EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

This activity is based in Papua New Guinea and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The goal of the AUD$80 million, 4-year investment is a more qualified, skilled, and inclusive workforce that meets industry needs and contributes to economic growth. It will provide visible, flexible, and tangible support for PNG’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in line with Australia’s national interests. Australia will help Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology (DHERST) unify the sector, under the auspices of the National Skills Development Agency (NSDA), to efficiently and effectively deliver on industry needs.  Among its outcomes, the program will: (1) enable Papua New Guinean technical colleges meet national quality standards and deliver industry relevant courses; (2) increase the numbers of Papua New Guineans, including women and people with a disability, that graduate with skills that lead to employment or entrepreneurship; and (3) strengthen TVET policy, data and regulatory functions in Papua New Guinea; (4) augment the visibility and responsiveness of Australia’s investment in PNG’s TVET sector.

EDC is seeking experienced short- and long-term experts to implement this TVET project in Papua New Guinea, starting in the summer of 2025. Contingent upon award by DFAT, the selected candidates are expected to fulfill one or more of the following roles:

• Team Leader – Providing strategic oversight, stakeholder engagement, and overall project management to ensure effective implementation and alignment with DFAT priorities and regulations.
• Technical Consultant/ Technical Specialist – Leading the technical aspects of the activity’s TVET work.
• Financial Management and Operations – Overseeing financial management, compliance, procurement, human resources, and operational functions to ensure efficient project delivery.

Education:

Master’s degree or advanced degree in Education, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Public Policy, International Development, or any related field.

Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in one of the following areas of expertise: senior-level management and leadership of TVET programming, financial management, or technical expertise in improving public TVET systems in alignment with industry needs.
• Candidates will demonstrate successful leadership or technical work or financial management of large, complex, international donor-funded (preferably DFAT) workforce development/ TVET projects, preferably in contexts similar to Papua New Guinea.
• Candidates are expected to build cohesive, efficient and effective teams, and foster collaboration and clear communication on the project.
• Selected consultants will bring productive interaction with bi-lateral donors, government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders, and will possess the ability to manage complex partnerships among stakeholders, achieving buy-in from all partners. 
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience working in Papua New Guinea, and/or implementing TVET programs in a similar country context.

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