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• Build a Legacy: Lead transformative projects shaping the future of Port Moresby.
• Grow Your Career in a dynamic urban environment.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to a stronger, more vibrant capital.

NC Salary Grade: NC.10
Location: NCDC City Hall, Waigani, National Capital District
Reporting to: Manager – Urban Planning



About the National Capital District Commission (NCDC)

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) is the statutory authority responsible for governing and managing Papua New Guinea’s capital city, Port Moresby.

Unlike other parts of PNG that fall under provincial administrations, Port Moresby sits within a unique administrative area – the National Capital District (NCD) established under its own Act of Parliament. The NCDC is mandated to plan, manage, regulate and shape the capital city on behalf of its residents, communities, and the nation as a whole.

As the gateway to Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby plays a critical national role. The NCDC’s responsibilities extend beyond routine municipal services to include city-wide planning, regulation, infrastructure coordination, social development, and institutional reform in a rapidly growing and complex urban environment.



About the Role

The Customary Lands Officer supports traditional landowning groups within the National Capital District to document, protect, and manage their customary land interests in line with legislation and urban development priorities. The role acts as NCDC’s key liaison on customary land matters, working with landowners, government agencies, and statutory bodies to support tenure recognition, boundary verification, and dispute resolution.

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Customary Lands Officer is to ensure customary land interests are accurately identified and appropriately considered in planning and development processes. Through community engagement, documentation, and advisory support, the role promotes culturally respectful land governance, legal compliance, and inclusive urban development across Port Moresby.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify and document customary land boundaries, ownership claims, and land use through field engagement and consultation.
• Liaise with traditional landowners, DLPP, statutory bodies, and internal NCDC branches to support tenure recognition, planning decisions, and dispute resolution.
• Provide advisory input, reports, and mapping information to inform development proposals, infrastructure planning, and land governance.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Diploma in Land Administration, Customary Land Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, or a related field, supported by relevant training in land management, dispute resolution, or community engagement.
• Preferred: Bachelor in Land Management, Geography, Urban Planning, or Customary Land Tenure from a recognised institution.
• Required: Valid PNG driver’s licence
• Preferred: Eligible for membership with a recognised professional body (e.g., PNG Institute of Planners, Institute of Surveyors PNG, or equivalent).

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of customary land systems, traditional land ownership structures, and urbanisation impacts on customary land within the National Capital District.
• Familiarity with the Land Act (1996), Physical Planning Act (1989 & 2001), Survey Act (1969), NCDC Act (2001), and willingness to gain deeper understanding of customary land rights and dispute processes.
• Understanding of formal lease conversion pathways and issues surrounding informal settlements on customary land.
• Awareness of inter-agency roles and procedures involving DLPP, the Surveyor General’s Office, and community dispute mechanisms.
• Knowledge of ethical and culturally sensitive practices when working with traditional landowners and clan-based landholding systems.
• Customary Land Practice: Ability to document traditional land claims, support verification of landowner identities, and assist in resolving encroachment or land use disputes.
• Community Engagement: Skilled in communicating respectfully with landowners, clan leaders, and community groups, and representing NCDC in culturally appropriate ways.
• Documentation and Records: Competent in preparing tenure documentation, land history records, and correspondence relating to customary land.
• Stakeholder Coordination:Strong liaison skills with DLPP, legal services, civil society partners, and internal NCDC teams.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of using basic GIS tools or mapping software.
• Ethical Standards and Reliability: Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to responsible public sector land management.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in customary land matters, community-based land management, or land dispute mediation
• Experience working with or alongside DLPP, surveyors, or planning authorities in documenting or verifying land tenure.
• Prior involvement in community awareness or advisory activities related to land rights, leasing options, or informal settlement impacts.
• Experience supporting urban planning or development programs through customary land documentation or stakeholder engagement.

Why Join NCDC?

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how data shapes the future of Papua New Guinea’s capital city. You will work at the centre of urban development, infrastructure planning, and service delivery—contributing to projects that leave a lasting legacy for Port Moresby.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are passionate about data-driven decision-making and city transformation, we encourage you to apply.



How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to:

• Review the available roles and position requirements
• Prepare to upload relevant supporting documentation
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Up-to-date CV, include in the one file along with your CV: copies of educational qualifications and a copy of a valid driver's licence (if applicable)

Click on the "APPLY NOW" button and submit an application through the Peopleconnexion PNG application portal.

Open to Port Moresby residents only.

Due to volume of candidates, only short-listed candidates will be contacted regarding applicant progress.

Applications are assessed on merit, capability, and alignment with NCDC’s values and service mandate.

Be part of the team shaping the future of Port Moresby — apply today.

To Apply

To apply, email your CV and other relevant documentation to [email protected]. Please include the Job ID "#26006" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.