POSITION TITLE: GENERAL MANAGER, BALIMO COLLEGE

AREA: Education

LOCATION: Balimo College, New Town, Balimo, Delta Fly District, Western Province PNG

TYPE / DURATION: Full time, 1 year contract, with contract extension possible

REPORTING TO: Chair, Balimo College Governing Council

About Balimo College:

Balimo College’s vision is to advance Western Province by providing high-quality teaching, research and community engagement. The institute will foster pathways of teachers and health workers who are committed to improving access to vital services in Western Province. Balimo College will be a safe and supportive place for graduates and other professionals across the Western Province catchment region to return for life-long learning and ongoing professional development. The College will develop a community of education and health professionals committed to innovation, excellence and community advancement; by being the training College of choice for Papua New Guineans

Balimo College is an initiative of SDP implemented in partnership with KTF. SDP has a mandate to deliver development programs which provide lasting benefits to the people of Western Province. Our efforts are focused on Health, Education, Infrastructure and Agribusiness. We aim to supplement and complement the efforts of the Fly River Provincial Government (FRPG), in other words, help fill the gaps in the existing systems.

Balimo College is recognised as a Higher Education Institute by the National Higher Technical Education Board of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). This recognition has been granted in accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2014, as amended in 2020, under Section 14(1)(i) and 55(4)(a).

About the Role:

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for leading the strategic direction, operations, and administration of both the School of Teaching and the School of Nursing. Reporting to the Chair of the Governing Council, the GM will ensure that the College’s mission, vision, and goals are effectively upheld across all departments, ensuring high standards of education and community service. The GM will lead the executive team, including the Principals of both schools, and oversee all administrative, financial, and human resources functions.

The GM will have an in-depth knowledge of the ethos and purpose of the Balimo College and the principles by which it operates. The GM will have a firm understanding of the Western Province education and health contexts and the objectives of Balimo College to create pathways for rural communities into teaching and community health work.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of Balimo College’s vision, mission, and values.
• Supervise and support the Principals of the School of Teaching and School of Nursing, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Foster collaboration between the schools to create a cohesive, innovative, and community-focused institution.
• Establish and nurture a positive and inclusive college culture, promoting care, academic excellence, and integrity.
• Drive initiatives to improve academic offerings, operational efficiency, and community engagement.

Operational Management

• Ensure effective daily operations of Balimo College, including the coordination of academic programs, facilities, and student services.
• Lead the College executive team to optimize the performance of both schools and streamline administrative processes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of college policies, procedures, and systems in consultation with the two Principals, and in alignment with governing regulations and standards.
• Coordinate the preparation of the academic calendar in collaboration with leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with PNG Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology (DHERST) and other relevant authorities.

Human Resources and Capacity Building

• Manage the recruitment, induction, and evaluation of staff in both schools in collaboration with the Principals and Governing Council.
• Develop a performance management system and provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.
• Foster leadership and career development among faculty and support staff.
• Chair Staffing Committee meetings, overseeing decisions related to staffing structures, promotions, and performance.

Financial Oversight

• Work with the Finance Manager and Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee to develop and manage the College’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Monitor and review financial performance, ensuring that spending aligns with the College’s strategic goals.
• Act as a responsible signatory for financial decisions within the limits established by the Governing Council.

Academic Oversight

• Ensure that the College’s educational programs meet high standards of quality and relevance to the community’s needs.
• Oversee curriculum development and academic planning, in consultation with the two Principals, ensuring alignment with national and international standards.
• Chair the Academic Board and receive reports from the Principals of the School of Teaching and School of Nursing in line with the Academic Board charter.
• Foster partnerships with external stakeholders, including universities, government departments, and donors, to enhance the College’s programs and resources.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

• Act as the primary spokesperson for Balimo College, building relationships with community leaders, government partners, and external partners.
• Ensure active engagement with the local community to strengthen the College’s role as a hub for lifelong learning and professional development.
• Promote and sustain a safe and inclusive environment for students, staff, and the broader community.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to all risk management, safety, and compliance requirements, particularly in workplace health and safety (WHS), child protection, Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment.
• Work with the Finance and Risk Management Committee to develop and implement a risk management framework.
• Ensure that Balimo College operates in accordance with its safeguarding Policies, safeguarding the well-being of all students and staff.

Required Skills and Attributes:

Knowledge of:

• A strong understanding of tertiary education and the specific challenges and opportunities in rural Papua New Guinea.
• Experience in leadership roles within education, health or public sector institutions, preferably in PNG or similar contexts.
• Proven financial management skills and experience managing budgets for educational institutions.
• Familiarity with government policies and standards for tertiary education (DHERST, NDOE, PNG Nursing Council).

Leadership Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage teams across diverse functional areas.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to foster collaborative partnerships and manage stakeholder relationships effectively.

Formal Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Education, Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience in education leadership and management.

Personal Attributes:

• A commitment to advancing education and health in rural PNG communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High integrity, resilience, and the ability to lead by example. Applicants must have the right to work in PNG.

Important Information:

Balimo College 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 Working With Children check and/or a Police Certificate. We promote diversity and equality in all our practices and strongly encourage those with diverse backgrounds and/or disabilities to apply for positions with Balimo College.

How to Apply:

We encourage you to apply early. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview and the position will remain open until it is filled.

To apply, please email [email protected] with the following documents attached:

• A cover letter addressing the following:
  • Your interest in the position of General Manager – Balimo College
  • Your leadership philosophy
• Your current resume
• A copy of your Bachelor’s Degree (required)
• A copy of your Master’s Degree (required)
• At least one written reference