Higher Education Partnerships Specialist

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Higher Education Partnership Specialist to support the AAPNG program to identify, scope and build partnership opportunities between Papua New Guinea tertiary institutions and Australian universities.

Contribute to a world where people, communities, and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information, please visit our website.

The Opportunity

• Shor-term adviser role with up to 100 input days until April 2026
• Location: Remote

Position Overview

The Higher Education Partnerships Specialist Specialist will identify, scope and build partnership opportunities between Papua New Guinea tertiary institutions and Australian universities. The Specialist will play a critical role in strengthening bilateral higher education collaboration by building institutional relationships, supporting the implementation and monitoring of Higher Education Partnerships (HEP) Grants in Australia, and designing a staff mobility program for PNG academic and administrative personnel.

Key Responsibilities:

The Higher Education Partnerships Specialist will:

• Identify and support development of potential partnerships between PNG tertiary institutions and Australian higher education providers.
• Map areas of mutual interest and strategic alignment across teaching, research, and institutional development, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Establish and strengthen professional networks with key stakeholders across Australian universities.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of HEP Grants awarded to Australian universities and identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement in future grant cycles.
• Develop a structured staff mobility program to support academic and administrative exchanges between PNG institutions and Australian universities including scoping of logistics, potential hosts, funding models, and program objectives
• Represent AAPNG in discussions to promote partnerships and long-term collaboration with the PNG higher education sector.

Selection Criteria:

• Postgraduate qualification in a related field such as education, international development, or business administration.
• Demonstrated experience (5+ years desirable) at a senior level in international higher education partnerships, mobility programs, or academic collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of the Australian and/or PNG higher education sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders in academic settings.
• Understanding of staff mobility and institutional capacity building models.
• Demonstrated experience cross-culturally with colleagues, government agencies, service providers and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with innovation, adaptability, flexibility, and resilience in a complex, ever changing environment

For a complete position description, please click here. Please use password TetraTech2025

How to Apply: Click the “Apply for job” button on the Tetra Tech International Development website. Applications will only be accepted via the website. Emailed applications will be disregarded.

Please submit:

• Resume (not exceeding four pages)
• Statement of suitability (not exceeding two pages), demonstrating how your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and personal attributes align with the selection criteria
• Please do not include transcripts, references, or other documentation, as this will deem your application automatically ineligible

Apply before 11:59 PM (AEST) Monday, 25 August 2025.

About the Organization

Why Tetra Tech International Development?

As a leading development consulting firm, Tetra Tech International Development works with people and communities to solve some of the world's most complex challenges to achieve a positive impact.

Working at Tetra Tech International Development means working within a values-led organisation that invests in flexible work environments built on trust, safety and well-being. Through unified systems, flexible and supportive workplaces, we provide the foundations required for our team to enjoy the work they do and deliver value every day. Read more about our culture, purpose and values here.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with disability; First Nations Peoples; and people of all cultures, genders, abilities and experiences to apply.

Should you require additional support with your application, please email IDEV.HRServices@tetratech.com  or phone (08) 8375 4400.