WELENIE YAKI
83 Ravizza Drive, Edmonton, Cairns,Australia
Summary
Highly motivated professional in international development with over three years of experience in DFAT/donor-funded programs, including over ten years of strategic and physical planning experience with the Government of Papua New Guinea and donor-driven projects in PNG. Skilled in partner relationship management, financial oversight, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, MEL, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. Possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrated by a proven track record of working independently and collaboratively with teams. Known for creativity and adeptness in problem-solving, even in challenging situations. In-depth experience in working remotely within Australia and Papua New Guinea. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Coordinator
International Women Development Agency
Melbourne, Australia
01.2021 - Current
- Coordinated a DFAT funded AUD 5million program, with 2 partners in PNG (Jiwaka and East New Province) and successfully closed the program in June 2024
- Currently coordinating DFAT funded AUD 5 million programs with Partner in Jiwaka Province, PNG
- The closed program and the new programs are on GBV, Young Women Leadership, Peace and Security, Women s Rights, Conservation and Climate change
- Head office in Melbourne, I worked remotely from Cairns and coordinating programs in PNG
- Program MEL and Reporting to donor
- Coordinated with partners in PNG to submit their six monthly, review and cleanse data and prepare donor report and work alongside the Program Manager to submit final reports to donor
- In-depth experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Remotely organising meetings for partners in PNG and the teams in Melbourne
- Liaising with Hotels in PNG and negotiating for value for money logistics or services
- In depth experiences in procurement and logistics using organisation s set procedures
- Advantage of contextual PNG knowledge and languages enabled me to communicate effectively with partners and explain difficult conversations in tok Pisin- a unique skill set I am offering
- In-depth knowledge of rural PNG, I know challenges partners face in communicating or implementing programs, I work with them to guide them through in such situations
- Effective cross team collaboration among team members, partners resulting in increased productivity
- Raise partner payments in Netsuite, uploading contracts, basic knowledge of Trello and Monday.com
Acting Manager Physical Planning Policy
Department of Lands & Physical Planning
, Papua New Guinea
08.2016 - 01.2018
- Development of the National Sustainable Land Use Policy
- Negotiating counter funding from UNDP
- Stakeholder Negotiations & Networking
- Member to high profile National Committee on Climate Change & REDD+
- National Program coordinator on Decentralization of Physical Planning Powers & Functions
- Manage and supervise six personnel within the Physical Planning Policy Unit
- Public Policy Development
- Customer Service
Principal Policy Officer
Department of Lands & Physical Planning
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
10.2011 - 08.2016
- Ensure the best use of land is achieved in the rural areas on project proposals that promote rural development while maintaining the best use of land principles.
- Contribute to the improved land use management practices by liaising with landowner groups and land tenure specialists, and encouraging landowners to participate in development initiatives.
- Participated in interdepartmental committees tasked with developing new or revised policies.
- Conducted research and analysis on current and proposed policies, practices, and procedures.
- Facilitated internal consultation processes between departments for policy development purposes.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure effective communication of policies across the organization.
- Analyzed data from surveys, focus groups, and interviews to inform decision-making around policy development.
- Coordinated meetings between stakeholders to facilitate the timely resolution of policy issues.
- Drafted new or revised policy documents by legislative requirements.
- Provided advice on risk mitigation strategies associated with proposed policies.
- Prepared reports for senior management on the effectiveness of policy implementation activities.
- Reviewed existing policies for compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Analyzed and interpreted policies, legislation, and public issues on behalf of the state.
- Reviewing the Environmental Impact Statement for compliance check according to the Physical Planning Act of 1989.
Education
Master of Science - Global Development
James Cook University
Cairns, QLD04-2026
Master of Science - Planning & Urban Design
James Cook University
Cairns, QLD04-2021
Diploma in Economic Policy Analysis -
National Research Institute
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Science & Geography
University of Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, NCD12.2010
Skills
- Strong stakeholder engagement
- Networking and Negotiation Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Quantitative skills
- Can-Do Attitude
- In-depth contextual knowledge of rural PNG
- Team collaboration
- Budget management
- Financial administration
- Training coordination
- Project coordination
- Expense tracking
- Budget administration
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Voluntary Employment
- Project Designer & Advisor, Women Economic Empowerment through COVID 19 Project, Australian Awards Women in Leadership Program, 01/20, Canberra, ACT, Australia, Initiated and designed project proposal., Liaised with PNG women leaders., Coordinated project implementation.
- International Student Coach, Orienting Commencing Students Program for International Students (CROCS), James Cook University, 01/19, Cairns, Australia, Provided peer-to-peer support to new international students., Maintained contact with student group.
- Guest Lecturer, James Cook University, 01/19, Cairns, Australia, Presented a lecture on Climate Change and its Impacts.
- Women Empowerment Advocator, Gordons Bag Bilum Association, 01/18, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Organized and registered women association., Led and promoted women empowerment programs.
- Project Designer & Advisor, Highlands Piggery & Farmers Association, 01/18, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea, Assisted in designing project proposal., Provided advice in managing project funds.
Training
- Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, West Virginia University, 2024, Online
- Microsoft Excel 2013: Basics in Business Essentials, Macquarie University, 2022, Sydney, Australia
- Program Management Certificate, Cardno International, 2021, Brisbane
- Certificate in Middle Management, Pacific Institute of Financial Management, 2015, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Certificate in applying Geographical Information Systems in Physical Planning, University of Papua New Guinea, 2014, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Certificate in REDD+ Expert, Climate Change & Development Authority & UNDP, 2014, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Certificate in Mainstreaming Climate Change into Development Planning, Climate Change & Development Authority & Asian Development Bank, 2014, Port Moresby, PNG
Leadership Exposure
- IWDA Representative to ACFID Climate Change Community of Practice, 01/21, 01/23, Melbourne, Australia
- IWDA Climate Change Advocate and Team member, 01/21, Current
- Student Forum Representative, James Cook University, 01/19, 12/20, Cairns, Australia
- Team Member - Women in Leadership, Australian Awards Pacific Island Women in Leadership Program, 01/19, 12/21, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Co-Chairlady & Technical Working Group Member, United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification PNG Program, 01/18, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Executive Policy Board Member, Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Project, 01/16, 12/18, Papua New Guinea
- Executive Board Member, UNREDD Project, 01/12, 12/16, Papua New Guinea
- Adaptation Technical Working Committee Member, 01/11, 12/18
Personal Information
Citizenship: Australian Citizen
Languages
Melpa
Native/ Bilingual
Tok Pisin
Professional
English
Professional
Affiliations
- Gardening
- Weaving bags
- Volunteering
- Religeous Events Participation
Accomplishments
- Young Planner of the Year Award -2014
Certification
- QLD open License
References
- Tracey Newbury, Former Acting Director - Partnerships, International Women's Development Agency, tnewbury@iwda.org.au
- Georgina Cope, Team Leader - Women Leadership Program, DT Global International, georgina.cope@wliprogram.org
Timeline
Program Coordinator
International Women Development Agency
01.2021 - Current
Acting Manager Physical Planning Policy
Department of Lands & Physical Planning
08.2016 - 01.2018
Principal Policy Officer
Department of Lands & Physical Planning
10.2011 - 08.2016
Master of Science - Global Development
James Cook University
Master of Science - Planning & Urban Design
James Cook University
Diploma in Economic Policy Analysis -
National Research Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Science & Geography
University of Papua New Guinea
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