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.

Project Description

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 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 to 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.

Position Description

EDC is seeking an experienced Technical Director to support the implementation of this TVET project in Papua New Guinea, starting in the summer of 2025. Contingent upon award by DFAT, the selected candidate will lead the technical aspects of the activity’s TVET work. S/he will lead the investment’s technical strategy, refining program approaches to enhance quality and maximize impact. The candidate will be responsible for promoting both internal and external collaboration to integrate and layer programming effectively.

Education:

Master’s degree or advanced degree in Education or any related field.

Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in a technical capacity in improving public TVET systems in low- and middle-income countries, including experience in demand-driven approaches; ability to demonstrate results in terms of industry-based certification and employment.
• Candidates will demonstrate successful technical work on large, complex, international donor-funded (preferably DFAT) workforce development/ TVET projects, preferably in contexts similar to Papua New Guinea.
• Demonstrated experience with or familiarity with the range of policies and programs across the TVET ecosystem, including but not limited to: quality assurance, information management systems, financial management systems, learning assessment, accreditation, curriculum development, sector skills councils, public-private partnerships, micro-credentialing, and industry-based certifications.
• Experience and/or familiarity with building the capacity and increasing the performance of technical colleges.
• Candidates are expected to build cohesive, efficient and effective teams, and foster collaboration and clear communication on the project.
• Candidates should demonstrate an ability to engage with bi-lateral donors, government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders that leads to tangible results; candidates 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.

Language:

Professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken English.

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