Tok Pisin Senior Language Teacher

The Role

Play a key role in preparing Australian Defence Force personnel to operate effectively in Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region. As the APS 6 Tok Pisin Language Teacher, you will lead a small specialist department responsible for the development and delivery of Tok Pisin language and cultural training. You will guide students through a challenging and rewarding learning journey while driving continuous improvement across curriculum, assessment and teaching practice.

You will develop innovative learning materials, monitor and support student achievement, provide expert advice to the Head of Wing, and lead cultural and in-country learning activities. Working closely with colleagues across the Defence Force School of Languages (DFSL), you will shape how language capability is delivered to Defence personnel and contribute directly to Defence's regional engagement objectives.

About our Team

The Tok Pisin Department is a small, high-performing team delivering language and cultural capability that supports Defence engagement throughout the Pacific. As part of the Defence Force School of Languages, you will work alongside expert linguists, educators and cultural advisers who are passionate about language learning and professional excellence.

DFSL delivers courses across 18 languages, equipping Defence personnel with the skills they need to build relationships, strengthen partnerships and operate effectively in diverse environments. Located in Laverton, Victoria, with a detachment in Canberra, DFSL offers a collaborative, inclusive and culturally diverse workplace where innovation is encouraged and professional development is valued. This is a unique opportunity to combine your language expertise, teaching experience and cultural knowledge in support of Defence capability.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a passionate educator, capable leader and language expert who is committed to excellence in language training.

You will bring:

• Advanced proficiency in Tok Pisin and a strong understanding of Papua New Guinea's cultures and contemporary society.
• Experience teaching languages, ideally in an adult learning environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative and the ability to influence positive outcomes.
• Experience developing curriculum, assessments and learning resources.
• Knowledge of contemporary language teaching methodologies and emerging educational technologies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively, think strategically and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers