John Conroy has been an economist and development practitioner since 1968, with extended periods working in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. He lived in PNG during its late colonial period and in the early years of its Independence. Subsequently he had research and consulting experience in South, Southeast and East Asia, and in some Pacific Island Countries.

He has held university posts in Australia, PNG, Indonesia and the United States. Most recently as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University (2010-18) and more recently as a Visitor to the Development Policy Centre.