Share this job:

• Report directly to the CEO and help shape strategy for lasting community impact
• Lead a district team and build local capability that outlasts the programs
• See your work change lives across Western Province communities

Lead change where it matters most | Daru, Western Province, PNG | Senior Leadership Role

Shape the future of Western Province

Our client is a leading development organisation working to build healthy, educated and resilient communities across Western Province. Through long-term partnerships and investment, it delivers multi-sector programs in health, education, livelihoods, agriculture and fisheries, and small business development, reaching some of Papua New Guinea's most remote and underserved communities. Its approach is built on genuine partnership with government and communities, so that the benefits outlast the programs themselves.

The opportunity

This is a rare chance to sit at the heart of a development organisation and connect its programs with the government systems and communities they serve. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the Program Coordination Unit and its district team. You will oversee the district program portfolio and make sure provincial, district, LLG and ward planning and budgeting work hand in hand with program delivery.

You will be the organisation's voice in the districts and the community's voice inside the organisation. You will build trusted relationships with government leaders, agencies, churches, women's and youth groups, and development partners, and turn those relationships into joint planning, co-investment and stronger local systems. If you want your leadership to leave something lasting behind, this is the role.

What you'll be doing

• Strategic leadership: Advise the CEO and senior leadership team on program design, community expectations and emerging risks. Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and impact.
• Local systems strengthening: Mobilise local government for joint planning, budgeting, co-contribution, monitoring and governance. Support capacity building that improves service delivery on the ground.
• Partnerships and negotiation: Negotiate and manage MOUs, co-funding arrangements and partnership agreements. Secure and protect land agreements that underpin program delivery.
• Program portfolio oversight: Build and maintain a district-level portfolio management and reporting system. Review and approve implementation work plans, and help Pillar Leads deliver on time, on budget and to standard.
• Community expectations and grievances: Manage stakeholder expectations, resolve grievances within policy timeframes, and advise on safeguards and cultural fit.
• Financial oversight: Develop and manage annual district budgets in line with delegated authority and financial policy.
• People leadership: Lead, mentor and develop District Managers and Coordinators, building a safe, inclusive, high-performing team culture.
• Governance and compliance: Uphold safeguarding, child protection, gender equality, environmental and contractual obligations, with zero tolerance for fraud.

What you'll bring

• A bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, International Development, Social Sciences or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years' senior management experience in the not-for-profit, development, government or humanitarian sector
• Proven multi-sector project management experience in remote or rural settings
• Demonstrated experience working with PNG's provincial, district, LLG and ward planning, governance and budgeting systems.
• Strong experience working with subnational government, agencies, communities, donors and development partners
• Demonstrated experience overseeing budgets, organisational planning, strategy implementation and performance management
• Experience negotiating complex stakeholder environments, community interests and land-related matters will be highly regarded.
• Political astuteness, resilience and adaptability, with a leadership style that empowers teams and earns the trust of communities
• A genuine passion for improving livelihoods and service delivery in underserved communities

Ready to make an impact?

If you are a seasoned development leader who knows how to bring government, communities and partners to the same table, and you want your next role to leave a real mark on the lives of thousands of Papua New Guineans, we want to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience matches this role by COB Friday 16th October 2026. To apply, upload your documents via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button

Peopleconnexion PNG: Recruitment, Training, Immigration, Payroll & HR Services.

www.peopleconnexion.com/png

Your legacy is our business

To Apply

To apply, email your CV and other relevant documentation to [email protected]. Please include the Job ID "#28760" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.