ABOUT KTF:
KTF is an Australian international aid and development organisation working in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
We work with people and communities to improve the lives and futures of Papua New Guineans. We do this by: assisting remote and rural communities with access to elementary and primary education; improving access to quality and accessible healthcare; improving equality and access to sustainable income-generation opportunities, especially for women; and by fostering the next generation of leaders.
KTF is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is accredited with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Australian Not-for-Profit Cooperation Program.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Stakeholder Engagement Manager (SEM) is a strategic and hands-on role responsible for strengthening, coordinating, and systematising KTF's engagement with critical stakeholders.
Working closely with the General Manager, PNG, the SEM supports the development, maintenance and growth of relationships with key stakeholders including donors, partners, government representatives and officials, community leaders, sector peers and supporters.
The role is responsible for developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement framework and strategy, ensuring that priority stakeholders are informed, engaged and aligned with KTF's mission, programs and impact.
This role requires excellent communication and relationship management skills, strong strategic thinking, initiative, and the ability to operate across organisational priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Stakeholder Strategy and Planning
* Develop and maintain a comprehensive stakeholder engagement map identifying priority stakeholders across government, donors, partners, communities, sector networks and supporters.
* Design and implement a stakeholder engagement strategy aligned with KTF's organisational strategy, program priorities and growth objectives.
* Segment stakeholders by influence, interest and engagement needs, and tailor engagement approaches accordingly.
* Regularly review and adapt the stakeholder strategy to reflect organisational changes, new initiatives and emerging opportunities or risks.
2. Relationship Management and Engagement
* Support the General Manager, PNG and Leadership Team in building, nurturing and strengthening relationships with key external stakeholders.
* Act as a central coordination point for stakeholder engagement to ensure consistent messaging, follow-up and relationship continuity.
* Prepare briefings, talking points and background materials for senior leadership ahead of stakeholder meetings and engagements.
* Where appropriate, represent KTF in meetings, forums, events and sector engagements.
3. Government, Donor and Partner Engagement
* Support engagement with government representatives and officials in Australia and PNG, ensuring alignment with national priorities and reforms.
* Contribute to relationship management with donors, philanthropic partners and institutional funders, in close collaboration with the Head of Partnerships & Engagement and fundraising team.
* Assist in identifying opportunities for new partnerships, collaborations and strategic alliances that support KTF's mission and programs.
* Support the coordination of donor and partner communications to ensure consistency, accuracy and professionalism.
4. Communications and Stakeholder Information
* Develop and coordinate high-quality written communications for stakeholders, including briefings, updates, reports, presentations and correspondence.
* Ensure stakeholders are well-informed about KTF's programs, impact, innovations and strategic direction.
* Work closely with internal teams to translate program information into clear, compelling external messaging.
* Support the development of stakeholder-facing materials that strengthen KTF's profile, credibility and influence.
5. Internal Coordination and Systems
* Work across teams to ensure stakeholder engagement activities are planned, coordinated and tracked.
* Establish simple systems to record engagement activities, contacts, outcomes and follow-up actions.
* Provide advice and guidance to staff on stakeholder engagement approaches and protocols.
* Support internal learning by sharing insights from stakeholder interactions that may inform strategy, programs or operations.
6. Strategic Support and Special Projects
* Provide strategic advice to the General Manager, PNG on stakeholder dynamics, risks and opportunities.
* Support priority organisational initiatives that require coordinated external engagement (e.g. new funds, flagship programs, major events).
* Take initiative to identify creative and non-traditional engagement opportunities that enhance KTF's reach and influence.
7. Safeguarding, Ethics and Compliance
* Ensure all stakeholder engagement activities uphold KTF's commitments to:
o Child Protection and Safeguarding
o PSEAH (Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment)
o Code of Conduct
o Gender Equality, Disability Inclusion and Do No Harm principles
* Model ethical, respectful and culturally appropriate engagement at all times.
* Ensure external communications and engagements align with organisational policies and reputational standards.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Essential
* Minimum 5+ years' experience in a stakeholder engagement, partnerships, external relations, business development or similar role.
* Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior decision-makers.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear messaging.
* Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively.
* Proven ability to take initiative, work independently and manage multiple priorities.
* Experience working in or with NGOs, international development, government or mission-driven organisations.
Desirable
* Experience working in or with international development or the PNG context.
* Experience supporting senior leaders or executive teams.
* Familiarity with donor, government or philanthropic engagement.
* Strong organisational and coordination skills.
* Tertiary qualifications in communications, international development, public policy, business, or a related field.
Applicants must have the right to work in PNG. This position will require frequent domestic travel in PNG (including remote and rural areas).
Closing date for applications: 30th January 2026, or earlier if the position has been filled.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so apply asap.
To apply click on Apply for this Job. Fill in the required fields and upload the relevant documentation, including your CV, cover letter, copy of your qualifications and one written reference. In your cover letter, clearly address the selection criteria and your motivation to apply for this position.
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 Working With Children check and a 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.