National Field Coordinator Consultancy, Port Moresby, Papua Guinea; PNG nati

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With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

UNICEF Papua New Guinea, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is implementing the programme focused on strengthening climate-smart social services and infrastructure in Rigo district of Central Province.

To ensure effective, coordinated, and community-responsive implementation at field level, UNICEF seeks to engage a Field-Based Programme Coordinator who will be stationed full-time in Rigo District.

The position is critical to:

• Strengthening relationships with target communities and local authorities
• Coordinating multi-sectoral programme implementation (WASH, Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, etc.)
• Supporting and monitoring multiple Implementing Partners (IPs)
• Managing local-level risks and bottlenecks
• Ensuring effective communication, scheduling, and information‑sharing among stakeholders

This role will serve as UNICEF’s primary field coordination focal point for the programme in Rigo district, Central Province.

Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, Climate and Sustainable Environment, the Field-Based Programme Coordinator will serve as UNICEF’s primary field focal point for the implementation of the programme in Rigo District, Central Province.

The role is responsible for ensuring effective field-level coordination, community engagement, multi-sector implementation alignment, implementing partner (IP) oversight, and proactive risk management to support timely and coherent programme delivery.

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with district authorities, ward leaders, community representatives, and other key stakeholders in Rigo District.
• As required, engage with relevant provincial-level authorities to ensure alignment and coordination beyond the district level.
• Serve as the primary liaison between UNICEF, implementing partners (IPs), and target communities.
• Facilitate transparent and regular communication between communities/district/province and UNICEF.
• Identify community concerns, grievances, risks, or implementation challenges and elevate them appropriately.
• Support community mobilization and participation in programme activities.
• Promote inclusive engagement at community level.

• Coordinate field-level implementation across all UNICEF sections under KOICA II (WASH, Health, Nutrition, Education, and Child Protection).
• Ensure sector activities are harmonized, appropriately sequenced, and aligned with approved workplans.
• Maintain and regularly update an integrated field-level implementation calendar covering all sector activities and IP engagements.
• Facilitate joint planning and coordination meetings among implementing partners at district level.
• Support alignment of activities with district-level priorities and operational realities.