INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS If you are interested in current or future ASF opportunities the following information will be of interest to you. Current job opportunities within ASF are listed on the Coffey International Development Recruitment Website. The Role of an ASF Adviser Working and living in PNG
ASF advisers are based in the capital of PNG, Port Moresby , a modern city built on the picturesque Fairfax Harbour . The city, home to about 280,000 people, is the administrative and business centre of the country, providing good quality accommodation and services. Port Moresby is relatively small, eliminating inconveniences such as traffic jams and lengthy car journeys, while providing a good selection of business, recreational and sporting facilities. The climate ranges from sub-tropical to tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures are generally around 30ºC from Nov-April with high humidity being the norm – however, light sea breezes are common in this wet season. During May-October, the days are cooler and less humid as the climate is influenced by the cooling SE ‘trade winds'.
Most expatriate residents of Port Moresby live in apartments or secure compounds within the central city itself, providing them with convenience and safety while allowing them to enjoy sea views over the Harbour or the Coral Sea. Accommodation apartments are usually furnished (you may need to bring your own small appliances) with air conditioning although sea breezes and fans enough to keep you cool for much of the year. A variety of styles of accommodation are available including small apartments or self-catering rooms in the major hotels. In 2007, accommodation in Port Moresby became harder to find as more expatriates moved into the country, largely due to improved economic conditions in recent times. However, ASF advisers are able to find accommodation that is safe, comfortable and within their budget. For examples of apartments, see the real estate web sites below. Century 21 Advisers and their families can be assured of access to good education and health facilities while in Papua New Guinea . There are international schools and private hospitals in the city. Most expatriate children return home for secondary education and specialist medical procedures, with ASF contracts making provision for these circumstances. International Education Agency The needs of families are well catered for by the variety of pre-school, sporting, and recreational opportunities in the city. Time spent in PNG may provide the opportunity for advisers and their partners to contribute to one of the many interest groups or charitable organisations, to learn to sail or scuba dive, or to study by correspondence. Opportunities to meet and work with Papua New Guineans working to improve the social conditions in Port Moresby are readily available and expertise and willingness to contribute are always welcomed. While opportunities for entertainment are certainly limited compared to those available in most cities, no-one need be bored in Port Moresby – there is plenty to do. Employment opportunities for partners are limited and require that non-dependant working visa conditions are met – this can take some months and may involve the partner leaving PNG for a week or two
Much is made of the dangers of living in Port Moresby (some would say ‘too much'), particularly by people who have never lived here. While the risks cannot be ignored and result in limited after-dark and out-of-town activity, the levels of crime against expatriates in the city itself are relatively low. As is the case in most major cities of the world, residents of the suburbs and settlements bear the brunt of most criminal activity. Sensible lifestyles, enhanced by thorough safety briefings and reliable support from the ASF management team, minimise the number and nature of security incidents involving advisers over the life of the facility to date. If you are careful, taking precautions you would observe in any large foreign city, you would be unlucky to encounter any criminals (locally knows as 'raskols') during your stay. Most advisers live in Port Moresby for their two year assignment without incident. Working in the Papua New Guinea public sector is challenging. While PNG is a developing country, it has a diverse economy, a robust democratic government and rich natural resources. The PNG public sector is involved in a major process of reform and re-development, making working in any of the government departments challenging but also interesting and rewarding. If you enjoy a challenge, are interested in transferring your skills to others, getting to know people and 'making a difference', then an ASF position will be a satisfying and memorable experience. Finding out more about PNG For further information on PNG visit the following sites: ASF employment opportunities As ASF positions become available they are advertised on the Coffey International Development web site, either for immediate application or as advanced notices of forthcoming positions. Positions are also advertised in weekend newspapers in Australia , New Zealand , PNG and in some cases overseas. Current opportunities can be viewed here. |
