Director – Infrastructure & Development Projects

The Organisation:

Pacific Adventist University (PAU) is owned and operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The institution is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Association, an international denominational authority for all tertiary and graduate educational programs and institutions owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church entities. The main campus is located on the pristine Koiari Park, 14 miles outside Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. The institution was established in 1984. Since then, it has grown from a college of 20 students to a university of over 1000 students from across the Pacific.

The Role:

The Director – Infrastructure & Development Projects reports to the Bursar/ Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for leading the strategic planning, design, and delivery of all infrastructure and capital development initiatives at Pacific Adventist University. This role ensures that the University’s physical environment supports academic excellence, student experience, and long-term institutional sustainability. The role provides leadership in facilities management, project execution, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all development aligns with the University’s mission and values. The Director – Infrastructure & Development Projects leads a dedicated project team and works closely with the Vice Chancellor, Council, and external stakeholders to deliver safe, compliant, and future-focused infrastructure outcomes.

Core Responsibilities:

• To promote a culture of good governance, transparency and accountability, integrity and service as consistent with the ethos, values and principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Vision and Mission of the Pacific Adventist University.
• Develop and implement long-term infrastructure strategies aligned with the University’s mission, academic priorities, and community needs.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all capital projects, including new construction, major renovations, campus expansion, and infrastructure upgrades. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards
• Provide direction and mentoring to the Projects team, fostering a high-performance culture, collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure effective maintenance, refurbishment, and upgrading of existing facilities to meet safety, sustainability, and operational standards.
• Guarantee adherence to building codes, occupational health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and University policies.
• Prepare and manage budgets for infrastructure projects, ensuring transparency, accountability, and cost control
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, contractors, government agencies, and donors to secure support and ensure project success.
• Integrate sustainable design, energy efficiency, and innovative technologies into infrastructure planning and development.
• Provide regular reports to the Bursar/CFO, Vice Chancellor and Council on project progress, risks, and outcomes
• Under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor to represent the University as required externally in advancing the aspirations and interests of the University.
• To serve as Chairperson or as a member of designated University Committees, as well as Ad hoc Committees and Selection Panels as constituted from time to time.
• Any other duties as requested by the Bursar/CFO

About you:

Qualifications and Skills required:

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years’ senior leadership experience in infrastructure development, facilities management, or capital project delivery.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale projects within higher education, public sector, or corporate environments.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, compliance frameworks, and sustainability practices in Papua New Guinea.
• Strategic leadership and vision.
• Strong project and financial management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Commitment to sustainability and innovation.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and accountability
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage external contractors effectively
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment with a commitment to team dynamics and collaborative leadership.
• High level of proficiency in financial software and data management systems such as Attaché’
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment with a commitment to team dynamics and collaborative leadership

If you feel you are the right person for the role and you meet the minimum requirements above, you may request a ‘Position Description’ and ‘Application Form’ from the Human Resource Department via [email protected] . It is a requirement that ‘application forms are to be completed in full and that all supporting documentation including updated CV and copies of educational qualification be submitted also. As an equal opportunity employer, PAU particularly encourages applications from male applicants As an equal opportunity employer, PAU particularly encourages applications from women.

Application closes on Monday, 05^th October 2026