Hydrogeologist

Hydrogeologist

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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Job Description

• Commencement: November 2026
• Locally Engaged Consultant – up to 30 input days over 4 Months (with possible extension subject to program requirements and performance)
• Port Moresby, with travel to APEP partner sites, including rural and remote locations
• Home based desk work may be agreed between field assignments

Abt is committed to advancing women’s leadership in PNG’s economic development and are building an environment where women can lead progress and shape economic outcomes. Abt promotes an inclusive, respectful and safe working environment for women and encourages PNG women and men to apply.

About the Program

The Australia–Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP) is a flagship partnership supporting Papua New Guinea’s economic development priorities. Delivered by the Government of Australia in close collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea, APEP focuses on strengthening economic systems, institutions, and opportunities that support sustainable and inclusive growth through to 2028.

Working alongside government, research institutions, and development partners, APEP delivers coordinated and high‑impact outcomes across four key engagement areas:

• Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
• Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
• Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
• Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

Gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment, and climate are central to APEP and integrated across all engagement areas and activities.

About the Opportunity

APEP anticipates undertaking a Small-Scale Agricultural Water Infrastructure Rapid Response Activity to address drought-related water constraints affecting partners and beneficiaries under recently completed, current and planned activities. Support may include provision of boreholes, solar pumps, storage tanks, pipes and efficient irrigation.

The Hydrogeologist will provide independent technical advice to help APEP respond quickly to water infrastructure requests. The immediate priority is to determine whether each request is feasible, suitable and cost-effective, and what further investigation is necessary before approval.

Key responsibilities

• Rapid assessment of partner requests
• Review requests to confirm the water constraint, intended users, agricultural production needs and urgency of support.
• Undertake proportionate desk reviews and site assessments to determine whether the proposed support is feasible, suitable and cost-effective.
• Recommend priority investments, identifying any conditions or further investigations required before APEP approval.
• Water source assessment and technical advice
• Assess existing and potential water sources, including their yield, quality, reliability during drought and capacity for sustainable use.
• Advise on borehole siting, drilling, rehabilitation and appropriate testing where groundwater development is justified.
• Prepare or review specifications for suitable water infrastructure, including pumps, storage and irrigation, working with agricultural and engineering specialists as required.
• Procurement and installation oversight
• Support supplier assessment and technical review of quotations, considering capability, equipment suitability, cost, delivery time and after-sales support.
• Provide or arrange appropriate technical supervision of drilling and installation and verify testing and commissioning against agreed specifications.
• Identify defects and corrective actions and advise APEP on technical completion and acceptance of works.
• Safeguards handover and monitoring
• Work with APEP and partners to address environmental and social risks, land and water-access arrangements, required approvals and equitable access for users.
• Confirm asset ownership, operator training, maintenance responsibilities and financing, and the availability of manuals, warranties and supplier support.
• Provide practical operating and monitoring guidance, and support agreed follow-up checks on water-source reliability and infrastructure performance.

Key Deliverables:

The Specialist will provide deliverables as agreed with the Agricultural Growth and Livelihoods Team Leader. These are expected to include:

• Rapid Assessment Checklist
• Site Feasibility Assessments
• Procurement Specifications and Technical Reviews
• Inspection and Commissioning Records
• The exact nature, format, frequency and timing of deliverables will be agreed with the Agricultural Growth and Livelihoods Team Leader.

Key Working Relationships:

• Agricultural Growth and Livelihoods Team members and APEP staff (including procurement team)

• Technical service providers and contractors

• Cooperatives, provincial government representatives, farmer organisations and agribusinesses

• About You

• For applications to be considered, a response to the Key Selection Criteria below must be provided.

Qualifications

• A degree in hydrogeology, geology, water resources or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated professional expertise in groundwater assessment. Relevant professional registration or membership, where applicable.

Essential:

• Substantial practical experience in rural groundwater assessment, borehole siting, drilling supervision, pumping-test interpretation and water-quality assessment.
• Experience assessing sustainable water supply under seasonal or drought conditions and providing practical advice for small agricultural or community water systems.
• Ability to prepare concise feasibility recommendations and procurement specifications, review contractor proposals, assess costs and verify completed works.
• Understanding of source protection, environmental and social risks, land and water-access arrangements, and inclusive consultation with rural communities.
• Ability to work independently, communicate technical findings clearly, coordinate with other specialists and mobilise for agreed assignments in remote PNG locations.

Desirable:

• Experience in PNG or comparable Pacific settings, including customary land arrangements and work with local suppliers and institutions.
• Experience with geophysical surveys, GIS, solar pumping, storage and efficient irrigation, and donor-funded infrastructure activities. Tok Pisin communication skills would be an advantage.
• “We value capability and potential, and welcome applicants who believe they can succeed in this role”