Finance and Operations Manager- Port Moresby

Position: Finance and Operations Manager

Program: Human Development Monitoring and Evaluation Services (HDMES)

Location: Port Moresby

Program Overview

The Human Development Monitoring and Evaluation Services (HDMES) program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and implemented by Adam Smith International. HDMES has been in operation from 2019, with current contract until 30 June 2026 and a subsequent 1 year option period. Through the PNG Aus Partnership, HDMES provides high quality monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) services to DFAT at both the portfolio and investment level, in the health and education sectors.

HDMES provides advice and independent assessment of the performance of investments and undertakes appraisals of progress reports, monitoring, and evaluation plans (MEPs) and frameworks (MEFs), strategy documents, conducts independent reviews and evaluations of investments, and assists with ensuring the quality of DFAT PNG strategic documents. HDMES also undertakes analytical work and produces communication products.

Position Summary

The Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for the finances and operations of HDMES and finance and operational support to P4GG. Financial management responsibility includes budget management, estimates of expenditure, acquittals and invoicing processes. Operations responsibility includes administration, logistics and procurement, and ad hoc duties that arise daily in operational management of the office. The Finance and Operations Manager will provide regular financial updates to Adam Smith International Staff, primarily the Program Manager and Program Director, and supervise the Finance and Administration Officer. The Finance and Operations Manager will adhere to the donor requirements relating to the effective management of project finances, as detailed in the HDMES Finance and Operations Manual.

Duties And Responsibilities Include:

• Maintain and update all operational policies and procedures, including (but not limited to) the Security Plan, and Operations Manual in compliance with relevant DFAT and ASI policies, PNG law and contractual requirements;
• Train, mentor and oversee day-to-day staff in HDMES’s finance and operations team;
• Lead the establishment of and oversee logistical and operational support to the HDMES office; ensure office systems and processes are established and maintained including networks/IT; standardised program file set up, and regularly data back-up;
• Establish and maintain secure ICT and knowledge management systems;
• Ensure program finances are well planned and funds are available to support operations, prepare cash-flow forecasts and program fund requests;
• Provide activity financial reporting to ASI, maintaining accurate financial records in accordance with the program budget and update the budget against actual expenditures;
• Play a key role in the implementation of HDMES’s VFM Framework;
• Develop and manage uniform and integrated financial systems and processes for program activities and operations, in line with Generally Accepted Accounting Standards;
• Oversee the fiduciary aspects of all partnerships and ensure adherence to DFAT and PNG regulations and alignment with global best practice; support partner due diligence and oversee partnership disbursements;
• Act as the Security Point of Contact for HDMES in PNG as set out in the HDMES Security and WHS management plan;
• Manage the program asset register (acquisition and disposal); ensure vehicle fleet is always maintained to safety standards;
• Role will be expected to support ASI’s Program for Good Governance (P4GG) at approximately 1 day a week for finance and operations tasks.

Requirements

Required Qualifications And Experience

• A degree in finance, accounting and/or business management;
• Recognised accounting qualifications are highly desirable;
• Extensive experience managing financial operations for a business and/or development program in PNG;
• Previous experience developing and leading financial management systems for complex organisations in PNG;
• Sound knowledge of PNG financial reporting requirements and taxation laws;
• Experience in the establishment and oversight of financial management and reporting systems for technical support funds;
• Familiarity with DFAT (or other donor) policies and procedures highly desirable;
• Demonstrated capacity to work collegially with internal staff and partner organisations; and
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Tok Pisin is required.

Selection And Application Process

• Applications for the Finance and Operations Manager position will be evaluated against the selection criteria provided above.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the HDMES Selection Panel and may be asked to provide examples of work.
• Depending on the outcome of the interview and work samples, HDMES may contact referees.
• The preferred candidate will be selected based on the strength of the applicant’s CV/resume, outcome of the interview, work samples, referee letters, and a background check.

How To Apply

• Please prepare the following and begin applying through this website:
• A 1-2 page (maximum) letter describing how you meet the requirements for the role as listed in the Qualifications and Experience section above.

• Your Cv/Resume.

• All applicants must hold full working rights in PNG to be considered for the role.
• A 1-2 page (maximum) letter describing how you meet the requirements for the role as listed in the Qualifications and Experience section above.

• Your Cv/Resume.

• All applicants must hold full working rights in PNG to be considered for the role.

Applications must be received no later than 5.00pm (PGT) on Tuesday, 11th November 2025.