Barbara Age is a PhD candidate in the Department of Pacific Affairs, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at The Australian National University. Prior to her PhD candidature, Barbara served in various roles including:

1. The first female Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea.
2. Pioneer Director of the Political Affairs Division of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat in Vanuatu; and
3. As founder of the Agelavu Sisters Consultancy Services (ASCS), she is engaged by the Central Provincial Government of PNG to implement an initiative Barbara developed/designed titled: Pathways to Prosperity: Central Province Sub-National Diplomacy and Economic Development (2025-2030). Two other initiatives she developed/designed include: (1) Sustainable Partnerships: Women’s Economic Empowerment through Diplomacy; and (2) Governor’s Central Province Netball Cup: Empowering Women through Sports, Business, and Climate Resilience.

She also provides governance and legal advisory services to the PNG Council of Churches (PNGCC) and other organizations.