JOB DESCRIPTION

• Commencement: Immediate Start
• Work Location: Port Moresby at the School of Medicine and Health Science (SMHS).
• Duration: Up to 12 months full time
• Open to PNG Citizens Only

About the Program

The PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH) is a six and a half -year (July 2020-December 2026) health sector program funded by the Australian Government under the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership for Development. PATH supports the Government of PNG (GoPNG) to strengthen essential health service delivery in alignment with the National Health Plan 2021–2030. PATH is guided by the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and the Bougainville Department of Health (BDoH), who together are responsible for the delivery of health services across PNG.

PATH’s most significant areas of service delivery support are tuberculosis, routine immunization and sexual and reproductive health. PATH is designed to simultaneously use its service delivery projects as an opportunity to build the capacity of PHAs and identify and address Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) issues in the sector.

PATH’s end of investment outcomes (EOIO) are:

1. PHA’s more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces.
2. DFAT funded health services are demonstrating efficient and effective models of service delivery, influencing Provincial Health Authority (PHA) performance; and building sustainability by transitioning to PHA management in selected provinces.

PATH’s intermediate outcome (IO’s) are:

1. PHA Leadership – Leaders and Technical personnel in PHAs/BDoH are performing mandated functions
2. Women in Leadership – Women in Leadership are increasingly influencing more equitable health sector decisions
3. Essential Health Services – Increased delivery and coverage of selected essential health services

PATH is a locally led, adaptive, and politically informed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to respond to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program.

Background

The PNG Health Education and Clinical Services Program (HECS) Phase III is a five year Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) funded program with the objective of strengthening the institutional capacity of the University of PNG School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS). This program supports the implementation of the SMHS 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, and in doing so, the contribution to the further development of the health workforce in PNG and neighbouring Pacific Island Countries.

About the Opportunity

The Finance Officer is a full-time position with responsibility for day to day programs on financial matters and operations as part of the HECS program. The Finance Officer works under the leadership of the Accountant within the HECS Office towards implementing all programs and activities with regard to project financing, budgeting, procurement and financial reporting.

Reporting directly to the HECS Accountant and working as a team member of the HECS staff, the Finance Officer ensures all financial activities are well attended to, implemented, reported and provide any other assistance to the Accountant.

The Finance Officer keeps up to date filing systems for all engagements and visitations by Consultants and Advisors and collating and compiling of completed reporting and evaluation forms.

Key responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

The FO is responsible for:

• all aspects of the projects life cycle and project implementation against aggressive timelines.
• The FO must be able to apply, at professional level, the below duties and responsibilities of the projects against specific success criteria.
• Under the authority of the Accountant, the Finance Officer will be responsible for day-to-day management of financial transactions, keeping financial records, and preparing payments.
• The fulfillment of this role is in compliance with the PNG Public Finance Management Act and various donor fiscal reporting requirements.
• The primary function of this role will be to support all financial requirements for the DFAT PATH program.

Duties

• Assist in the preparation of budgets.
• Manage records and receipts.
• Prepare balance sheets.
• Process invoices
• Reconcile daily, monthly and yearly transactions.
• Ensure all expenses are within assigned project budgets.
• Update financial records with recent transactions and changes.
• Report the status of accounts and any discrepancies.
• Preparation of all documentation for daily banking including overseas transactions
• Ensure all documents are signed appropriately and within delegations as per the HECS Operations Finance Manual

About You

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years as a Finance Officer in a medium size organisation
• Proficient in MYOB software
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills
• Solid knowledge of accounting procedures
• Knowledge of the PNG Finance Management Act, particularly in relation to GST, Payroll tax, and superannuation

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.
• 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: Sunday, 12 October 2025 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

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.