Communications and Public Diplomacy Manager

About the role

Palladium is recruiting a Communications and Public Diplomacy Manager for the PNG-Australia Strongim Wok Long TVET (SWLT) program, a four-year, AUD 80 million Australian Government investment to strengthen Papua New Guinea's technical and vocational education and training sector. The role is based in Port Moresby, open to PNG nationals only, on a fixed-term contract until 30 November 2028 (possible extension). It is being re-advertised.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Public Diplomacy Specialist to develop the SWLT communications and public diplomacy strategy and workplan, aligned to PNG-Australia partnership messages and branding
• Manage the communications and public diplomacy team and build collaborative relationships with them and with the DHERST public diplomacy unit and other stakeholders
• Help develop locally relevant communications materials such as social media content, newsletters and case studies, with the SWLT MEL team
• Support budget planning and tracking, including supplier costs and event expenditures
• Lead communications reporting, performance tracking, MEL inputs and regular updates on workplan delivery
• Manage program photography and videography, including permissions, editing, storage and publishing
• Engage directly with students to develop content, and use digital analytics and surveys to measure impact
• Manage media relations and monitoring, including media releases, op-eds and media coverage tracking
• Coordinate logistics and planning for public diplomacy events, campaigns and stakeholder engagements
• Advise on recruitment of additional team members and coach them, and support GEDSI objectives
• Adhere to DFAT and Palladium safeguarding standards and promote an inclusive, sustainable office culture

Required profile

• Proven experience delivering communications and marketing campaigns, in the private sector or with donor-funded programs
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills
• Understanding of the political and cultural context in PNG and respectful working with partner government counterparts
• Experience with MEL frameworks or communication monitoring tools

Required skills

• Social media platforms and content creation
• Videography and photography
• Visual graphics such as charts, animations and infographics
• Newspaper and TV news-ready content
• Events planning and coordination

To apply, submit an online application with a CV and a brief cover letter by 24 November 2026. Candidates must meet the PNG-nationality requirement.