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INFORMATION FOR AGENCIES

Introduction and background

These pages provide information for PNG Agencies who may be interested in applying for an ASF adviser to work with agency staff. This section should be read in conjunction with the background information included on the home page of this web site (Introducing ASF).

In ASF, support is mainly focused on agencies who are planning or undertaking reforms and improvements in public sector management and administration.

Current placements

In 2007, ASF Advisers have been placed in the following GoPNG agencies:

Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council

Department of Treasury

Department of Finance

National Economic & Fiscal Commission

Auditor General's Office

Department of National Planning and Monitoring

Internal Revenue Commission

Bank of PNG

Central Supply & Tenders Board

Department of Works

Department of Lands and Physical Planning

Department of Provincial & Local Level Government Affairs

Department of Transport

PNG National Forest Authority

National Disaster Centre

National Research Institute

Department for Community Development

Department of Health

Public Sector Workforce Development Initiative (PSWDI)

National AIDS Council Secretariat

Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by GoPNG Agencies

What is the PNG ASF?

The Papua New Guinea Advisory Support Facility is an AusAID-funded donor program that provides advisory support to Government of PNG agencies

What is the difference between ASFI and ASF?

ASF, which commenced in April 2003, is the second phase of the facility. The principal difference between the two, from the agency perspective, is that ASF is more focused and targeted than was ASFI. The focus is determined by a strategic planning process, involving consultative planning by the various stakeholders. See the 2007 ASF Strategic Plan .

Is my Agency eligibility for ASF assistance?

Under ASF assistance is provided to both central agencies and national line departments or national authorities.

Please contact the ASF office at Ela Beach Tower by phone (320 1926) to discuss your need for advisory assistance. We will be able to give you advice on whether your need falls with the current ASF priorities. Assistance is available to prepare an application for consideration by the ASF Board.

You may download an ASF Application here .

Download a brochure about ASF here .

What support does ASF provide?

ASF can provide advisers who will assist the agency to achieve their agreed goals. Advisory placements can be short term (e.g. 1-4 months), medium term (5-12 months) or long-term (12-24 months). Advisers are recruited specifically for each placement, ensuring that they have the necessary technical expertise as well as highly developed interpersonal skills and both the ability and desire to share their knowledge and skills. ASF advisers are provided with a range of logistical support including transport, computer, travel funding and communication equipment.

Please note that ASF does not provide ' consultants ' to undertake tasks directly nor do ASF advisers act in line positions. ASF will not purchase equipment for the agency, nor will it provide financial support for recurrent departmental expenditure.

What is the Agency expected to provide as counterpart input?

The principal input from the agency is the assignment of appropriate staff to work as counterparts to the adviser. There are also other responsibilities. The agency will assist ASF to develop a Partnership Agreement, a document which details the advisory placement including the terms of reference, job and person specifications, responsibilities, etc.

Agency staff will assist in the adviser's induction and will include him/her as a professional member of the agency team. Briefings with senior officers of the agency will take place at both the start and the end of the project. The agency will provide the adviser with appropriate office accommodation.

Successful advisory placements require the full support of the agency management team, including committing appropriately qualified and experienced counterpart staff to work with the adviser and to implement agreed initiatives. Although the ASF adviser will have their own travel budget, the agency is required to meet any costs associated with counterpart activities (e.g. travel costs).

Counterpart staff and agency management will provide regular feedback on project progress and performance to the ASF Board and management team. They will also contribute to placement monitoring during the placement and evaluation at its completion.

How do we apply for an ASF Adviser?

The first step is to look carefully at the current ASF Strategic Plan to work out if your agency's plans fall within the current ASF priorities. If so, you should contact the ASF office for assistance in drafting an initial letter or a full application. This letter should include details on the specific area in which you require assistance.

Applications, using the form available here or from the ASF office, should be sent to the ASF Board of Management at the address below:

Mr Mosi Kwayaila
Chairperson
ASF Board of Management
Department of National Planning and Monitoring
Second Floor
Vulupindi House
Port Moresby

Please also send a copy to:
The Director, ASF
PO Box 776
Port Moresby

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