Research Facilitator |APEP
Job Description
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:
About The Opportunity
APEP’s Economic Research and Dialogue (ERD) Workstream supports improved evidence-based research and data to raise public dialogue and inform policymaking in PNG.
The Research Facilitator will work closely with APEP Workstreams to identify and develop research opportunities to inform policies and APEP investment designs that contribute to a resilient and diversified economy that provides a high quality of life for all Papua New Guineans.
The Research Facilitator will contribute to high-quality analytical and policy work across macroeconomic, fiscal, financial, and development issues such as agriculture and inclusive markets. The role involves coordinating external research as well as preparation of internal reports and policy notes.
Long-listed candidates will be asked to submit one or two writing samples demonstrating analytical and research capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Facilitator, under direction from the Senior Program Manager will:
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Qualifications:
Closing Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026 (Midday local time)
- Commencement: February 2026
- Long term role, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Open to PNG Citizens Only
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
About The Opportunity
APEP’s Economic Research and Dialogue (ERD) Workstream supports improved evidence-based research and data to raise public dialogue and inform policymaking in PNG.
The Research Facilitator will work closely with APEP Workstreams to identify and develop research opportunities to inform policies and APEP investment designs that contribute to a resilient and diversified economy that provides a high quality of life for all Papua New Guineans.
The Research Facilitator will contribute to high-quality analytical and policy work across macroeconomic, fiscal, financial, and development issues such as agriculture and inclusive markets. The role involves coordinating external research as well as preparation of internal reports and policy notes.
Long-listed candidates will be asked to submit one or two writing samples demonstrating analytical and research capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Facilitator, under direction from the Senior Program Manager will:
- Undertake and support the development and delivery of research requests from APEP workstreams or the Australia High Commission that:
- Informs the design, implementation and monitoring of APEP investments.
- Strengthens and promotes local research institutions as high quality centres for learning and applied research in economic, social and public policy.
- Undertakes discrete in-house research/studies
- Support workstreams to quality assure research contract milestones and deliverables.
- Develop and maintain strong and effective stakeholder relationships including with APEP Workstreams the Australian High Commission, and GoPNG agencies.
- Facilitate improved dissemination of research to stakeholders, to stimulate dialogue, help with program design, and influence economic and social decision making.
- Ensure where possible GEDSI and climate change mitigation considerations are incorporated.
- Other responsibilities as directed by the Senior Program Manager and APEP Director.
- High-quality economic, social and public policy research that supports workstream research needs and links directly to the development priorities of the Government of PNG and Government of Australia. 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.
- 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.
- Senior Program Manager.
- APEP Director and Workstream Team Leads.
- PNG and offshore research institutions.
- Senior GoPNG representatives and policy makers.
- AHC representatives and other members of PNG’s donor community.
- PNG business leaders and private sector associations.
- PNG’s media and communications sector.
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Qualifications:
- Post graduate tertiary qualifications in economics or development studies.
- 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.
- At least seven years’ experience in economic/social research environment (academia, development institutions, consulting or public policy) in PNG, or similar.
- Excellent writing skills and ability to communicate concepts clearly.
- 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.
- Ability to integrate GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment and climate change mitigation issues in research.
- Delivers results on time for management and stakeholders.
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills working in a cross-cultural context.
- Promotes Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity.
- 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.
- Applicants must attach a valid Police Clearance Certificate obtained within 12 months from date their application is submitted.
Closing Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026 (Midday local time)