• Apply your expertise in health system strengthening and strategic planning to support DFAT’s PNG Bilateral Health Program
• Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea based, Long Term Adviser position
• 1 year contract duration (with possibility of further 1 year extension)
• AUD 18,000 – 22,000 per month inclusive of superannuation, plus allowances

About the Program

Managed by Abt Associates, the Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The SHS is the primary source from which DFAT accesses health and development expertise and advisory services to improve the quality of health programming across DFAT’s global and regional health portfolio, through enabling access to responsive technical advice and support.

The DFAT PNG Health Portfolio Plan 2018-2023 (HPP) finalised in May 2018, lays out Australia’s aid commitments in the health sector. The HPP aims to support the Government of PNG (GoPNG) to improve the health and well-being of its citizens in line with the PNG National Health Plan 2021-2030.

About the Opportunity

The Senior Strategic Health Adviser will support the Australian High Commission’s (AHC) health team with technical, strategic and policy advice to inform decisions on Australian funding for health in PNG.

Key duties will fall under three broad areas of support:

Provision of health technical advice

The adviser will support the AHC health team in a technical capacity, by:

• Preparing the team for meetings with technical health partners including GoPNG, WHO, UN Bank Agencies, World Bank, Asian Development Global Fund, Gavi etc
• Preparing the team to participate in relevant GoPNG technical advisory groups
• Appraising PNG health program designs, reviews and evaluations.
• Providing strategic technical advice to inform DFAT programming decisions
• Contribute as required to key processes in the aid management cycle, including monitoring, evaluation and quality reporting, including Investment Monitoring Reporting (IMRs) and Partner Performance Assessments (PPAs)
• Promote alignment of current and future DFAT health programs with Australia’s investment priorities and cross cutting issues, including a focus on inclusion, disability, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls

Support for policy and programming engagement

The adviser will support the AHC health team in policy and programming engagement, including:

• Providing technical inputs to the development of an AHC health policy engagement strategy
• Supporting development of the next DFAT Health Portfolio Plan, including helping to identify where Australia should be investing in PNG’s health sector, balancing health, development and political considerations
• Technical collaboration and consultation with other PNG bilateral and regional development program technical advisers and program partners
• In collaboration with PNG AHC, keeping abreast of DFAT health policy and programming and advise Post on adjustments to program planning and implementation as required

Strategic advice to pipeline

The adviser will provide strategic advice to DFAT’s PNG health portfolio, including:

• Inputs (drafting, advice, quality assurance etc) to the AHC health team to manage the pipeline of evaluations, reviews and new program design activities, including the portfolio plan review
• Conducting a meta-analysis of individual program reviews, identifying common themes, drawing out higher level learnings, and translating recommendations into actions
• Provide advice on the mix of modalities that maybe required to implement the portfolio plan
• Preparation of and contribution to in depth analyses of current and emerging health issues, political economy and conflict sensitivity analyses of the PNG health sector as required
• Provide one-on-one advice to program managers as needed

In addition, the Adviser will demonstrate flexibility and undertake any other relevant tasks identified by DFAT.

About You

We are seeking an individual who will bring:

• Expertise (15+ years) in health systems strengthening, strategic policy development, and health program design, delivery and evaluation in low-income, low-capacity country environments.
• Specific technical skills in one or more relevant health areas (e.g. health systems, maternal, neo-natal and child health; communicable diseases; sexual and reproductive health services, health financing, epidemiology and vaccination and routine immunisation).
• Up-to-date technical knowledge and understanding of the status of the health sector and service delivery issues in PNG.
• Experience working with a variety of international and national stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in working with the PNG health system
• Postgraduate degree in public health, health systems management or relevant health-related field, or professional experience equivalent
• Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to express verbally and in writing complex ideas in clear and simple language.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a proven ability to liaise and communicate effectively with colleagues from different cultures.
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to gender equality, disability and social inclusion mainstreaming in the health sector to ensure increased access to and better utilisation of better-quality health services that respond to the different needs of women, girls, men and boys and gender diverse people.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online; attach your resume/CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. Abt Associates acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work. We pay respect to elders both past and present.

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.