Operations Lead – Burnet Institute PNG

Location: Daru, Western Province, Papua New Guinea
Employment Type: Full-time, Contract

About Burnet Institute

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian not-for-profit organisation committed to achieving better health for vulnerable communities through research, innovation and practical health solutions. Headquartered in Melbourne, Burnet operates across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, delivering programs in public health, disease elimination, health security, and maternal, child and adolescent health.

Burnet has worked in Papua New Guinea for almost 20 years in partnership with government, donors and communities to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes. Through the Reducing the Impact of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (RID-TB) Project, Burnet has been supporting the response to the TB epidemic in Western Province since 2014, particularly in Daru, one of the highest burden settings for drug-resistant TB globally. Working closely with the Western Provincial Health Authority and key partners, Burnet continues to strengthen health systems, build local capacity and improve access to quality TB care.

About the Role

Burnet Institute PNG is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Lead to support the management and efficient operation of Burnet activities across Daru and satellite sites including Balimo, Kiunga and Mabudawan. The role will oversee operational functions including administration, finance, human resources, procurement, logistics, compliance, risk management and staff support while ensuring activities are delivered effectively and in line with Burnet policies and donor requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, technical teams and senior leadership to ensure smooth operational delivery across Western Province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day operational activities ensuring timely and efficient service delivery
• Manage administration, procurement, logistics and financial processes
• Monitor project budgets and support financial reporting requirements
• Oversee project assets and operational risk management processes
• Lead safety, security and incident management activities across project sites
• Support recruitment, staff wellbeing, accommodation management and people management activities
• Provide operational reporting and recommendations to senior management
• Support planning and operational transition activities for future program needs

Selection Criteria

• Qualification in Business, Management or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3–5 years' leadership experience in operations, administration, HR or project management
• Strong experience in operational and financial management processes
• Excellent communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Previous experience working within PNG, development programs or low-resource settings will be an advantage

Other Requirements

• Must be willing to undertake a Police Check
• Burnet Institute is a child safe organisation

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current CV through PNG Workforce.

PNG nationals, women and gender minority individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.