NIGEL TAHIJA
Senior Program Manager
Port Moresby,NCD
Summary
Multi-talented Senior Program Manager with over 27 years of collective experience in business, public administration & development. Experiences have created a passion for leadership, strategic management, quality initiatives, training, workforce improvement, and data analytics focusing on improving people and organization performance, with a particular interest in international relations. Derives satisfaction from demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic networking essential to institutional and operational success.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager
DT-Global International Development (PNG) Limited - BCEP
04.2023 - Current
- Coordinated in collaboration with CIMC and Open Government Partnership (OGP) the first ever National Regional Round Table Discussion Forum
- Supported KIVU in conducting the Political Economy Analysis in September 2022
- Provided Political Economy Analysis on national and subnational insights to BCEP and DFAT i.e., decentralization, institutional reorganization, & political analysis
- Managed relationships with Department of Community Development & Religion
- Department of National Planning & Monitoring, and Department of Implementation & Rural Development, providing support toward institutional strengthening, governance, and capacity building
- Consulted with DFAT and DIRD to manage Catalpa sub-contract, reviewing scope of service, milestone deliverables and manage performance issues
- Contributed to developing the BCEP Social Accountability Strategy
- Supervised and performance managed Technical Assistants assigned to Department of Community Development & Religion and Department of National Planning & Monitoring, on the organization restructure and CIMC review
- Actively participated in reflections and learning workshops
- Undertook quality and technical review of CARE’s proposal, budget, and risk workbook and safeguarding and provided constructive feedback to improve the quality and alignment with BCEP’s end of program outcomes
- Undertook tasks requested by the interim Program Implementation Director, Team Leader, and Technical Directors
- Government of Papua New Guinea Partnership Program Manager
- Building Community Engagement Program (BCEP) – DT-Global
- Coordinated all BCEP program activities that support the Government of PNG
- Enhanced and managed relationship with Department of Community Development & Religion, Department of National Planning & Monitoring and Department of Implementation & Rural Development, providing support toward institutional strengthening, governance, and capacity building
- Provided regular Political Economy Analysis on national and provincial insights to the BCEP team and DFAT
- Worked in consultation with DFAT and DIRD to manage the Catalpa sub-contract, reviewing the work plan, deliverables and manage performance issues
- Engaged in cross program linkages with social accountability, coalition for change and church partnerships
- Proactively identify, update, and manage program and political risks across BCEP programs
- Supervised and performance managed Technical Assistants assigned to Department of Community Development & Religion and Department of National Planning & Monitoring, on the organizational restructure and CIMC review
- Provided monthly reports
- Conducted presentations and information sharing sessions on the functions of national, provincial, district and Local Level Government political and administrative system.
Program Manager Planning
08.2022 - 03.2023
- New Ireland Provincial Administration
- Prepared submission to PNG Electoral Boundaries Commission for Redistribution of New Open Electorate for New Ireland
- Compiled Section 119 Reports on annual performance of New Ireland Provincial Government over last five years
- Coordinated implementation of Ward/Village Record Book system and provincial database management system in New Ireland
- Coordinated the 2021 National Population & Housing Census for New Ireland
- Drafted the Integrated Provincial Development Plan for New Ireland
- Contributed toward developing the 2017-2022 New Ireland Corporate Plan
- Conducted annual planning workshops for district and LLG planners
- Reviewed the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for planning division
- Provided technical advice to senior management on policy and planning
- Carried out policies and program evaluation.
Manager Human Resource
02.2018 - 08.2022
- New Ireland Provincial Administration
- Attending to quarterly budget review meetings and negotiating annual Personnel Emolument Budgets with Treasury and Finance
- Served as HR representative in New Ireland Provincial Health Authority Secretariat on creation and design of 2018 merge structure
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by resolving issues for speedy resolution relating to entitlements and payroll matters
- Implemented training initiatives with DPM & PNG Australian Awards and New Zealand on in country and overseas training bids
- Prepared annual personnel emolument budgets on payroll and tracking payroll expenditures
- Reviewed annual staff performances appraisals against individual, teams & organizational intended outcomes
- Facilitated onboarding session in collaboration with Department of Personal Management for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset and orientation to Malagan Declaration Forward
- Managed and directed human resource team
- Liaised with sectoral heads and divisional managers to improve communication and provide advice on resolving staff related salary, performance, and general HR issues
- Managed senior officers’ contracts
- HR advisor to provincial training committee, provincial disciplinary committee, organizational restructure committee, and provincial autonomy working committee on transfer of HR powers to the province.
Executive Officer
04.2015 - 01.2018
- The Provincial Administrator
- New Ireland Provincial Administration
- Coordinated State Ministers, Department Secretaries & Overseas dignitaries visits to New Ireland
- Established good working relationship with National Agencies in implementing national priority programs in the province.
Secretariat
01.2014
- Team leader in hosting the, National Governors' Conference in New Ireland
- Monitored divisions Annual Activity Plans and directed financial resources
- Prepared submissions for Senior Executive Management Committee and Provincial Executive Council for and on behalf of the Provincial Administrator
- Attended weekly SEMC meetings with executive managers and collect minutes of meetings
- Defined clear performance targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Local Government Manager
01.2014 - 04.2015
- Produced regular weekly briefs and status reports to evaluate progress of sectors in achieving government policies to the office of the Governor including incidental reports of important issues arising every week
- Coordinated site investigations, documented issues, and escalated to executive teams as needed
- Coordinated all sectors implementation of PEC decisions, interacting effectively and establishing communication on implementation status
- Managed and supervised day-to-day operations of administrative staff, resolving personnel issues, and maintaining office supply requirements to achieve planned outputs
- Developed and implemented productivity initiatives, in addition to coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments for the Provincial Administrator
- New Ireland Provincial Administration
- Advised the President on policy, planning and budget matters
- Developed a sea transport requisition policy to manage sea transport assets for the administration
- Reviewed job descriptions for 31 positions
- Drafted the 5-year Local Level Government Development Plan 2013—2017
- Conducted the Kavieng district profiling exercise in collaboration with the Department of PM NEC
- Coordinated the 2011 National Population & Housing Census for Lavongai LLG
- Led LLG administration team in delivery of National & Provincial programs and projects, resulting in positive outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction
- Conducted quarterly inspection patrols to schools, health centers & wards
- Developed a policy guideline for the Local Level Government Old Aged and Disable pension program.
General Manager
A-brieze Trading Limited
03.2011 - 12.2013
- Developed the company’s strategic direction and managed its delivery achieving an annual sales growth of 8% progressively over 7 years
- Expanded the retail business into cocoa processing and marketing, timber downstream and marketing, fish marketing and building construction and maintenance
- Effectively managed resources meeting the needs of the company, underpinning a positive and committed culture and ensured appropriate staff professional development through on the job training and e-learning modalities
- Ensured the company always maintained appropriate financial and management controls, complying with all relevant legal regulatory requirements.
02.1999 - 01.2011
Education
Micro-credential Course - undefined
Pacific Research Colloquium
2022
Masters - Management Studies
Australian National University (ANU)
2018
Certificate in Introduction to Principles of Strategic Leadership - undefined
PNG University of Natural Resources & Environment ENB
2019
NCD Certificate in Leadership & Public Policy - undefined
Papua New Guinea Human Resource Institute
2016
Diploma - Human Resource Management
University of Queensland NCD
2013
Graduate Diploma - Corporate Strategy & Planning
Cambridge International College
2010
Graduate Certificate - Management Studies
PNG University of Natural Resources & Environment ENBP
2008
International Diploma - Advance Management & Administration
Cambridge International College
2007
Diploma - undefined
US High School
2007
International Diploma - Accounting & Finance, Business & Management
Penn Foster College
International Diploma - Business Economics & Commerce
Cambridge International College
2002
International Diploma - Office Management & Administration
Cambridge International College
2001
MOOC - undefined
Cambridge International College, EDUCATION
Current
Public Policy Analysis - undefined
Skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Negotiation
- Social skills
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Communication
- Basic Tableau (data analytics)
- Basic QGIS (remote sensing)
- Report Writing
- Strategic Management
- Social Accountability
- Political Economy Analysis
- Policy Analysis
- Project & Program Management
- Strong work ethic
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
- Self-motivated
- Responsibility
- Organic Law Provincial & Local Level Government (OPGLLG)
- Public Service Management Act
- General Orders
- DDA Act
- Public Finance Management Act
- PNG Planning & Monitoring Responsibility Act
- National Development Policies
Accomplishments
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Analyst Training
- Fundamentals of Social Impact
- Data Governance
- International Politics: Levels of Analysis
- GIS & Remoting Sensing in QGIS
- World Politics
- Enhancing Development Effectiveness
- International Humanitarian & Development
- Non-Profit Management Tools
- Theory of Change: Aligning Strategies to Achieve Results
Work Preference
Work Type
Contract WorkWork Location
On-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementPersonal development programsWork-life balanceTimeline
Senior Program Manager
DT-Global International Development (PNG) Limited - BCEP
04.2023 - Current
Program Manager Planning
08.2022 - 03.2023
Manager Human Resource
02.2018 - 08.2022
Executive Officer
04.2015 - 01.2018
Secretariat
01.2014
Local Government Manager
01.2014 - 04.2015
General Manager
A-brieze Trading Limited
03.2011 - 12.2013
02.1999 - 01.2011
Micro-credential Course - undefined
Pacific Research Colloquium
Masters - Management Studies
Australian National University (ANU)
Certificate in Introduction to Principles of Strategic Leadership - undefined
PNG University of Natural Resources & Environment ENB
NCD Certificate in Leadership & Public Policy - undefined
Papua New Guinea Human Resource Institute
Diploma - Human Resource Management
University of Queensland NCD
Graduate Diploma - Corporate Strategy & Planning
Cambridge International College
Graduate Certificate - Management Studies
PNG University of Natural Resources & Environment ENBP
International Diploma - Advance Management & Administration
Cambridge International College
Diploma - undefined
US High School
International Diploma - Accounting & Finance, Business & Management
Penn Foster College
International Diploma - Business Economics & Commerce
Cambridge International College
International Diploma - Office Management & Administration
Cambridge International College
MOOC - undefined
Cambridge International College, EDUCATION
Public Policy Analysis - undefined
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