levels. 
• Ensure smooth collaboration between stakeholders, including development partners.
• Drive project progress and reporting, directly advising the Project Director

The initial contract will be for 12 months, funded through the PPG and PIE program.

• Subject to satisfactory performance, the contract may be extended under the LEAP through a GoPNG contract.
• LEAP will be implemented by NDoE in collaboration with Provincial Divisions of Education over five years, beginning in 2026.

This is your chance to ensure a stronger foundation for learning and leave a lasting legacy for PNG’s children.

Key responsibilities 

• Lead and Manage – Oversee day-to-day planning and operations of the Project Management Unit and coordinate staff activities.
• Ensure Compliance – Uphold Project legal agreements and World Bank safeguard policies, including the Code of Environmental Practice.
• Resource & Capacity Building – Support the Project Director in identifying human and financial resources and strengthening capacity within NDoE.
• Monitoring & Reporting – Track Project performance indicators, conduct regular evaluations, and produce semi-annual progress reports.
• Documentation & Communication – Maintain official records, oversee public release of Project information, and design Project documents and templates.
• Financial Oversight – Supervise Project accounts, facilitate quarterly reviews and annual audits, and ensure compliance with the Finance Agreement.
• Procurement & Consultant Management – Assist in recruitment and oversight of consultants and contractors, ensuring adherence to contract terms.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Coordinate World Bank implementation reviews, arrange site visits, and liaise with key Project stakeholders.
• Work Planning & Budgeting – Prepare and implement the annual Project work plan and budget within NDoE’s framework.
• Other Duties – Provide strategic advice to key stakeholders and perform additional tasks as required by the Project Manager

Key working relationships

• NDoE, Project Director and relevant Deputy Secretaries 
• LEAP Project Steering Committee 
• LEAP Technical Working Group
• Target Provincial Administrations, specifically Provincial Divisions of Education
• Local Education Group
• PIE Team Lead
• Australian High Commission
• The World Bank 

About You 

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

Key Selection Criteria:

       Mandatory:

1. Post-graduate qualification in Business Administration, Public Policy, Project Management, Urban/Regional Planning, Economics, Sociology, or related fields such as education, public management, governance, or project management.
2. 5+ years in project management, with 3-5 years in a senior leadership role, covering areas such as strategic planning, M&E, policy formulation, social research, quality assurance, data management, or organizational development.

         Desirable Criteria – Candidates that meet the following criteria will be considered favourably:

1. Senior experience in government, particularly with education programs and large-scale, donor-funded projects in Papua New Guinea or the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Proven ability to manage multiple contracts and consultants, prioritise demands, and ensure timely project execution.
3. In-depth knowledge of education and development issues in Papua New Guinea, including policy challenges in the sector.
4. Strong decision-making, leadership, and proactive problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments and provide strategic advice.
5. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and developing strategic documents.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, planning/monitoring software, and experienced in contract management, financial accountability, and regulatory compliance.

Bonus: Experience working on World Bank-funded projects is a strong advantage

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.  The maximum length for the combined document (cover letter and CV is 5 pages).
• 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.
• Applicants must attach a valid Police Clearance Certificate obtained within 12 months from date their application is submitted.

We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: 09 January 2026 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT