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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 – Settlements to Suburbs


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 Lands Officer supports land formalisation, verification, and subdivision processes required to transition informal settlements into planned and serviced neighbourhoods. The role focuses on verifying land ownership and boundaries, maintaining accurate land records, and coordinating with customary landowners, ILGs, and project teams to ensure land tenure processes progress alongside infrastructure upgrades.

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Lands Officer is to support secure, cooperative, and legally compliant settlement upgrading by ensuring land tenure, access, and documentation requirements are addressed in a timely and coordinated manner. Through land verification, stakeholder engagement, and record management, the role contributes to sustainable settlement development and effective implementation of the Settlements to Suburbs Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify land ownership, boundary claims, and ILG or clan affiliations for settlement upgrading and subdivision areas.
• Maintain accurate land records, registers, maps, and agreements to support planning approvals and project implementation.
• Liaise with customary landowners, ILGs, community leaders, and internal NCDC teams to support land access, dispute resolution, and shared decision-making.
• Support planners and project teams with land status briefings, field checks, and documentation to ensure land processes align with infrastructure works.
• Ensure land verification, documentation, and subdivision processes comply with the Land Act, Physical Planning Act, ILG Act, and NCDC procedures.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Diploma in Land Administration, Surveying, Land Studies, or a related discipline.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Land Administration, Surveying, Land Studies, or Urban/Regional Planning.
• A valid Class 3 driver’s licence is desirable.

Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of PNG land legislation and systems, including the Land Act, ILG Act, Survey Act, and customary land tenure practices.
• Knowledge of subdivision, land registration, boundary verification, and settlement upgrading processes.
• Familiarity with statutory planning and land administration procedures relevant to NCDC.
• Awareness of community engagement and dispute resolution approaches in customary land contexts.
• Basic understanding of GIS, cadastral mapping, and spatial data interpretation to support land records.
• Strong documentation and record management skills with a high level of accuracy.
• Effective communication and facilitation skills to engage respectfully with landowners, ILGs, and community representatives.
• Ability to read and interpret land documents, survey plans, and boundary maps.
• Organisational and time management skills to coordinate land-related tasks across multiple project sites.
• Ability to contribute to resolving land-related issues using diplomacy and culturally appropriate methods.
• Professional conduct, integrity, and cultural sensitivity when working in customary and informal settlement settings.
• Commitment to NCDC’s values and the successful implementation of the Settlements to Suburbs Program.

Work Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in land administration, surveying, land studies, or a related field.
• Experience working with customary landowner groups, ILGs, ward leaders, or community-based land processes is an advantage.
• Prior involvement in settlement upgrading, subdivision planning, land boundary verification, or related urban development activities is desirable.

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 "#26007" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.