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 in Papua New Guinea is seeking a GEDSI and Safeguarding Lead to provide strategic and hands-on leadership to embed gender equality, disability equity, social inclusion, Do No Harm and safeguarding across all aspects of PNG SEP.

Reporting to the Program Director, the role will lead the design and implementation of the program’s GEDSI Strategy, Action Plan and Safeguarding Framework, support schools to strengthen safe and inclusive learning environments for children and young people and ensure compliance with DFAT Child Protection and PSEAH minimum standards across partners and subcontractors.

This is a senior technical role requiring strong contextual knowledge of Papua New Guinea, demonstrated experience working in education systems and with children and young people, proven safeguarding expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with schools, government counterparts, communities and program partners.

Key responsibilities 

The GEDSI and Safeguarding Lead will:

• Lead development and implementation of the PNG SEP GEDSI Strategy, Action Plan and Safeguarding Framework, aligned with DFAT and GoPNG policies

• Embed GEDSI and safeguarding across program delivery, including schools, infrastructure, digital platforms and MEL

• Support delivery of End of Program Outcome 2: Safe, Resilient and Inclusive Schools

• Coordinate school GEDSI focal points and the Safety and Inclusion Technical Working Group

• Oversee safeguarding risk management, PSEAH compliance and staff and partner training

• Manage safeguarding incidents, including reporting, escalation and case management

• Build partnerships with local organisations, service providers and OPDs

• Integrate GEDSI and safeguarding into MERLA, reporting and learning products

Key deliverables

• PNG SEP GEDSI Strategy, Action Plan and Safeguarding Framework operationalised and maintained over the life of the program 

• School-level GEDSI and Safeguarding Action Plans aligned with School Learning Improvement Plans or equivalent

• Functional safeguarding systems, referral pathways and trained focal points across participating schools

• Regular safeguarding risk assessments, compliance monitoring and incident reporting

• GEDSI and safeguarding inputs to program reports, learning products and public-diplomacy materials

Key working relationships 

• Reporting to: Program Director, PNG Secondary Education Program

• Internal: Senior Delivery Lead, MEL Lead, Teaching and Learning Lead, Digital Technology Lead, Infrastructure Specialist, Communications Manager

• External: Australian High Commission, NDoE and PDoEs, partner organisations, OPDs, school leaders, school heads of department, teachers and counsellors

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 leading GEDSI and safeguarding in complex development programs, preferably in PNG or similar contexts

• Strong knowledge of DFAT Child Protection and PSEAH policies and survivor-centred safeguarding practices

• Experience working with schools, government agencies and local partners to strengthen safe and inclusive education environments, including digital platforms and online learning contexts

• Proven ability to design and deliver training, mentoring and capacity-building activities

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across technical and operational teams

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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’

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.abtglobal.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.