Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment (PNGUNRE)

The Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment (PNGUNRE) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Employee & Industrial Relations Coordinator within the Human Resources Department.

PNGUNRE is committed to strengthening governance, operational efficiency, employee accountability, and service delivery across the University. As part of its ongoing institutional improvement agenda, the University is seeking a proactive and highly motivated Human Resource professional to promote positive employment relationships and support compliance with employment legislation, University policies, and best human resource management practices.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Human Resource Manager, the Employee & Industrial Relations Coordinator will be responsible for promoting productive employment relationships across the University by providing professional advice and operational support in employee relations, industrial relations, workplace investigations, disciplinary matters, grievance management, conflict resolution, and employment law compliance.

The successful candidate will work closely with management, employees, and relevant external stakeholders to foster a harmonious, productive, and legally compliant workplace that supports organisational performance, staff wellbeing, and institutional excellence.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Employee Relations

• Promoting positive and productive working relationships throughout the University.
• Providing advice to managers and employees on employee relations matters.
• Facilitating early resolution of workplace issues through counselling and mediation.
• Promoting compliance with the University's Code of Conduct and workplace behavioural standards.
• Supporting employee engagement initiatives that foster a positive organisational culture.

Industrial Relations

• Coordinating industrial relations matters involving employee associations and recognised unions.
• Assisting management with consultation and collective bargaining processes.
• Interpreting employment legislation, industrial instruments, and University employment policies.
• Liaising with the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations and other relevant authorities.
• Monitoring industrial disputes and recommending practical solutions.

Discipline, Grievances & Workplace Investigations

• Coordinating disciplinary processes in accordance with university policies.
• Conducting or coordinating workplace investigations into misconduct, harassment, bullying, discrimination, fraud, and other policy breaches.
• Managing employee grievances and facilitating mediation where appropriate.
• Preparing investigation reports and maintaining confidential records.

Employment Law, Policy & HR Advisory

• Providing advice on employment legislation, Public Service General Orders, and University policies.
• Assisting with the review and development of employee and industrial relations policies and procedures.
• Supporting supervisors in managing employee performance and conduct issues.
• Providing HR advisory services to management on employee relations matters.

Records Management & Reporting

• Maintaining confidential employee and industrial relations records.
• Preparing reports on disciplinary matters, grievances, investigations, and compliance.
• Monitoring trends and recommending improvements to employee relations practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Business Management, Law, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in Human Resource Management, particularly in employee relations, industrial relations, disciplinary administration, or workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated experience in grievance management and workplace investigations.
• Sound knowledge of Papua New Guinea employment legislation, Public Service General Orders, and contemporary HR practices.
• Excellent report writing, negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Office applications and Human Resource Information Systems.

Desirable Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Postgraduate qualifications in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Employment Law, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within a university, statutory authority, or public sector organisation.
• Experience working with employee associations or trade unions.
• Training in workplace investigations, mediation, or employment law.

Key Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong employee and industrial relations capability.
• Sound knowledge of employment legislation and HR policy interpretation.
• Workplace investigation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management ability.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills.
• Integrity, professionalism, impartiality, and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent report writing and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Terms & Conditions

• Appointment will be made in accordance with the PNGUNRE Terms and Conditions of Employment.
• Performance will be assessed through the University's Performance Management System.
• The successful applicant may be required to travel to university campuses and external agencies as required.
• University accommodation is not a condition of employment. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of East New Britain Province or those who are willing to relocate and are able to secure and meet their own accommodation arrangements.

Salary Range

Base Salary: K54, 725.00 – K66, 887.00

DMA: K3,680.00 – K4,498.00

Why Join PNGUNRE?

PNGUNRE offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to strengthening people management and fostering a positive workplace culture within Papua New Guinea's specialist university for natural resources and environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting fair employment practices, improving workplace relationships, and enhancing organisational performance.

Application Details

Interested applicants should submit:

• A written application addressing the selection criteria.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant certificates.
• Contact details of at least three (3) current professional referees.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Human Resource Manager
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment
Private Mail Bag
Kokopo, East New Britain Province
Papua New Guinea

Or email applications to: [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday, 14 August 2026

PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer.