Strengthen school systems and support teachers to help every student thrive

The Diocese of Kundiawa, through Palms International Volunteering, is seeking an experienced educator or school administrator to help strengthen school operations and improve support for students with diverse learning needs. This role combines administrative capacity building with hands on mentoring for teachers, contributing to a more organised, inclusive, and student centred school environment.

If you’re passionate about education, leadership development, and long term community impact, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to walk alongside local colleagues in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands.

What you’ll do

First several weeks – Learn, observe, and build trust

• Learn local language, cultural norms, and school context with support from a local mentor.
• Observe existing systems and document strengths, resources, and community assets.
• Avoid recommending changes during this period; focus on understanding why things are done the way they are.

Ongoing responsibilities – Mentor and build capacity

• Develop and implement training plans for principals, secretaries, and administrative staff.
• Strengthen school recordkeeping, reporting systems, and communication processes.
• Mentor teachers to better identify and support students with diverse learning needs.
• Assist teachers in developing targeted learning strategies for struggling learners.
• Monitor progress, document outcomes, and support long term capacity building.

What you’ll bring

• Minimum of 5-10 or more years’ experience in the field of education
• Proven experience in school administration, leadership or institutional management
• Capacity to manage budgets, resources, and operational system
• Strong knowledge of education policy and governance systems
• Demonstrated capacity in resource management
• Ability to supervise staff and oversee school operations
• Training expertise across design, delivery, implementation, and assessment
• Integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgment
• Strong mentoring, relationship-building, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Patience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.
• Commitment to serve for 12 months with limited resources.

What you’ll gain

• Deep cultural immersion in the PNG Highlands.
• The chance to strengthen systems that directly improve student outcomes.
• Professional experience in cross cultural leadership and capacity building.
• Contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

About the Diocese of Kundiawa Kundiawa is a small but vibrant provincial capital in the central Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The Diocese oversees schools, health services, and community programs across the region. Schools face administrative pressures and growing student needs. Your support will help create a more effective and inclusive learning environment.

About Palms International Volunteering For 65 years, Palms International Volunteering has supported skilled Australians to live and work alongside communities in the Asia-Pacific. Our volunteers don’t ‘fix’ problem - they build relationships, strengthen local capacity, and walk with communities striving for dignity and opportunity. These are ‘solidarity placements’. Accommodation and a small stipend is provided, as well as preparation and ongoing support.

The focus is on living as a true neighbour to learn, and to establish an effective mentoring role. This is the basis for lasting capacity building in the community. It is also a chance for you to step out of the rush and reconnect with what matters through a deep cultural immersion and genuine community relationships.