EMPLOYEE TERMS OF REFERENCE

POSITION TITLES: Principal, Balimo Model School

Deputy Principal, Balimo Model School

AREA: Balimo, Delta Fly, Western Province

LOCATION: Balimo College Campus

TYPE / DURATION:12-month contract with 6-month probationary period

REMUNERATION: Competitive salary package

ABOUT:

The Balimo College educational campus was established by SDP in 2019 to build the education and health standards and pathways for the Western Province. Through the college, SDP now proudly delivers tertiary qualifications in Junior Primary Teaching under the Balimo Teachers College program; secondary school certification and GPA upgrades through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE); and E-Learning programs in schools around the area. SDP now embarks on an exciting new chapter expanding the campus and opening the Balimo Model School.

BALIMO MODEL SCHOOL (BMS):

Originated by the late Honourable Roy Biyama, infrastructure for the BMS has been completed in preparation for commencement of the 2024 academic year.

The BMS will cater for all levels of schooling, including Early Childhood Education, Primary Schooling and Secondary Schooling, and aims to grow to support 1,000 students by the end of 2028. The model school will operate in an environment conducive to quality teaching and learning, being inclusive and responsive to additional needs, and removing educational barriers for local students to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

ABOUT THE ROLES:

We are currently seeking to recruit 2 experienced and dynamic educational leaders for the positions of School Principal and Deputy School Principal, leading the Balimo Model School in its first academic year. The ideal candidates will have a proven track record in educational leadership, a passion for fostering a positive school culture, and the ability to drive academic excellence. They will further be able to demonstrate dedication, innovative thinking, flexible and team-orientated leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leadership and Vision:

• Lead and manage a team of 12 academic staff and additional administrative and support staff;
• Provide strong and effective leadership in the implementation of educational programs and policies;
• Develop and articulate a clear vision for the school in collaboration with stakeholders;

1. Academic Excellence:

• Provide high-level strategic guidance for the development, implementation and assessment of the curriculum;
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in teaching and learning;
• Conduct the teaching, marking, assessment and monitoring of BMS Curriculum and determine instructional and assessment strategies to suit a range of student needs;
• Motivate and monitor students through the academic year;
• Support students as they approach and take exams to be fully prepared and confident with the process and materials;

1. Student Welfare:

• Create a safe and supportive learning environment for students;
• Promote the overall well-being of students, ensuring a positive and inclusive school culture;
• Implement effective student discipline policies and practices;
• Manage the learning process and facilitate individual student learning by providing advice on strategies to overcome learning difficulties;

1. Partnership development and stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with SDP and KTF staff in PNG and Australia on operations of BMS;
• Engage and support collaboration with other program staff at Balimo College, in particular Balimo Teachers College;
• Represent SDP and KTF in engagement with relevant stakeholders in the Balimo community;

1. Staff support and development:

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff;
• Provide professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and effectiveness of the faculty;

1. Policy Implementation

• Adhere to all SDP and KTF policies and procedures including child protection policy, no-alcohol, drugs & buai policy, disability policy, gender equity policy, and counter terrorism policy;
• Develop, implement, and enforce BMS policies in line with those of SDP and KTF;
• Ensure staff and students are aware of and comply with policies;
• Regularly review and update school policies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;

1. Financial Management:

• Manage the school budget efficiently, ensuring financial sustainability;

1. Operations

• Undertake a range of administrative, coordination and learning services activities directly related to the areas taught;
• Maintain accurate records of students’ attendance, progress and assessment and communicate these to administration teams as required;

1. Other

• Any other duties as directed by the SDP or KTF Management;

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Education or a related field;
• Proven experience as a school principal or in a similar leadership role;
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a diverse team;
• Knowledge of educational regulations and compliance standards in PNG;
• Visionary leadership with a commitment to fostering a positive school culture;

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

1. Leadership:

• Proven ability to lead and inspire a diverse team;
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;

1. Educational Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of educational trends, curriculum development, and assessment;
• Understanding of diverse teaching methodologies;

1. Community Engagement:

• Excellent relationship-building skills with parents, students, and the wider community;
• Effective public speaking and representation abilities;

1. Adaptability:

• Ability to adapt to evolving educational landscapes and implement innovative solutions;
• Flexibility in responding to the changing needs of the school community;

1. Policy Management:

• Strong understanding of policy development and implementation;
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to policy enforcement;

1. Financial Acumen:

• Financial management skills, including budget development and resource allocation;
• Resourcefulness in managing financial sustainability;

1. Communication

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to inspire and connect across partners, people and cultures;

1. Information Technology

• A good understanding and competence of computers and technology for email communications, data management, administration;

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must have the right to work in PNG;
• This position may require travel within PNG from time to time;

HOW TO APPLY:

Email your application to the Kokoda Track Foundation with the subject line:
‘Application – BMS – Principal/Deputy Principal’

Include the following:

• A cover letter addressing the following:
  • Clearly state you interest in the position of ‘Principal’ or ‘Deputy Principal’
  • Clearly state your subject specialisms
  • Outline your teaching philosophy
  • Address your willingness and personal requirements for relocation to Balimo during the academic year (if not already from the area)
• Your current resume;
• Attach a copy of your Bachelor’s Degree;
• Attach at least one written reference.

Successful candidates will need to supply a current Police Check in line with KTF’s safeguarding standards. KTF is proudly a zero-tolerance organization regarding Child Protection, Gender Equity and Disability Rights.

Submit your application to: admin@kokodatrackfoundation.org

For queries, contact us on +61 0418 811 748 (business hours).

KTF 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 current (within the past 2 years) Police Certificate. We promote diversity and equality in all our practices and strongly encourage those with diverse backgrounds and/or disabilities and or those who identify as LGBTQI+ to apply for positions with KTF.

KTF strongly encourages all staff get vaccinated against COVID-19. This is not only for the protection of you, but also for the protection of our staff and the communities in which we work in.

Come and join the KTF family and enjoy working in a fast -paced, challenging environment with a great team located across Australia and Papua New Guinea.