Creating a sustainable future

Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) is an international development organisation working with rural and remote communities in Asia-Pacific and First Nations communities in Australia to co-design sustainable solutions that meet community needs. Our work supports the Sustainable Development Goals agenda in particular WASH, Climate Action and Renewable Energy. EWB ’s Learning & Education Program equips today’s engineers to lead change and increase diversity across the sector. Our STEM Pathways program inspires tomorrow’s engineers.

EWB is part of an international member-based movement working in over 40 countries, united in our mission to design and build a better future for people and planet. We have offices in Vanuatu, Cambodia and Timor Leste and a National Office located in Melbourne.

Position Summary

The Education Pathways Lead is a pivotal role within EWB's Education and Learning Team. The role has a dual focus: leading the development and continuous improvement of education content for the EWB Challenge and associated programs and building a meaningful STEM-to-University pathways program that supports diverse and underrepresented students — including First Nations children, (8-13 years), young people and women — to pursue engineering and technology careers.

This role is responsible for managing EWB's 24 university partners, engaging First Nations and international communities to co-design authentic student project briefs, and liaising with partners to support the program's broader ambitions. The role works closely with the Learning Experience Designer and wider Education and Learning team to ensure coherence, consistency and quality across EWB's entire student learning journey.

What Makes This Role Unique

This is a rare opportunity to re-shape the future of humanitarian engineering education in Australia at scale. You will work at the intersection of curriculum innovation, community partnership, and systems change — influencing how 12,000+ students each year understand engineering's role in designing solutions to mitigate climate action and impact whilst creating a more equitable world. You will be a genuine bridge between universities, First Nations communities, international partners, and the corporate sector, ensuring that real-world community needs drive student learning experiences.

Reporting line

• Reports to: Head of Education & Learning Program
• Direct Reports: Nil
• Key Internal Stakeholders
  • Chief Development Officer
  • Business Development Manager
  • Industry Partnerships Manager
  • Communications & Marketing Manager
  • In-country managers and staff in Timor-Leste, Cambodia and Vanuatu

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of community-centred project briefs for the EWB Challenge, in co-design with First Nations and international community partners.
• Develop high-quality multimedia learning resources, facilitation guides, and assessment support materials that reflect best-practice problem-based learning in engineering education.
• Ensure content aligns with university curriculum frameworks, industry competencies, accreditation requirements, and EWB's theory of change.
• Coordinate with EWB's in-country teams to design project briefs in authentic socio-cultural, technical and community contexts, ensuring projects are ethical, and community-led.
• Design, develop and deliver a STEM-to-University pathways program targeting underrepresented students — including First Nations young people, students from regional and remote areas, and young women in STEM.
• Build and manage partnerships with secondary schools, TAFE providers, Indigenous education bodies, and community organisations to support pipeline development into studies in engineering and technology.
• Develop culturally safe and engaging program content, events, and experiences that connect young people with the relevance and possibilities of engineering as a career.
• In consultation with EWB Development Team identify and respond to funding and grant opportunities to grow and sustain the pathways program.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on pathways program outcomes, using data to drive continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for EWB's 24 university partners, maintaining strong, productive, and collaborative relationships with academic coordinators, subject convenors, and faculty leadership.
• Lead the planning and delivery of university-facing events including design showcases, awards ceremonies, academic briefings, and professional development workshops.
• Identify opportunities to deepen university engagement, including co-design of curriculum, research collaboration, and expansion to new partner institutions.
• Represent EWB at sector events, conferences, and forums related to engineering education and university partnerships.

First Nations and Overseas Engagement

• Build and steward respectful, long-term relationships with First Nations communities and organisations, supporting the co-design of project briefs that reflect genuine community priorities and aspirations.
• Ensure all community engagement is conducted in accordance with EWB's ethical engagement principles, with appropriate cultural protocols, consent processes, and benefit-sharing arrangements.
• Liaise with EWB's international program teams to identify and develop community partnerships overseas that generate authentic student project briefs.
• Actively advocate within EWB and the broader sector for Indigenous self-determination and community-led approaches in engineering education.

KEY Selection criteria

Essential

• Demonstrated minimum 5+ years’ experience in the design and delivery of education programs or curriculum, preferably in the higher education, STEM, or development education sectors.
• Strong understanding of problem-based or project-based learning methodologies.
• Excellent stakeholder/partnership management skills.
• Outstanding facilitation skills with experience delivering workshops, presentations, or lectures to varied audiences including students, academics, and community members.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural respect — particularly in relation to First Nations peoples and communities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas for diverse audiences.
• High level of self-direction, initiative, and project management capability in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Background in either sustainable development, appropriate technology, or a related technical field.
• Experience working with or for First Nations communities or organisations, with understanding of culturally safe engagement practices.
• Experience in grant writing, program evaluation, or impact reporting.
• Experience developing STEM outreach or pathways programs for underrepresented groups.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and generous team member who brings ideas, energy, and a sense of possibility to their work.
• Curious, creative, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to navigate complexity with good judgment.
• A natural relationship-builder who works effectively across cultures and contexts.

Qualifications and requirements

• Relevant graduate and post-graduation qualifications
• Driver’s License
• Current National Police Check
• Current Working with Children Check

This position is being recruited through an expedited process. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the role will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed.

If you have any questions about the position, please email them to [email protected] using the subject line: International Development - Education Pathways Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.