Job Description

• Commencement: May 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 Teaching and Learning Lead to provide technical and strategic leadership for teaching, learning and school leadership under the Papua New Guinea–Australia Secondary Education Program (PNG SEP).

Reporting to the Program Director, the role will strengthen teacher capability, instructional practice and school leadership, with a focus on improved learning outcomes in STEM and English. The Teaching and Learning Lead will coordinate subject-based communities of practice, support peer learning and instructional leadership, and ensure quality and coherence across program partners.

The role will work closely with and provide technical guidance to international volunteers and liaise with universities and teacher training institutions in PNG and Australia to support curriculum alignment, professional learning pathways and sustainable reform.

This position suits an experienced education specialist with strong systems knowledge, expertise in teacher professional learning and instructional leadership, and a commitment to evidence-based, inclusive and locally led education reform.

Key responsibilities

The Teaching and Learning Lead will:

• Provide technical and strategic leadership for all teaching, learning and school leadership components of PNG SEP, with a focus on improved STEM and English learning outcomes

• Lead initiatives to strengthen teacher capability, instructional practice and school leadership using evidence-based and inclusive approaches

• Coordinate and steward subject-based communities of practice, supporting peer learning, collaboration and instructional leadership

• Provide technical guidance to international volunteers and liaise with universities and teacher training institutions in PNG and Australia to strengthen professional learning pathways

• Coordinate consortium partner inputs and work closely with government counterparts to ensure technical coherence, quality assurance and alignment with national priorities

• Use data, evidence and learning to inform adaptive management, continuous improvement and program reporting

Key deliverables

• Teaching and Learning Framework implemented, setting out PNG SEP’s approach to teacher professional learning, instructional improvement and school leadership

• Subject-based communities of practice established and functioning, with regular engagement by teachers, school leaders and volunteers

• Professional learning resources and models developed and quality-assured, including blended and digital approaches aligned with national standards

• International volunteers effectively integrated into schools and communities of practice, with clear roles and technical guidance in place

• Strong partnerships established with universities and teacher training institutions to support curriculum alignment and sustainable professional learning pathways

• High-quality technical inputs and evidence provided for program reporting and learning, including contributions to six-monthly progress reports and reflection processes

Key working relationships

• Reporting to: Program Director, PNG Secondary Education Program

• Direct Report(s): Teaching and Learning Coordinator; short-term technical advisers (as required)

• Internal: Senior Delivery Lead; MEL Lead; Digital Technology Lead; GEDSI & Safeguarding Lead; Communications Manager

• External: NDoE, PDoEs, DHERST, universities and teacher training institutions (in PNG and Australia); international volunteers; consortium partners; participating secondary schools and communities of practice

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:

• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership in teaching and learning, teacher professional development and/or school leadership programs, preferably in secondary education.

• Strong expertise in designing and delivering evidence-based teacher professional learning, including blended, school-based and peer-led approaches

• Experience establishing and coordinating communities of practice or other collaborative professional learning models

• Proven ability to work effectively with international and national specialists, including volunteers, and to translate technical expertise into practical classroom improvement

• Experience engaging with universities and teacher training institutions to support curriculum alignment, professional learning pathways and systems strengthening

• Strong understanding of education systems and policy, with experience working collaboratively with government counterparts and development partners

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence, mentor and support educators and leaders at multiple levels

• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive education, gender equality, disability inclusion and safe, ethical practice in schools

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: 26 April 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