BACKGROUND
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that creates and shares evidence, while equipping decision-makers to use evidence to reduce poverty. With a presence in 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IPA leads the field of development in cutting-edge research quality, innovation, and impact.
IPA is undertaking a broad assessment of the operating environment in Papua New Guinea to determine the feasibility of registering an office, capacity of local partners, ability to conduct research activities in the country, hire staff, and potential risks associated with IPA’s activities. IPA is seeking an Operations & Startup Consultant in Papua New Guinea to perform key tasks associated with this initial scoping phase with a key focus on the safety and security environment.
OBJECTIVE
Gather information on key aspects of the operating environment for INGOs in Papua New Guinea to enable IPA to make an informed decision about registering an office or conducting activities through remote oversight.
KEY ACTIVITIES
The consultant will support IPA with the following activities in consultation with key IPA stakeholders: • Support efforts to locate and engage local counsel with INGO experience, including in areas of registration, entity compliance over time, and labor issues. • Conduct a comprehensive Security Risk assessment of key locations in Papua New Guinea to include identification of key threats and vulnerabilities, as well as recommendations for actions to mitigate risk to IPA staff, consultants/contractors, property, and reputation. • Develop a Country Safety & Security Plan focused on IPA staff flying in from other locations to oversee activities and for those based in the country. • Assess options for various business and programmatic activities and help make connections with key suppliers/actors, including: international banking and payment services, international and domestic travel, human resources support (such as employer of record services), office space availability and security, vehicle rental services and associated safety needs, security service providers, etc. • Make recommendations for effective recruitment strategies for research and operations staff. • Help identifying potential competitors to IPA and support budgeting for operational and staffing costs. • Assess the capacity of potential partners and survey firms in the country for data collection services. • Other startup operational support services as needed.
DELIVERABLES
• Comprehensive Security Risk Assessment of key locations in Papua New Guinea • Assessment of general business operating environment and key potential partners and service providers for IPA • Competitors’ analysis • Operational and staffing costs budget • Country Safety & Security Plan relevant to IPA anticipated operations
QUALIFICATIONS
Prior work experience in Papua New Guinea required • Experience conducting security risk assessments and developing safety and security plans for the international development context required • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers • Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook) • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
TIMELINE
This project is expected to take a total of 4 months (October 2022 to January 2023) at about 20 hours a week, Duration can be expanded or contracted based on weekly availability of the consultant.
How to apply
To view the full RFP and application instructions, click here