Job Description

• Commencement: June 2026
• Long term role, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
• Open to PNG Citizens

About the Program

The PNG Secondary Education Program (PNG SEP) is a flagship investment of the Australian Government, delivered under the Papua New Guinea–Australia Partnership. PNG SEP aims to improve learning outcomes, equity and access for secondary students across Papua New Guinea’s highest performing schools, while strengthening national and subnational education systems.

The program supports the Government of Papua New Guinea’s priorities under the National Education Plan 2023–2027 and is aligned with Australia’s International Development Policy. PNG SEP focuses on improving teaching and learning quality, strengthening school leadership and governance and supporting safe, resilient and inclusive secondary school environments. Cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding and climate resilience, are mainstreamed across all program activities.

About the Opportunity

Abt Global is seeking a GEDSI and Safeguarding Officer to support implementation of gender equality, disability inclusion, social inclusion, child protection and safeguarding priorities across PNG SEP.

Reporting to the GEDSI and Safeguarding Lead, the role provides hands-on coordination and field-based support to schools, focal points and partners. The Officer will play a key role in strengthening school-level safeguarding systems, supporting inclusive practices and contributing to monitoring, reporting and learning related to End of Program Outcome 2: Safe, Resilient and Inclusive Schools.

This role is well suited to a practitioner with experience working directly with schools and communities and a strong commitment to ethical, inclusive and locally led development.

Key responsibilities

The GEDSI and Safeguarding Officer will:

• Support implementation of the PNG SEP GEDSI and Safeguarding Strategy in line with DFAT Child Protection and PSEAH requirements

• Assist schools to develop and implement School GEDSI and Safeguarding Action Plans

• Provide practical support to school-based initiatives promoting safety, inclusion, wellbeing and respectful relationships

• Coordinate the Safety and Inclusion Technical Working Group, including meeting logistics, agenda, minutes and follow-up

• Support school-level safeguarding systems, including referral pathways, reporting protocols and focal-point capacity

• Assist delivery of digital-safety awareness activities for teachers and students in collaboration with the Digital Technology Lead

• Work with local partners, service providers and Organisations of People with Disabilities to support inclusive and safe-school initiatives

• Contribute to GEDSI and safeguarding data collection, reporting and case studies with the MEL and Communications teams

Key deliverables

• School-level GEDSI and Safeguarding Action Plans developed, updated and implemented

• Coordinated and documented GEDSI and safeguarding training, TWG meetings and school activities

• Strengthened safeguarding referral and reporting pathways at participating schools

• GEDSI and safeguarding inputs to six-monthly progress reports and program learning products

• Case studies and communications materials highlighting inclusive, safe-school practice

Key working relationships

• Reporting to: PNG SEP GEDSI and Safeguarding Lead

• Internal: Program Director, Teaching and Learning team, MEL team, Digital Technology team, Communications team

• External: School leaders, school GEDSI focal points and counsellors, local partner organisations, OPDs, NDoE and PDoE counterparts

About You

For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience supporting GEDSI, safeguarding, child protection or inclusion initiatives in schools or community-based programs

• Practical understanding of DFAT Child Protection and PSEAH requirements or similar safeguarding frameworks

• Experience working directly with children and young people in school or community settings, including with teachers, students and community organisations

• Strong coordination and organisational skills, with the ability to support training, meetings and field activities

• Good communication and interpersonal skills with sensitivity to confidentiality and ethical practice

• A commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding and locally led development

How to Apply

• Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document.

• Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.

• The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.

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

Closing Date: 1 May 2026 #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

For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘Apply Now’

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.