Call for Applications for Membership of the National Higher and Technical Education Board

Press Release

In accordance with the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2014 (as amended) (HEGPA), applications are now invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for membership of the National Higher and Technical Education Board.

  1. STATUTORY BASIS

    2. Section 13 of the HEGPA establishes the National Higher and Technical Education Board (Board).

  2. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD

    3. The Board will consist of a chairperson and not more than six nor shall less than four Board members, of whom at least two be women. Membership of the Board will be approved by the National Executive Council on the recommendation of the Minister, following advice from the Departmental Head. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

    Alternate members may be appointed.

    The Board will select its own Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

  3. THE ROLE OF THE BOARD

    4. The Board is responsible for integrated quality assurance of all higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea ensuring all its decisions are evidence based and made objectively in accordance with the HEGPA.

  4. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD

    5. The Board has the following powers and functions:

    1. To assist in ensuring that the objectives of the HEGPA are achieved in respect of quality assurance and regulation for higher and technical education
    2. To report to the Departmental Head in respect of its activities and on matters referred to by the Departmental Head.
    3. To monitor the work of any committees and other bodies it establishes.
    4. To recommend to the Departmental Head policy guidance on national quality assurance arrangements for higher and technical education.
    5. To review, consult on and update the PNG National Qualifications Framework from time to time.
    6. To approve national standards for quality assurance and regulation of higher education institutions and Papua New Guinea universities.
    7. To approve application guides, forms, and other documents required under the HEGPA
    8. To make decisions on matters referred to it for its decision.
    9. To recognise or not recognise the registration or programme accreditation decisions of any other agency or professional licensing body in respect of a higher education institution or higher education programme as meeting requirements of the national standards, and;
    10. To conduct thematic or sectorial reviews on any matters relating to compliance with the national standards.
    11. To approve a national higher and technical education plan in accordance with Section 6 of the HEGPA, and;
    12. To approve the appointment of Council members of public higher education institutions in accordance with Section 143O of the HEGPA; and,
    13. To approve the appointment of the Chair and Deputy Chair of a public institution of higher education in accordance with Section 143P of the HEGPA; and,
    14. To terminate the appointment of a member of a Council of a public higher education institutions in accordance with Section 143R of the HEGPA; and,
    15. To approve the Rules of public higher education institutions in accordance with Section 143ZO of the HEGPA; and,
    16. To approve national curriculum and national training packages in accordance with Part XA of the HEGPA.

    Further information about the functions and responsibilities of the Board can be obtained by contacting DHERST Contact Persons listed in Section 8 below.

  5. ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD

    6. Under Section 15(4) of the HEGPA, a person appointed to the Board shall:

    1. Be a fit and proper person to hold the office, and;
    2. Have substantial current knowledge and expertise in the management of institutions of higher education or of academic affairs in higher and technical education, which may include research management, or;
    3. Have substantial current knowledge and experience in the design, development and delivery of programmes leading to higher education awards /qualifications, or;
    4. Have substantial current knowledge and experience in meeting the employment needs of industry, businesses, government or the community in Papua New Guinea, or;
    5. Have substantial current knowledge and experience in quality assurance of higher and technical education, or;
    6. Have substantial current knowledge and experience in:
      • business management, or;
      • leadership and administration,or;
      • institutional governance, or;
      • planning, or;
      • finance, or;
      • the practice of law, or;
      • government regulation of institutions.

    One member must be nominated by the PNG National Churches Education Council.

    You are not eligible if you are:

    • A current public service employee;
    • A member of the governing body of a higher education institution;
    • A chief executive officer of a higher education institution, or;
    • An owner, whether in part or full, or a private higher education institution registered under HEGPA.

  6. HONORARIUM

    7. The Chairperson will be paid an honorarium and appointed on terms and conditions approved by the Head of State. Members will be paid fees and allowances as determined by the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and appointed on terms and conditions approved by the Minister.

  7. SELECTION CRITERIA

    8. A Selection Committee established by the Acting Secretary DHERST will assess eligible applicants against the following criteria:

    1. Applicant meets the requirements of Section 15 (4) of the HEGPA;
    2. Extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the principles and practices of external quality assurance in higher education;
    3. Extent of the applicant’s relevant prior experience and expertise;
    4. Strength of endorsement of applicant from referees;
    5. Extent to which the applicant contributes to a balanced ranges of expertise or brings unique skills and experience or contributes to meeting the requirements in respect of gender balance.

  8. APPLICATION PROCESS

    9. Applications must include:

    • A Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria;
    • A current detailed Curriculum Vitae with the names and contact details of three referees who are readily contactable by email or telephone;
    • Applications must be submitted in one of the two ways: (1) by email to Ms Welmah Wakit (welmah.wakit@dherst.gov.pg) or Ms Cecilia Bula (cecilia.bula@dherst.gov.pg) or qad@dherst.gov.pg with the subject line “National Higher and Technical Education Board” or (2) in a sealed envelope stating “National Higher and Technical Education Board” and posted to this address:

      Acting Secretary
      Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
      P.O. Box 5117, Boroko
      NCD 111
      Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

    Potential applicants must obtain an Application Pack from DHERST Contact Persons:

    1. Ms Welmah Wakit
      Phone:       (675) 301 7021 Email: welmah.wakit@dherst.gov.pg
    2. Ms Cecilia Bula
      Phone:       (675) 301 7038 Email: cecilia.bula@dherst.gov.pg

Applicants must be received no later than 4:06pm on 18th February 2022. Late applications will not be entertained.

This advertisement is authorised by:

Dr Francis Hualupmomi, PhD
Acting Secretary
Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology