Program Background

DT Global has been engaged by the Australian Government to manage the next phase of Australia's investment in strengthening the delivery of law and justice services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for a 4-year period to December 2027.

APLJ seeks to contribute to PNG's law and justice sector capacity to provide inclusive, safe, secure and accountable law and justice foundations for peaceful and prosperous communities, equitable economic development and private sector growth.

The program aligns with Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) law and justice sector goal of 'building peaceful and prosperous communities together'. APLJ will focus on three End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

EOPO 1 - Community Safety and Access to Justice at the Local Level: Communities in target locations, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, vulnerable people and those accused of sorcery, have improved access to selected justice and support services.

EOPO 2 - Law and Justice Services Supply: Responsible law and justice sector agencies increasingly provide selected inclusive, responsive, and accountable essential law and justice services in target locations.

EOPO 3 - Leadership, Coordination and Accountability: Responsible law and justice mechanisms demonstrate improved sectoral leadership and coordination of national and subnational law and justice services and improved sector integrity systems.

APLJ has a strong focus on the core justice issues of Gender based Violence (GBV), Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) and Anti-Corruption. The cross-cutting themes of gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) include strengthening opportunities for women in leadership, increasing focus on the engagement of persons with a disability and other marginalised populations. The guiding strategies encompass Locally Led Development and Adaptive Management.

The program is continuing Australia's support to law and justice development in up to seven locations.

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com

The Role

APLJ is seeking two (2) Senior Researchers to complete the research in a 12-month period. The researchers will be based in Papua New Guinea (preferably Port Moresby) and able to travel to sub-national locations. The researchers will work to the research plan approved by the Reference Group, undertake data collection, collation and analysis and engage with personnel and users across the law and justice ecosystem.

The research team will travel to and investigate the causes and drivers of remand in 6 provinces and work to a high professional research standard to deliver the PNG Law and Justice Sector an informative, nuanced and rigorous report.

The research team will be accompanied by PNG law and justice sector agency personnel and will be supported by an APLJ MERLA Coordinator.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position:

https://tinyurl.com/5n74eukr

About You

Qualifications

· Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (law, anthropology, sociology, criminology, political science).

Essential experience and knowledge

· 5 or more years of experience undertaking research and consultations, preferably related to law and justice.

· Strong writing and quantitative analytical skills.

· Experience engaging with policy or practitioner audiences.

· Strong local knowledge and networks in PNG.

Why join the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ)?

By joining the APLJ, you will be part of an environment where you can collaborate with leading experts from diverse backgrounds, access development programs to achieve your career goals, and be challenged to take a global outlook.

How to apply

HOW TO APPLY
Click the 'Apply Now' button.

Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Friday, 26 June 2026, COB Port Moresby Time

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

People with lived experience of the regions in which DT Global operates are strongly encouraged to apply. DT Global welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), and people with disabilities.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harm of adults and children; fraud, corruption and bribery; modern slavery; and any form of exploitation across our operations, partnerships, and supply chains. We uphold the highest standards of integrity and expect the same of those we work with.

Engagement with DT Global is subject to formal background screening, criminal record checks, employment verification, and periodic compliance checks. All DT Global staff receive safety, compliance, safeguarding and integrity training, and we expect our personnel and partners to always act in alignment with our company values.