Incentive Fund Board

Susil Nelson-Kongoi (Chairwoman )

Susil Nelson-Kongoi is a highly experienced Corporate Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the program development industry. In her current role as Public Policy and Issues Manager with ExxonMobil, Susil uses all of her skills in government, policy analysis, risk management, strategic planning, and community development.

She has served on the Incentive Fund’s Strategic Management Group since 2015 and now in her role as Chair, brings strong program and project management experience, coupled with her advanced knowledge of accounting and information systems. She has served on many boards and committees, studied in New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea, and is dedicated to supporting the ongoing development of PNG.

Kali Sete (Independent Member)

Kali Sete has served as an Independent Member of the Incentive Fund’s Strategic Management Group since 2017. For the past 12 years he has held the position of Development Secretary at the United Church PNG Assembly Office and Development Unit, where he exercises his wealth of experience in community development and civil society.

He started out as a journalist at the Prime Minister’s office and has since worked and consulted on a range of private sector, government, financial and sports institutions, as well as community and international development programs for various organisations. His dedication to empowering youth and supporting rural communities makes him an invaluable asset to the Incentive Fund Strategic Management Group.

Professor Betty Lovai (Independent Member)

Professor Betty Lovai has served as Executive Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea since 2007 after completing her P.H.D in social work at La Trobe University in Melbourne. Professor Lovai has a wealth of invaluable experience working and consulting on various development projects for donors such as the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, UNICEF and various government agencies for the Australian, American and Papua New Guinean governments.

Professor Lovai’s passion for social inclusion, advocacy for women’s empowerment and commitment to Papua New Guinea’s development has positioned her to serve on more than 30 boards and committees. Her experience, knowledge and perspectives are a welcomed addition to the Incentive Fund’s Strategic Management Group.

David Toua (Independent Member)

David Toua has extensive experience working with the local PNG regulatory authority to develop and implement new industry legislation in both Papua New Guinean and Australian insurance markets. He brings unparalleled experience in the private sector, currently working as a senior executive at Steamships Trading Company, PNG, where he oversees corporate affairs, safety and risk management, and community engagement.

David has served on a range of boards and committees, harnessing his knowledge and engagement with the private sector and business authorities. In 2013, David was elected as the President of the Business Council of PNG and in 2018, appointed to Chair the APEC Business Advisory Council which provided him with an opportunity for deep engagement with government officials from PNG, Australia and New Zealand.

Koney Samuel (Secretary, PNG Department of National Planning and Monitoring)

Mr. Koney Samuel, Secretary, started with the Department of National Planning Office in 1999, straight after attainting his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Papua New Guinea. He also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Master of Arts in Development Studies, both from the Australian National University.

Mr. Samuel has vast knowledge of the Department with 20 years of experience in the Department having started as Junior Monitoring & Evaluation Officer and raising up the ranks and files to serve in various capacities including Assistant Secretary Economic Sector, Assistant Secretary, Multilateral Branch, Foreign Aid Division, First Assistant Secretary Monitoring Evaluation Division and Deputy Secretary - Public Investment Program.

Mr. Samuel comes from Roma village in Maprik District, East Sepik Province. He is a devoted Seventh Day Adventist.

Diane Barclay (Minister Counsellor, Economics, Health and Infrastructure, Australian High Commission )

Ms Barclay is Minister Counsellor, Economics, Health and Infrastructure at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. Her portfolio includes Australian Government partnerships with PNG in key sectors including: electrification; telecommunications; transport (roads, ports and aviation); State Owned Enterprise reform; health and COVID-19 response; economic governance; and budget lending. Ms Barclay joined DFAT/AusAID in 2010 and has held roles across DFAT including on Melanesia (PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu); Development Financing; World Bank Group and IMF; and Climate Change and Environment. Prior to joining AusAID, Ms Barclay worked across Climate Change, Energy and Environment portfolios in the Australian Government, with a focus on business financing, regulation and engagement. Ms Barclay began her career as an Environmental Engineer with one of Australia’s leading consulting engineering firms.