Research & Policy Advisory Panel | APEP

ABT ASSOCIATES

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

AN OVERVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIA-PAPUA NEW GUINEA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

The Australia–Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership is a multi-sectoral investment supported by the Australian Government and implemented by Abt Global. APEP commenced in April 2022 and currently runs to February 2028, with the possibility of a two-year extension. 

APEP works collaboratively with government, the private sector, civil society, research institutions and development partners across four engagement areas:

• Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
• Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

Gender equality, disability and social inclusion, women’s economic empowerment and climate considerations are integrated across APEP’s engagement areas and activities

RESEARCH AND POLICY ADVISORY PANEL

Research and evidence are integral to APEP's work across all engagement areas. The Economic Research and Dialogue workstream supports the generation, translation and application of evidence to inform policy development, activity design, implementation, monitoring and public dialogue.

To support this work, APEP is establishing a Research and Policy Advisory Panel. Panel members may be engaged on a short-term basis to provide research, analysis, policy advice, peer review and related technical services across APEP's engagement areas.

Assignments may vary in scope, duration and level of effort and will be agreed in writing before work commences. Inclusion on the Panel does not guarantee any minimum volume of work or specific assignment.

EXPERTISE AREAS

Applicants should nominate one or more of the following areas of expertise:

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in a related discipline.
• Experience undertaking research, analysis or policy advisory assignments.
• Technical expertise in one or more of the nominated areas.
• Experience working in Papua New Guinea or comparable contexts.
• Evidence of producing high-quality, policy-relevant research products.
• Strong analytical, research and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to integrate gender equality, disability and social inclusion, women's economic empowerment and climate considerations where relevant.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND PANEL ARRANGEMENTS

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) which:
  • identifies area(s) of expertise, and outlines relevant qualifications and experience;
  • demonstrates relevant experience;
  • describes relevant experience in Papua New Guinea or comparable contexts; and
  • provides the names and contact details of two professional referees.
• A curriculum vitae (maximum five pages) outlining:
  • Qualifications and technical skills;
  • employment and consultancy history;
  • publications or other relevant outputs; and
  • experience in nominated areas of expertise.

Applicants may also provide examples of relevant research, publications or analytical work.

Assessment Process

Applications will be assessed against:

• relevant qualifications and experience;
• technical expertise in nominated areas;
• experience working in Papua New Guinea or comparable contexts;
• quality and policy relevance of previous work;
• communication and analytical skills; and
• ability to consider gender equality, disability and social inclusion, women's economic empowerment and climate considerations where relevant.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an interview and may be asked to provide additional information, examples of written work, referees or other supporting documentation.

Panel Arrangements

Successful applicants will be placed on the APEP Research and Policy Advisory Panel for an initial period of 12 months, with the option of extension.

Panel members may be approached to undertake assignments as requirements arise. For each engagement, APEP and the selected consultant will agree on the scope of services, deliverables, timeframe, level of effort and remuneration.

Selection for individual assignments will take account of the nature of the work, relevant expertise, availability and value for money.

Inclusion on the Panel does not guarantee engagement.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT

Please submit your application online, applications should consist of - 

1. Expressions of interest – through a two-page cover letter detailing your experience in one or more of the functional areas listed. You should include your expected daily rate and the details of two professional referees.

   1. A curriculum vitae – of no more than five pages clearly presenting skills, qualifications, and relevant experience in one or more of the functional areas nominated. 

NOTE: A daily fee rate for services inclusive of all professional and administrative fees but exclusive of travel, accommodation, and other such expenses. 

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit an example of their recent written work, and/or will be interviewed by a selection panel.

Successful applicants will be placed on a panel until 28 February 2028 (with possible for another 12 months) and may be called upon to provide consultancy services during that time. Where a consultant is requested to provide services, the associated scope and duration will be agreed in writing under a tasking note, using the daily fee rate provided exclusive of travel and other such costs which will be reimbursed at-cost. 

Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company, partners or a team of specialists will not be accepted. The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt Associates.

The submission of an expression of interest and/or offer of a place on the panel does not guarantee engagement by Abt. Associates. 

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

Closing Date: Friday, 30 October 2026 (Middy, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT