Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF)

POSITION: Principal – Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE)

LOCATION: Western Province

DURATION: Full-time, contract, Academic year with a 6-month probationary period

REMUNERATION: Competitive remuneration offered

ABOUT KTF FODE CENTRES:

KTF FODE Centres deliver the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) curriculum to students in rural and remote areas across Papua New Guinea, helping them to complete Upper Secondary, Lower Secondary, and Basic Education certifications and transition into further training or employment.

The program supports inclusive, community-embedded education with a mix of campus-based and outreach delivery. Our schools are vibrant, student-focused, and committed to educational equity.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are currently recruiting a dedicated and experienced FODE Principal to lead operations and academics at one of our FODE Centres. This is a leadership role suited to someone who is innovative, community-minded, and has strong experience managing secondary-level teaching teams.

The role blends teaching and curriculum leadership with the operational, logistical, and strategic oversight of a remote education site. A successful Principal will ensure a high standard of teaching, strong student progress, effective outreach, and responsive community engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the academic program, including teaching, assessment, and exam preparation.
• Manage school operations, timetabling, logistics, and resource distribution.
• Motivate and support students, ensuring inclusion, wellbeing, and participation.
• Coach and develop teaching staff, maintaining high standards and effective delivery.
• Ensure accurate data collection, timely reporting, and support for MEL activities.
• Promote safety and compliance with KTF safeguarding and operational policies.
• Deliver the FODE program in outreach contexts.
• Strengthen relationships with communities, local schools, and key stakeholders.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Tertiary qualification in Education (Bachelor’s or higher) – ESSENTIAL
• Current Full Teaching Registration in PNG - ESSENTIAL
• Minimum 5 years experience in education, including leadership roles – ESSENTIAL
• Experience managing academic operations in remote or low-resource settings
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, and performance management experience
• Ability to adapt curriculum delivery for diverse learners and outreach contexts
• Excellent planning, reporting, and administrative skills
• Strong cultural competency and inclusive education practice
• Competence with ICT tools including emails, databases, and mobile devices
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have the right to work in PNG
• Willingness to travel for outreach delivery and training
• Successful applicants will be required to provide a current Police Clearance

KTF is proudly a child-safe, inclusive, and equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQI+.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email your application to Kokoda Track Foundation with the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing your interest in the Principal – FODE role and how your background fits the key selection criteria
• Current resume
• Copy of your teaching qualification(s)
• Copy of current teaching registration
• At least one written reference

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To apply, follow this link. For queries only, contact: [email protected] with Principal – FODE enquiry as subject. Applications sent to this email will not be reviewed.