Australian Government – Institute of Medical Research Strategic Operations Advisor, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research/ Indo- Pacific Centre for Health Security

The Indo Pacific Centre for Health Security, established in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is seeking a Strategic Operations Advisor to work at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research in Goroka. This role will provide strategic support to the PNG IMR to ensure that IMR research strategies align with resource allocation, administer cash flows and ensure communications and administrative functions support the implementation of high quality research.

The PNG Institute of Medical Research was established by an Act of Parliament in 1968. The Institute conducts health and medical research into the health problems confronting Papua New Guineans. The Institute has contributed enormously to identification, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of infectious diseases and conditions, including contributing to new knowledge over the last 50 years. To conduct these research activities, the Institute manages large grants from various donors including the government of PNG, has established infrastructure and identified adequate human resource capacity to implement the research.  

This position is full time on a 2-year contract (with possible 1-year extension), based at the PNG Institute of Medical Research (IMR) in Goroka, PNG. The Strategic Operations Adviser will provide strategic support to the PNG IMR to ensure that IMR research strategies align with resource allocation, administer cash flows and ensure communications and administrative functions support the implementation of high quality research.

This position will be suited to an individual who has proven experience (>10 years) in high level operations management in academic/research sector with a strong understanding of business functions such as HR, finance, IT and fundraising and demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development, preferably related to health/medical research. High level experience in successfully supporting complex internal and external partnerships in line with recognised international best practice and significant experience in leading and supporting multi-sectoral teams, with high level change leadership, team management, facilitation and coordination skills, preferably in a health/medical research environment will be required.

This position will be contracted through the Specialist Health Service. The successful candidate will be based in Goroka, PNG and work directly with the PNG IMR team, liaising with DFAT’s team within the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security. The Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The SHS allows DFAT to source high quality technical advice to support health policy, strategic planning and health programming across the aid management cycle.

Full details of responsibilities are provided in the position description attached.