Deputy Principal

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.

THE BALIMO COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS:

The Balimo College educational campus was established by SDP in 2019 to build the education and health standards and pathways for the Western Province. Through the college, SDP delivers tertiary qualifications in Teaching under the Balimo Teachers College program; provides secondary school certification and GPA upgrades through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE); supports schools in the area through E-Learning programs; and in 2024, opened the Hon. Roy Biyama Balimo Academy.

HON. ROY BIYAMA BALIMO ACADEMY (the Academy):

The Academy is a PNG Sustainable Development Program initiative implemented in partnership with KTF. The Academy caters for all levels of schooling, including Early Childhood Education, Primary Schooling and Secondary Schooling, and aims to grow to support 1,000 students by the end of 2028. The Academy fosters an environment conducive to quality teaching and learning, being inclusive and responsive to additional needs, and removing educational barriers for local students to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Deputy Principal – Secondary will work closely with the Principal to provide leadership across academic, pastoral and administrative aspects of the secondary school. The role will help create the conditions for high-quality teaching and learning, strong student support, effective school systems, and a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will contribute to the leadership of areas such as behaviour management, student wellbeing, enrolment and student records systems, family liaison, assessment and examination preparation, intervention and support programs and the strengthening of academic policies and practices in keeping with RBBA’s goals and values.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The Deputy Principal will be expected to model excellent teaching practice, mentor staff, support professional development, use data to improve outcomes and help ensure that school systems are well organised, consistent and student-centred.

Proficiency in educational technologies and strong leadership skills are essential, along with maintaining confidentiality and privacy within the school environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Principal in the overall leadership and management of the school, including acting in the role of Principal when required.
• Help build and sustain a strong culture of teaching excellence, professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership in positive behaviour management, student wellbeing and pastoral care systems, ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Support and strengthen teaching and learning practices, including SBC implementation, assessment, moderation, reporting and examination preparation.
• Use student data and evidence to monitor performance, inform decision-making and implement targeted intervention and support strategies.
• Mentor, coach and support teachers and middle leaders, contributing to staff induction, professional learning and performance development.
• Maintain a teaching load and model high-quality classroom practice.
• Support the effective operation of school systems, including enrolment processes, attendance, student records, reporting and data management.
• Lead and support administrative processes to ensure efficient and consistent school operations, with clear systems and accurate record keeping.
• Provide support and coordination for boarding operations, working with designated boarding staff to ensure student wellbeing, appropriate supervision and alignment with school policies.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of school policies and procedures in alignment with organisational and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with key policies including child safeguarding, inclusion, gender equity and organisational codes of conduct.
• Support school improvement planning, review processes and the ongoing strengthening of whole-school systems and practices.
• Contribute to the management of school resources and budget oversight to support effective and sustainable operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students, staff, families and the wider community, supporting positive engagement and communication.
• Work collaboratively with partner organisations and stakeholders to support the effective operation and development of the school.
• Support and coordinate targeted academic, behavioural and wellbeing programs for students requiring additional support.
• Undertake additional duties as directed by the Principal.

SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES & SELECTION CRITERIA:

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

Leadership & Professional Practice

• Proven experience in educational leadership, preferably in a secondary or comparable school setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and inspire staff, and contribute effectively as part of a leadership team.
• Strong professional judgement, integrity, resilience and the ability to remain calm, adaptable and solutions-focused in a complex environment.

Teaching & Learning Expertise

• Strong instructional leadership with the ability to support high-quality teaching and learning.
• Experience in curriculum implementation, assessment, moderation and examination processes.
• Demonstrated ability to use student data and evidence to improve learning outcomes.

Staff Development & Capacity Building

• Experience in mentoring, coaching and developing teachers and supporting professional growth.
• Ability to build a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.

Student Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Strong experience in behaviour management, pastoral care and student support systems.
  
• Commitment to creating safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.

Operations & Systems

• High-level organisational and administrative skills, including experience with student information systems, records, reporting and school operations.
• Ability to develop, implement and maintain effective systems, processes and policies.

Policy, Compliance & Governance

• Strong understanding of policy implementation, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to child safeguarding, inclusion and ethical practice.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, families and community stakeholders.
• Experience working effectively across cultures and within diverse communities.

Strategic & Operational Capability

• Ability to contribute to school improvement planning and strategic development.
• Sound understanding of resource management and financial oversight in a school context.

Personal Attributes

• High levels of professionalism, initiative and accountability.
• Flexibility, adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Positive demeanour, strong teamwork skills and an appropriate sense of humour.

Digital & Administrative Capability

• Competence in the use of digital tools and systems for communication, data management and school administration.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant university degree in education or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification is highly desirable; Master’s degree preferred.
• Current teacher registration, or eligibility for registration, as required.
• Substantial teaching experience across a range of school settings.
• A strong track record of effective school leadership and improving student outcomes.
• Experience in secondary curriculum, assessment and school operations will be highly regarded.

Have the right to work in PNG.

This position may require travel domestically from time to time.

Closing date:  12th June 2026 or earlier if filled.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

For queries only, email admin@kokodatrackfoundation.org, 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.