Strengthen financial systems and mentor local staff in the PNG Highlands

The Diocese of Kundiawa, through Palms International Volunteering, is seeking an experienced finance professional to help strengthen financial processes, build staff capability, and support the development of a published finance manual. This role is ideal for someone who values relationship based mentoring, cultural immersion, and long term impact.

You’ll work alongside local colleagues to develop practical, sustainable financial systems that support stronger governance and more effective service delivery across diocesan institutions.

What you’ll do

First few weeks – Learn, observe, and build trust

• Learn local language, cultural norms, and workplace context with support from a local mentor.
• Observe existing financial systems and document strengths and community assets.
• Avoid recommending changes during this period; focus on understanding why current practices exist.

Ongoing responsibilities

• Review and help develop policies and guidelines for sound financial processes.
• Support the creation of a comprehensive finance manual for the Diocese.
• Mentor finance staff in recording, reporting, analysing, and processing financial transactions.
• Build the team’s capacity to respond confidently to internal and external financial queries.
• Strengthen the team’s ability to advise the Bishop on strategic financial matters.
• Contribute to long term financial sustainability through structured capacity building.

What you’ll bring

• Qualifications in finance, accounting, record keeping, or business administration.
• Experience training or mentoring staff in financial administration.
• Experience in financial strategy, operations, or systems development.
• Cultural sensitivity and willingness to live and work in a remote community.
• Flexibility, patience, resilience, and a sense of humour.
• Commitment to serve for a minimum 12 months with modest local living conditions.

What you’ll gain

• Deep cultural immersion in the PNG Highlands.
• The opportunity to build sustainable financial systems with long term impact.
• Professional experience in cross cultural mentoring and organisational development.
• Contribution to stronger governance and community resilience.

About the Diocese of Kundiawa The Diocese oversees a network of schools and TVET institutions across Simbu Province. Many leaders are dedicated but require structured mentoring to strengthen governance, policy implementation, and administrative systems. Your support will help build long term institutional stability and improved educational outcomes.

About Palms International Volunteering For 65 years, Palms International Volunteering has supported skilled Australians to live and work alongside communities in the Asia-Pacific. Our volunteers don’t ‘fix’ problem - they build relationships, strengthen local capacity, and walk with communities striving for dignity and opportunity. These are ‘solidarity placements’. Accommodation and a small stipend is provided, as well as preparation and ongoing support.

The focus is on living as a true neighbour to learn, and to establish an effective mentoring role. This is the basis for lasting capacity building in the community. It is also a chance for you to step out of the rush and reconnect with what matters through a deep cultural immersion and genuine community relationships.