Based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea • 2-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension • Open to both national and international candidates
About TSSP Phase 3
The PNG–Australia Transport Sector Support Program Phase 3 (TSSP3) is a critical, high-priority Australian investment that stands to make a major contribution to PNG development outcomes.
Working closely with the Government of PNG (GoPNG), TSSP3 will build on the significant body of achievements, lessons, and relationships from the past 17 years of operation and will continue to contribute to the achievement of the overarching goal of:
‘A more effective, efficient, and inclusive transport system, enabling the economic and social development of PNG.’
Gender Equity, Disability Equity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Social and Environmental Safeguards, Locally Led Development (LLD), Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (CCDR) and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) are a key focus for the program and are integrated into all of TSSP3’s activities and operations.
This phase of TSSP3 will run from November 2023 to November 2028.
The Role
The Inclusion and Safeguards Director (Director) provide strategic leadership within one of the largest bilateral Australian aid programs in PNG. The Director oversees a multidisciplinary team spanning GEDSI, safeguards (social and environmental), and climate change and disaster resilience (CCDR). They are responsible for ensuring these priorities are effectively integrated across the program, while strengthening local leadership and systems for inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient transport in PNG.
In addition to leading and managing a diverse team, the Director works closely with the Team Leader and Senior Management Team (SMT) to ensure strategic coherence, technical quality and alignment with DFAT and GoPNG priorities.
Given the breadth and complexity of TSSP3, this role requires a leader who can connect and coordinate across diverse technical areas and lead a high-performing team. The Director must have sufficient technical knowledge to oversee implementation and assure quality but does not need to be a specialist in every area. They are accountable for the overall technical integrity and results of the Inclusion and Safeguards portfolio, working through and alongside a team of subject-matter experts.
Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/mw6ac6ca
About You
Essential experience and knowledge
· Postgraduate degree in international development, social science, gender studies, environmental management or other relevant disciplines.
Technical
· Minimum 15 years of professional experience in international development or related fields, including at least five years in senior leadership or management roles leading or coordinating multidisciplinary teams within large, complex infrastructure or governance programs
· Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and integrate cross-cutting priorities, including GEDSI, safeguards, and CCDR, across program design, planning, and delivery
· Strong working knowledge of GEDSI, social and environmental safeguards, and CCDR issues in the infrastructure sector, preferably within Papua New Guinea or Pacific contexts
· Proven ability to translate technical advice into strategic direction, ensuring high-quality outcomes delivered through subject-matter experts
· Demonstrated capacity to build and sustain strategic relationships with government, donors, and civil society partners, navigating complex political and institutional environments
· Track record of capacity strengthening and locally led development, including mentoring and enabling leadership among national counterparts
· Strong skills in strategic planning, program coordination, and adaptive management, with experience applying DFAT or equivalent donor policies and frameworks
· Excellent communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior levels.
Personal attributes
· Strong interpersonal, communication, representational and cross-cultural skills
· Ability to apply independent judgement and influence, and develop consensus on difficult and controversial issues, balancing multiple stakeholder expectations and objectives
· Strong commitment to addressing GEDSI, safeguards and CCDR related issues
· Commitment to teamwork and engaging with all relevant stakeholders
· Ability to coach, mentor and upskill other people and ability to build effective relationships
· Patience, tolerance, resilience, flexibility, and preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging, developing country environment.
HOW TO APPLY
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday, 30 November 2025/ 11:59pm / AEST
Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.
About DT Global Asia Pacific
At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges - from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity - with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.
For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
