The GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA ATSEA-2 Project welcomes Mr. Kenneth Yhuanje and Mr. Joe Kiningi as the National Coordinating Unit (NCU) staff members of ATSEA-2 Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Mr. Kenneth Yhuanje joins the NCU as PNG’s National Project Coordinator. Ken has 14 years of professional experience in fisheries, conservation and environmental impact assessment. He previously served as Senior Advisor and Superintendent at Porgera Gold Mine in PNG from 2011 and 2020 where he managed environmental management system and environmental monitoring, reporting and environmental projects. Prior to that, he worked as a research biologist between 2006 and 2011 with Wildlife Conservation Society, and as a fisheries biologist between 2004 and 2006 with Ok Tedi Mining Limited where he managed research on artisanal fisheries on the Fly River and aquaculture in Western Province. Ken has a Master of Science (MSc) in Biology degree from the University of Saint Louis-Missouri and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology degree from the University of Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Joe Kiningi serves as NCUs Administrative and Finance Officer. Joe is an accredited Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and brings with him 14 years of experience as an accountant, auditor and administrative officer. Prior to joining ATSEA-2, Joe served as Accountant and Admin Manager in T.J. Lopia and Associates LTD from 2018 to 2020. Before that, he worked with Anglicare PNG Inc. as Senior Finance Officer from 2015 to 2018 as Internal Auditor. Joe also served as Accountant in Oceanic Communication (PNG) Ltd from 2012 to 2015, Assistant Accountant of Nikom Parts and Engineering and Raddlestown Real Estate Ltd from 2008 to 2010, and Accounts and Administration Officer of Central Business Systems from 2006 to 2008. Joe has a Bachelor’s degree on Accountancy from the University of Papua New Guinea.
The ATSEA-2 NCU in PNG will support PNG’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA), ATSEA-2’ Focal Ministry in PNG, to coordinate the implementation, delivery and monitoring of the project targets. The NCU will also be collaborating with a National Project Board (NPB) in the review and approval of project work plans and deliverables. As key project coordinating entity in PNG, the NCU will also be working closely with the Regional Project Management Unit (RPMU) to ensure alignment and consistency of country implementation with the regional ATSEA-2 project. With the installation of the NCU in PNG, the
ATSEA-2 Project will be able to establish stronger collaboration in ensuring the delivery of key targets in PNG, including the: conduct of governance and biophysical and socio-economic assessments in relation to PNG’s coastal and marine ecosystems in the ATS region, the development of PNG’s National Action Programme in support of the ATS Strategic Action Programme, and development and approval of an artisanal fisheries management plan in the South Fly District.