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 Leave & Travel Officer 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 organised Human Resource professional to administer staff leave and official travel functions while ensuring compliance with university policies, Public Service General Orders and established administrative procedures.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Human Resource Manager, the Leave & Travel Officer is responsible for the efficient administration of employee leave and official travel across the University. The successful candidate will maintain accurate leave records, coordinate domestic and overseas travel arrangements, provide advice on leave and travel entitlements, and ensure that all transactions are processed in accordance with University policies, relevant legislation and approved procedures.

Working closely with the Human Resources, Finance, Payroll and Procurement teams, the successful applicant will contribute to improving operational efficiency by delivering timely, accurate and customer-focused leave and travel administration services.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Leave Administration

• Administering all categories of employee leave, including annual, sick, maternity, paternity, compassionate, study, long service and other approved leave.
• Processing leave applications and verifying employee eligibility and leave balances.
• Maintaining accurate leave records within the Human Resource Information System and employee personnel files.
• Monitoring leave accruals and reporting excessive leave balances to management.
• Preparing leave utilisation and leave liability reports.

Staff Travel Administration

• Coordinating domestic and overseas travel arrangements for authorised University staff.
• Processing approved travel requests and liaising with travel agents, airlines and accommodation providers.
• Coordinating travel associated with recruitment, conferences, training, official meetings and other approved University business.
• Maintaining accurate records of travel approvals, airfares, travel allowances and travel acquittals.
• Monitoring outstanding travel advances and ensuring timely acquittals.

Leave and Travel Compliance

• Ensuring compliance with university policies, Public Service General Orders and relevant legislation.
• Providing advice to staff and supervisors on leave and travel entitlements and procedures.
• Reviewing supporting documentation before processing leave and travel claims.
• Assisting in the review and continuous improvement of leave and travel procedures.

Records Management and Reporting

• Maintaining confidential leave and travel records for all University employees.
• Supporting internal and external audits relating to leave and travel administration.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports on leave utilisation, leave liabilities and official travel expenditure.
• Monitoring trends and recommending improvements to leave and travel administration processes.

HR Advisory and Administrative Support

• Providing timely advice on leave and travel matters to employees and supervisors.
• Working closely with Finance, Payroll and Procurement to facilitate timely processing of employee travel and related payments.
• Supporting Human Resource initiatives and undertaking other duties as directed by the Human Resource Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related discipline.
• A minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' relevant experience in Human Resource Administration, Leave Administration, Payroll Administration or Travel Administration.
• Sound knowledge of leave administration, employee records management and employment conditions.
• Good understanding of the Public Service General Orders.
• Strong organisational, communication and report writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Human Resource Information Systems.

Desirable Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Experience working within a university, statutory authority or public sector organisation.
• Knowledge of payroll administration and employee benefits.
• Experience coordinating official travel and travel acquittals.
• Training in records management or Human Resource Information Systems.

Key Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Sound knowledge of leave and travel administration.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Integrity, professionalism and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• 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: K30, 495.00 – K37, 276.00

Why Join PNGUNRE?

PNGUNRE offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to strengthening Human Resource service delivery within Papua New Guinea's specialist university for natural resources and environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring efficient leave management, effective coordination of staff travel, and the delivery of responsive Human Resource support services that contribute to the University's operational excellence.

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 Resources 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.