About the Program
The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Australia Transition to Health (PATH) is a six-year (2020-2026) health sector program funded by the Australian Government under the PNG – Australia Partnership for Development. PATH works with the Government of PNG (GoPNG) to improve coverage and quality of health services for the people of PNG through effective, equitable, efficient, and inclusive interventions. Guided by the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and the Bougainville Department of Health (BDoH) are responsible for the delivery of health services across PNG.
PATH assists NDoH, PHAs and BDoH to strengthen systems for health service delivery targeting infectious diseases, and reproductive, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health, with a focus on promoting women’s leadership.
PATH’s end of investment outcomes (EOIOs) are:
1. PHAs more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces.
2. DFAT-funded health services are demonstrating efficient and effective models of service delivery, influencing PHA performance; and building sustainability by transitioning to PHA management in selected provinces.
PATH’s intermediate outcomes (IOs) are: Provincial Health Authority Leadership, Women in Leadership and Essential Health Services.
PATH is a locally led, adaptive, and politically informed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to respond to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program.
About the Project
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the 7th highest rate of new TB cases in the world (432/100,000), which rises to 1,117/100000 population in the National Capital District. PNG is a WHO high-burden country for TB, TB-HIV, and drug-resistant TB. Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) serves as an entry point for the diagnosis and treatment initiation in the NCD and surrounding region.
Available evidence shows that pregnant and post-partum women are at higher risk of developing TB than the general population and that these women are considered a priority for TB screening by the PNG National Department of Health and by the World Health Organization (WHO) . Each year at PMGH, there are 14000 deliveries and 40-60 women are diagnosed with TB in the obstetrics ward, with an estimated detection gap of 25-50%.
The Child-Maternal TB/HIV Program (CMTHP), implemented by the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea (PSPNG), is working to integrate TB services into maternal and child health care at PMGH. The program provides family-centered care to pregnant and post-partum mothers. TB screening is offered at antenatal care (ANC) clinics, labor ward, and post-natal word. Screening includes patient education, symptom surveys, and—when indicated—diagnostic tests such as chest X-ray (CXR) and sputum examination, in line with national and international guidelines.
About the Opportunity
Integrate family-centered TB detection and linkage to care for pregnant and post-partum women and their newborns and children at PMGH
Key Responsibilities
The expected outcomes are:
Provide routine O&G care at either the Labor and Delivery Unit and/or Antenatal clinic. This may include: Routine antenatal care when required Assistance in labor and delivery when required Integrate TB care. This may include: Collect sputum specimens for TB testing (GenXpert) Facilitate and Ensure chest radiography takes place Perform fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes under the direction of the MO TB Free project Inserting nasogastric tubes to collect gastric aspirates for TB testing in newborns Providing routine TB care as directed by PMGH TB services Ensure proper TB registers (contact tracing, presumptive TB, preventive therapy) are filled out and completed. NO is expected to provide weekly updates in writing on number of women screened and number of entries uploaded into M&E report as directed by PSPNG Coordinate referrals and care of patients in the NCD Provide education, social and emotional support on TB/HIV, and other health-related issues as guided by team leader. Conduct home assessments/outreach for infection control and contact investigation as guided by the Child TB-HIV Program Conduct data collection, recording and reporting where needed on registers Perform HIV testing at the direction of the PSPNG CMTHP Maintained strong and productive relationships with communities and community leaders, and with health and government stakeholders.
Key working relationships
The NO will be based at Port Moresby General Hospital and adhere to all rules and policies of the hospital The NO reports PMGH O&G Nursing Unit Manager and the MO TB Free project manager The NO will be based at PMGH and help coordinate activities between the adult and child TB clinics. As such, the NO will report to and work closely with the O&G_Child TB-HIV Program Manager at PMGH
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Two years’ experience in managing patient care activities for pregnant women Bachelor of Nursing, Medicine or equivalent. Post graduation qualifications in midwifery would be an advantage Registered with the PNG Nursing or Medical Council. Experience in TB and HIV policies and protocols desirable, though not required Interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and work as part of a team. Strong and demonstrated ability to lead effective community engagement. Must be committed and dedicated to health service provision and patient care.
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: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT
Abt Global 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