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 an experienced Communications Manager to lead communications and public diplomacy for the PNG Secondary Education Program.Reporting to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead and working closely with the Australian High Commission (AHC) public diplomacy team, National Department of Education (NDoE) and provincial partners, the role will develop and implement a comprehensive Communications and Public Diplomacy (CPD) Plan that highlights the shared Australia–PNG partnership in secondary education.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery and is ideal for a communications professional with strong contextual knowledge of the education sector in PNG, experience in international development and a passion for ethical, inclusive storytelling.

Key responsibilities 

The Communications Manager will:

• Lead development and delivery of the PNG SEP Communications and Public Diplomacy Plan

• Drive strategic communications that highlight program impact, partnerships and results

• Produce high-quality content across media, digital and print platforms

• Coordinate messaging with the Australian High Commission, NDoE and participating schools 

• Support major events, launches and exchanges, including media engagement

• Ensure all communications meet safeguarding, PSEAH and informed consent requirements

• Translate monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) evidence into clear, accessible communications products

• Build communications capability through mentoring, tools and coaching

Key deliverables

• PNG SEP Communications and Public Diplomacy Plan developed, operationalised and maintained across the program life cycle

• Regular high-quality communications products aligned with DFAT and PNG–Australia Partnership branding and visibility requirements

• Effective communication and promotion of key program milestones and events

• A maintained communications archive including images, consent forms, stories and media coverage

• Communications inputs to biannual and annual reporting, including contributions to EOPO 3: Supportive Australia–PNG Relations

Key working relationships 

• Reporting to: MEL Lead, PNG Secondary Education Program

• Internal: Teaching and Learning Lead, Digital Technology Lead, GEDSI and Safeguarding Lead, Infrastructure Specialist 

• External: Australian High Commission Public Diplomacy Team, NDoE and PDoEs, partner organisations, OPDs, school leaders, subcontractors and creative service providers.

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 communications and public diplomacy in international development or complex programs

• Strong understanding of DFAT public diplomacy priorities, branding and visibility requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high-quality content for diverse audiences

• Experience working collaboratively with government counterparts, donors and local partners

• A strong commitment to ethical storytelling, safeguarding and inclusive representation

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines

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: April 26 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.