Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Short Term Adviser – Seed Policy and Regulatory Expert role on the Australia -Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership Program. This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and open to all applicants.
About the Program
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 PNGAus Partnership which brings strong alignment and integration with Government of PNG (GoPNG) and Government of Australia (GoA) development priorities. APEP is also a primary vehicle and coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development support 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 Agricultural Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• EOPO 4 - Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue
Gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment, and climate resilience are central to APEP and integrated across all engagement areas and activities.
About the Opportunity
The Seed Policy and Regulatory Expert will work closely with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) to develop Papua New Guinea’s National Seed Policy as a complete, coherent policy document suitable for consultation, endorsement and adoption.
The assignment will build on: (i) the existing draft Seed Policy; (ii) the outcomes of the National Seed Policy Roundtable to be held in February 2026; and (iii) international best practice guidance, including the FAO Seeds Toolkit (Seed Sector Regulatory Framework).
While APEP’s initial focus is on the Seed Policy, the assignment must also provide clear direction and an enabling framework for the future development of a Seed Act and supporting regulations (including what should sit in policy versus primary legislation, regulations and operational procedures). Drafting of a Seed Act and regulations is not part of this first assignment.
It is critical that the consultant demonstrates a strong understanding of the complexity of seed and planting material supply systems in Papua New Guinea, including the mandates and roles of relevant public agencies, statutory bodies/boards, research organisations, private sector operators, and development partners, so that the Policy is implementable and aligned with existing mandates and related policies.
About You
Qualifications
Knowledge
· Demonstrated understanding of how seed policy, seed law, and seed regulations interact, and how to design an enabling, implementable regulatory framework.
· Familiarity with international approaches and reference systems relevant to seed regulation (e.g., variety testing and listing concepts; seed quality assurance and certification systems; import/export considerations).
· Understanding of the importance of avoiding over-regulation and ensuring regulations match institutional capacity and resources.
· Recognition of GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment and climate resilience as considerations for policy design and implementation arrangements.
Skills/Experience
· Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in seed sector policy and/or regulatory advisory work in government, development,
consulting, or related contexts.
· Strong drafting and editing skills, including the ability to produce plain-language policy and regulatory guidance documents suitable for
broad stakeholder use.
· Proven ability to facilitate or technically support stakeholder consultation processes and synthesize diverse inputs into implementable
recommendations.
· Experience in the Pacific region or similar small-island contexts is highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
· Delivers results on time for management and stakeholders.
· Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills working in a cross-cultural context.
· Promotes Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity.
For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘GO TO PROVIDER WEBSITE’
