Short Term Adviser - Seed Policy and Regulatory Expert | APEP at Abt Global

Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

02 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Seed Policy, Regulatory Framework, Agricultural Economics, Stakeholder Consultation, Policy Development, Drafting Skills, International Best Practices, GEDSI, Climate Resilience, Seed Systems, Legal Mandates, Public Agencies, Implementation Strategies, Monitoring, Review Processes, Collaboration

Industry

Business Consulting and Services

Description

Commencement: July 2026 Duration: Short term role (90 input days – between 1 July 2026 and 30 December 2026) Remote desk-based with in-country input in Port Moresby, PNG 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. Specific Responsibilities Inception and work planning Confirm scope, approach, milestones and working arrangements with DAL and APEP. Prepare a workplan including a policy development process (drafting, consultation, revision and quality assurance). Review of the existing draft Seed Policy and supporting materials Review the current draft Seed Policy and assess completeness, clarity, internal consistency and implement ability. Identify gaps and issues to be addressed to meet international best practice, including FAO guidance. Institutional and policy alignment Map the roles, responsibilities and legal/policy mandates of relevant public agencies and boards involved in seed and planting material research, production, importation, quarantine/inspection, certification/testing, distribution and use. Ensure the Seed Policy aligns with relevant existing GoPNG policies and frameworks held by these entities and reflects coordination and accountability arrangements that are feasible. Review and integration of Roundtable outcomes (February 2026) Review the agreed outcomes, constraints, recommendations and any communique/record of meeting from the National Seed Policy Roundtable (February 2026). Translate Roundtable outcomes into drafting instructions and incorporate them into the Seed Policy as appropriate. Drafting of the National Seed Policy (core assignment) Develop a full revised Seed Policy (or a complete rewrite, if recommended) in close collaboration with DAL colleagues. Facilitate structured internal review cycles with DAL (and APEP, as required), incorporating feedback and improving clarity and implement ability. Ensure the Policy clearly sets out: objectives; scope (including seed and other planting material); institutional arrangements; responsibilities; coordination mechanisms; implementation approach; and monitoring and review. Guidance for future regulatory framework (non-drafting) Provide a concise framework that explains how the Seed Policy should be translated into a future Seed Act and supporting regulations, including recommended sequencing, stakeholder consultation steps and institutional prerequisites. Identify any priority regulatory topics that will require early attention once the policy is agreed (e.g., variety release/listing, seed quality assurance and market control, import procedures), without drafting legal text. Communication and presentation Provide briefings/presentations to DAL leadership and stakeholders (as requested) on policy options and the draft/final Seed Policy. Cross-cutting considerations Ensure advice recognises APEP’s cross-cutting commitments to GEDSI, women’s economic empowerment, and climate resilience as integrated considerations in policy and implementation arrangements. Specific Deliverables Inception Note / Workplan Methodology, workplan and timeline, including the proposed policy drafting and review process. Draft Policy Review and Gap Analysis Memo Assessment of the existing draft Seed Policy and recommended approach (revise vs rewrite), with a proposed structure/outline. Roundtable Outcomes Synthesis Note Short summary of the February 2026 National Seed Policy Roundtable outcomes and implications for policy drafting. Draft National Seed Policy (Version 1) A complete draft policy document developed jointly with DAL. Consultation/Review Summary and Draft National Seed Policy (Version 2) Summary of comments received through DAL/APEP review (and any agreed consultations) and an updated draft. Final National Seed Policy Package Final Seed Policy ready for DAL endorsement and adoption pathway. Annex/companion note setting out an enabling framework and roadmap for development of a future Seed Act and supporting regulations (no legal drafting). Final Presentation / Briefing Note Slide deck or briefing note summarising the final policy, key changes from the existing draft, and recommended next steps. Key working relationships APEP Agricultural Growth & Livelihoods Team National Department of Agriculture & Livestock (NDAL) – relevant branches/units responsible for policy, crops, extension and planning National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) Relevant statutory bodies/boards and commodity authorities (as applicable) Private-sector seed suppliers, importers, agro-dealers and producer groups Development partners and international organisations supporting the seed sector About You Qualifications Postgraduate qualification in agricultural policy, seed systems, plant breeding/seed technology, agricultural economics, law/regulation, or related field. 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. 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. We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Closing Date: 2 March 2026 (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

Responsibilities

The Seed Policy and Regulatory Expert will develop Papua New Guinea’s National Seed Policy in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock. This includes reviewing existing drafts, aligning with international best practices, and ensuring the policy is implementable.