Job Description

Communications Lead – Education Programs | Papua New Guinea

Lead strategic communications for two flagship Australian Government education investments in Papua New Guinea.

• Commencing August 2026

• Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

• Fixed-term to 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension

• Open to international and national applicants

About the Programs

Abt Global is delivering two of Australia's flagship education investments in Papua New Guinea.

The Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program is an Australian Government investment supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea to improve early grade student learning outcomes through teacher development, innovative service delivery and education systems strengthening.

The Papua New Guinea Secondary Education Program (PNG SEP) is a new Australian Government investment supporting improvements in secondary education through stronger teaching and learning, safer and more inclusive schools, and enhanced education leadership and governance.

Together, these programs work closely with the National Department of Education, provincial and subnational governments and education partners to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes for children and young people across Papua New Guinea.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Lead to provide leadership across the communications and public diplomacy functions for both programs.

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Australian High Commission, the Government of Papua New Guinea and a diverse range of education partners to shape the public profile of two nationally significant education investments.

Reporting jointly to the PIE Team Lead and PNG SEP Program Director, you will lead a small communications team and oversee the development and delivery of high-quality communication strategies, campaigns, digital content, publications, media products and public diplomacy events.

You will be the primary focal point for the Australian High Commission public diplomacy teams and the Programs, ensuring communications activities align with Australian Government priorities, branding requirements and strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of communications and public diplomacy strategies across both programs.

• Develop annual communications plans aligned with program priorities and Government of Australia and Papua New Guinea objectives.

• Manage and mentor a high-performing communications team.

• Oversee production of high-quality communications products, publications, multimedia content and events.

• Provide strategic communications advice to program leadership and technical teams.

• Ensure compliance with Australian Government branding, visibility and communications requirements.

• Build strong working relationships with the Australian High Commission, National Department of Education and key stakeholders.

• Support communication planning across complex technical activities and provincial implementation.

• Manage communications risks and identify opportunities to enhance program visibility and impact.

• Ensure communications effectively promote gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience and broader development outcomes.

About You

You are an experienced communications professional who combines strategic thinking with leadership and strong operational delivery.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline and at least 10 years' experience leading communications or public relations functions within complex organisations or international development programs.

2. Demonstrated experience developing communication strategies, campaigns, media products and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Including evidence of your strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects simultaneously.

3. Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

4. Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.

5. Experience working with governments, development partners and senior stakeholders.

Desirable

Candidates with the following experience will be highly regarded:

• Experience working on Australian Government or other donor-funded programs.

• Experience applying government branding and public diplomacy requirements.

• Experience managing digital communications platforms, including websites and social media.

• Experience supporting communications that advance gender equality, disability inclusion and social inclusion outcomes.

• Experience working in Papua New Guinea or the Pacific region.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take a lead role in shaping the communications and public profile of two nationally significant education programs.

You will work alongside a highly respected team of education specialists, contribute to meaningful education reform, and help strengthen the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online including a cover letter and CV (maximum five pages).Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your experience addresses the key selection criteria.

We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Closing Date: 19 July 2026 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud Protection.

We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities

****************************************************************

About Us

Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtassociates.com

Equity

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity