ABOUT KTF:

KTF is an Australian international aid and development organisation working in Papua New Guinea (PNG). We work with people and communities to improve the lives and futures of Papua New Guineans. We do this by: assisting remote and rural communities with access to elementary and primary education; improving access to quality and accessible healthcare; improving equality and access to sustainable income-generation opportunities, especially for women; and by fostering the next generation of leaders.

KTF is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is accredited with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australian Not-for-Profit Cooperation Program.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Senior Program Manager, Education – is a newly created position in Australia to assist with the management and oversight of a suite of KTF’s education projects, primarily the programs based in schools, colleges, and curriculum delivery across Western Province in PNG. The projects are delivered across 3 locations with Balimo currently the largest of the locations, serving as the central hub for the projects listed below, and with growth anticipated in Morehead and Lake Murray.

This role involves overseeing leadership across these campuses and hubs and ensuring effective collaboration where projects intersect which is crucial for the successful implementation of educational initiatives according to best practices. The role will further ensure leadership practices are aligned across projects by centralising communication and fostering partnerships to maximise impact and a streamlined service delivery, and standardising systems across all areas to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

The oversight of these educational projects will be key to maintaining strong communication, professional conduct, and high educational standards among on-site teams, including those working on Tertiary, Academy, and FODE projects. Additionally, this role will extend its influence beyond the hub, impacting communities through outreach initiatives such as Education Patrols and e-Learning.

The Senior Program Manager, Education will work closely with FODE and Tertiary Program Managers, and alongside this handle a particular focus on managing and overseeing the implementation of e-Learning and Hon. Roy Biyama Balimo Academy through the instruction of Project Coordinators. This position will also support collaboration across all education projects, helping to streamline delivery and implementation processes with clear, structured guidelines on professionalism, educational standards, practices, and leadership.

The Projects:

The eLearning project supports selected elementary and primary schools in Western Province through dedicated coaching directly to teachers in rural schools, professional development training and the provision of educational resources. Content is designed and evaluated by a coaching team and University Partners. The e-Learning project is delivered in Balimo, Morehead and Lake Murray.

The fully accredited and registered, Balimo College tertiary institution, with an independent Governing Council and ongoing due diligence with DHERST, delivers Junior Primary Teaching Diploma and Bachelor.

The Early Childhood project is the dedicated initiative to support the co-design, rollout, community awareness, training and construction across provinces of the emerging formal education pathway under the PNG government. This is aligned to the e-Learning projects in all 3 regions and has capacity for on-campus delivery of in-service, through outreach model.

K-12 Hon. Roy Biyama Balimo (HRBB) Academy, a K-12 educational facility, opened in 2024 along the Balimo College and is undergoing the initial registration process. Set up as a guiding institution to deliver exemplar educational practice in the region, it will reach PNG School of Excellence standards in due course.

FODE, (Flexible Open Distance Education) provides a gateway to tertiary education and creates a cohort of graduates that open doors into further education, vocational learning, and teaching and nursing professions. It offers high school education for both upgrading previous grades taken in year 10 and 12 and for full curriculum from grade 8. This model is predominantly through an independent learning focus, however, KTF implements a supported study system with lecturers, on site lessons, and guided assistance.

This position will work closely with KTF’s Head of Education to effectively implement the academic and non-academic activities associated with operating KTF’s education projects in rural and remote PNG, particularly supporting the hubs listed and the partnership relations that go into the successful implementation and growth of the projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tertiary and FODE Colleges - key tasks include:

• Drive the collaborative approach of the Colleges, bringing partners and stakeholders to combine for a united best practice College;
• Build and foster relationships with key stakeholders;
• Support KTF Program Managers with all centralised communications and systems with partners and campus updates.

eLearning Program – key tasks include:

• Oversee the preparation and annual planning for the region’s outreach delivery;
• Support the education team to effectively manage logistics of the resourcing and training, keeping clear communications to the logistics team about required deliverables;
• Guide the Head Coaches in effective line management, gaining high quality operations into the field. Help to monitor, target, and motivate staff through your reports;
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders;
• Monitor and advise on the content designed for the eLearning program through partner engagement and working with the Head of Localisation to ensure the context appropriateness;
• Monitoring and guiding a range of personnel with support from the Head of Education across Australia and PNG, ensuring trajectory of success through establishing and reviewing KPIs and engaging in reflective and detailed Performance Review conversations;
• The identification and updating of risks across the listed Projects, managing the team to log and report on issues and complaints, actively keeping abreast of the risk areas and following reporting processes;
• Completion of partner capacity assessments, drafting of agreements and MoAs, drafted and ongoing implementation, and review of partner capacity action plans, through design and implementation of training schedules, active partner engagement, review and feedback;
• Support the recruitment of team members into education projects across Australia and PNG as required and with the support of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of Education;

Early Childhood– key tasks include:

• Support the Early Childhood content building, concept, and reflection of project curriculum, working with consultants and partners when required;
• Oversee co-design process and selected experts across PNG and Australia for best practice Early Years content into PNG;
• Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining key milestones, timelines, and deliverables for the establishment of the project delivery across the HRBB Academy or an Early Years implementation.

Kindergarten to 12 HRBB Academy:

• Motivate and drive the culture and vision throughout a new team of educators at the school;
• Identify opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to enhance the school's impact;
• Ensure the integration of innovative teaching methods and technology to support the curriculum, reporting, and tracking in the school;
• Implement a comprehensive training program for all school staff members, focusing on both educational practices and cultural sensitivity;
• Support the planning and recruitment of staff to the school, including hiring qualified teachers, administrative staff, and support personnel;
• Identify and coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including government authorities, local communities, and educational experts;
• Implement effective budget management strategies to ensure efficient resource utilisation across educational materials, staffing, and operational expenses;
• Work with the Head of Education and the Head of Localisation to ensure compliance with all relevant educational regulations and standards set by the national education authorities in PNG;
• Monitor and guide a range of personnel with support from KTF Head of Education across Australia and PNG, ensuring trajectory of success through establishing and reviewing KPIs and engaging in reflective and detailed Performance Review conversations;
• The identification and updating of risks across the listed Projects, managing the team to log and report on issues and complaints, actively keeping abreast of the risk areas and following reporting processes;
• Completion of partner capacity assessments, drafting of agreements and MoAs, drafted and ongoing implementation, and review of partner capacity action plans, through design and implementation of training schedules, active partner engagement, review and feedback.

Across all areas – key tasks include:

• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team for regular assessments of educational outcomes, resource development, and community engagement;
• With the support of the Head of Education communicate challenges, successes, and adjustments to the project plan as necessary;
• Centralise systems for all education programs to streamline communications and create professional and efficient delivery;
• With support from the M&E Advisor effectively manage the reporting of data and project outputs for reporting on successful implementation;
• Support the recruitment of team members into education projects across Australia and PNG as required and with the support of the COO and Head of Education;
• Support all Western leadership teams to collaborate, support teams and effectively manage staff and relationships in a professional manner and with best educational practice;
• Assist with general project support across all pillars as the need demands and under direction of KTF management.

YOUR SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Specialist technical skills and experience in pedagogical theory and implementation
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written;
• Experience in school leadership in primary or secondary schools;
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, succinctly and professionally;
• Strong capability with the use of Microsoft office;
• The ability to coordinate several tasks at a time;
• The ability to work in a fast paced, productive working environment;
• Innovative attitude surrounding the harnessing of technology for managing and reflecting on data from the field and in reporting;
• A degree in a relevant field (education in Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, or International Development/Aid);
• At least 4 years’ experience working for an NGO, Government or Managing Contractor or similar and experience in leadership role (educational leadership desirable);
• A can-do attitude with fantastic problem-solving skills.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

This position will require travel both domestically and internationally to PNG from time to time.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

KTF is strongly committed to its duty of care for children as reflected in our Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct which promote the protection and safety of children. KTF’s policy and code establish internal measures to prevent and respond to child abuse and exploitation in its programs and operations across PNG. All appointments are subject to appropriate background checks and screening and the successful candidate will be required to get a Working With Children check and/or a Police Certificate.

KTF aims to integrate disability inclusion into all aspects of its programs as we strive to reach those marginalised by location, health, ability and gender.

KTF has a zero-tolerance stance toward sexual exploitation and abuse of all forms. KTF’s policies cover this as well as the team’s shared responsibility on behaviour; reporting mechanisms and victim safety. KTF seeks to make the workplace free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. KTF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KTF adheres to its organisational Codes of Conduct and organisational values as well as the ACFID Code of Conduct and the PSEAH Policy as outlined by DFAT.

We promote diversity and equality in all our practices.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and a resume.

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Program Manager - Education enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please note that applications received via this email will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.