Program Manager - Tertiary

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 Program Manager – Tertiary role is a position in Port Moresby created to assist with coordinating KTF’s tertiary projects, which deliver high-quality teaching and active learning, practical work experience, and research to foster critical thinking, and pathways to employment for teachers and health workers in PNG.

The Program Manager – Tertiary position will work closely with KTF’s Head of Tertiary to effectively implement the academic and non-academic activities associated with the operations of tertiary institutions in remote PNG.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Support to Tertiary Programs

Support day-to-day coordination of Tertiary Programs;

Ensure activities are implemented in line with approved workplans;

Support Principals to resolve operational issues;

Monitor enrolment, attendance, retention, and completion trends;

Identify and escalate operational risks or delivery issues;

Systems, Processes & Compliance

Support annual project management cycles;

Ensure staff records, inventories, and reports are up to date;

Conduct operational spot checks;

Ensure logistics systems are in place and staff coordinate travel, transport and logistics effectively;

Safeguarding, Risk & Cross-Cutting Priorities

Support implementation of safeguarding and inclusion policies;

Monitor safeguarding compliance;

Support incident reporting and follow-up;

Assist with safety and risk management;

Support to Principals

Conduct regular operational check-ins;

Support supervision and performance tracking;

Identify training and development needs;

Act as a communication link between Principals and the Program Manager;

Reporting, Data & Donor Compliance

Ensure donor compliance, reporting requirements and professional standards are maintained across Southern Region FODE Centres;

Collect and validate operational data;

Support donor reporting inputs;

Support donor visits and field logistics;

Ensure donor branding requirements are met.

Stakeholder Engagement

Maintain effective relationships where required with DHERST, NDoE, Provincial Education Offices, and District Education Authorities

Ensure program delivery aligns with DHERST policy and standards

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

Excellent organisational skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong capability with the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, including intermediate document and spreadsheet skills

General level of technology skills (Gmail, Slack, Project Monday, Moodle Workplace)

Strong project coordination and administrative skills, with the ability to plan, organise and monitor project activities

High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in data management, reporting and record keeping

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing effectively as part of a team

A tertiary qualification in project management, international development, business administration, education, health, logistics or a related discipline. Or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Applicants must have the right to work in PNG.

This position may require travel domestically from time to time.

Closing date: 3 September 2026 or earlier if filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

For queries only, email [email protected] , with the position title as subject. Please note that applications received via this email will not be considered.

KTF is a child safe organisation committed to the protection of people we serve. Our recruitment and selection procedures are designed to ensure we only recruit people who are suitable and aligned with our policies that ensure the safety of children and protection of all from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. All appointments are subject to appropriate background checks and screening and the successful candidate will be required to get a Police Clearance Certificate. We promote diversity and equality in all our practices and strongly encourage those with diverse backgrounds and/or disabilities and/or those who identify as LGBTQI+ to apply for positions with KTF.