Pacific Adventist University (PAU), located just 14 kilometers from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, is a private Christian university operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Established in 1984 as Pacific Adventist College, it gained full university status in 1997, marking a significant milestone in higher education in the South Pacific region. PAU serves over 1,000 students and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties like Education, Business, Science and Technology, Health, and Theology. The university's mission centers on providing holistic education grounded in biblical principles, preparing graduates for service in church, community, and professional spheres.
Jobs at Pacific Adventist University attract educators, researchers, and administrators who share its values of faith, integrity, and excellence. The institution emphasizes a supportive environment where employees contribute to PNG's development while living out Christian ideals. With its scenic campus amid lush greenery, PAU combines academic rigor with spiritual growth, making it an appealing destination for careers in higher education.
The roots of Pacific Adventist University trace back to the early 1980s when the Seventh-day Adventist Church recognized the need for a tertiary institution in Papua New Guinea. Opening its doors in 1984 with 80 students, it quickly expanded, earning university accreditation from the Papua New Guinea National Higher Education Commission. Key milestones include the introduction of new programs in health sciences in the 1990s and the development of research centers in the 2000s. Today, PAU stands as a beacon of Adventist education in the Asia Pacific, with a focus on sustainable development aligned with PNG's national goals.
The university's mission statement underscores wholistic development—intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social. This philosophy shapes jobs at PAU, where roles often involve mentoring students in faith-based learning and community outreach. Understanding this history helps prospective employees appreciate PAU's commitment to long-term impact in Papua New Guinea's higher education landscape.
Careers at PAU span faculty, administration, and support roles. Faculty positions include lecturers and professors in disciplines like education, accounting, nursing, and theology. Administrative jobs cover areas such as human resources, student services, and facilities management. Research roles, though emerging, focus on local issues like public health and agriculture. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
PAU occasionally posts adjunct professor jobs and higher ed jobs in executive leadership, reflecting its growth. Salaries are competitive within PNG's private university sector, with benefits including housing allowances and medical coverage.
To understand jobs at Pacific Adventist University, key terms include:
📊 For faculty jobs at PAU, a PhD in the relevant field is typically required for professor or senior lecturer positions, while a master's degree suffices for entry-level lecturer jobs. Research focus areas include public health, sustainable agriculture, and theological studies, reflecting PNG's needs in the Asia Pacific region.
Preferred experience encompasses publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant funding from bodies like the Australian Aid program, and prior teaching in Christian institutions. Skills and competencies valued at PAU include:
For admin roles, a bachelor's in business or education plus 3-5 years' experience is standard. Check administration jobs for specifics.
Pacific Adventist University actively promotes diversity through its inclusive Christian ethos, welcoming faculty from various Pacific nations and beyond. Initiatives include scholarships for female students and staff, gender equity policies aiming for 40% women in leadership by 2025, and cultural awareness training. As part of the SDA global network, PAU supports international hires, fostering a multicultural environment where employees from Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the US collaborate. Specific examples: annual diversity workshops and representation on governance boards.
🏡 PAU prioritizes work-life balance with a standard 40-hour week, Sabbath observance (no work Saturdays), and wellness programs like fitness classes and counseling. Campus life revolves around community—weekly chapels, sports fields for volleyball and soccer, and family-oriented events. Housing is available on the 400-hectare campus, with proximity to Port Moresby for urban amenities. Employees enjoy a close-knit atmosphere, potlucks, and mission trips, blending professional growth with spiritual fulfillment in PNG's tropical setting.
The application process for jobs at PAU starts with monitoring the university's careers page at pau.ac.pg or contacting HR directly. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter emphasizing faith alignment, academic transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and values discussion.
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Pacific Adventist University offers rewarding jobs in a faith-centered environment in Papua New Guinea. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or research, PAU provides growth opportunities. Explore higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with like-minded professionals shaping the future of education in the Asia Pacific.
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