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

About the University

The Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE) is a specialised national institution mandated to advance education, research, innovation, and community engagement in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and applied development disciplines.

PNGUNRE operates across three campuses:

• Vudal Main Campus (East New Britain Province) – home to core teaching and research programs
• Takubar Campus (Kokopo) – host of Postgraduate Programs and the Department of Business & Economics
• Popondetta Campus (Oro Province) – focused on agricultural training and community development initiatives

The University emphasises practice-oriented teaching, field-based learning, and strong industry collaboration, producing graduates who are work-ready and capable of contributing meaningfully to sustainable development outcomes across Papua New Guinea.

About the Role

PNGUNRE invites applications from academics with demonstrated expertise in Sustainable Ecotourism Development for appointment as Lecturer I or Lecturer II.

This role places strong emphasis on fieldwork, work-integrated learning, and industry secondment, and is designed in alignment with recognised tourism accreditation and competency frameworks, including UNWTO TedQual principles, competency-based education, and outcomes-focused curriculum delivery.

The successful appointee will play a key role in ensuring that tourism programs meet academic quality standards while remaining industry-relevant, experiential, community-focused, and responsive to national and regional development priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Sustainable Ecotourism, Tourism Policy, Adventure Tourism, and Destination Development, aligned to competency-based and outcomes-based frameworks.
• Design, coordinate, and supervise fieldwork, practicum, and industry-based learning activities, including community tourism initiatives and applied case studies.
• Facilitate and support industry placements and academic secondments with tourism authorities, NGOs, tour operators, eco-lodges, and hospitality enterprises.
• Supervise undergraduate research and capstone projects with a strong applied and field-based orientation.
• Conduct and publish applied and scholarly research in ecotourism development, sustainable destinations, community-based tourism, and tourism policy.
• Contribute to program accreditation, curriculum review, and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with government agencies, industry bodies, and research organisations to support student learning and collaborative research.
• Mentor tutors, technical officers, and early-career academics.
• Support professional development and community training programs delivered by the University.

Qualifications, Experience & Competency Profile

• Master’s degree or PhD in Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism, Hospitality Management, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated understanding of tourism accreditation standards, competency frameworks, and outcomes-based education.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ tertiary-level teaching experience, or a doctoral qualification acceptable to the University.
• Significant post-qualification professional experience in tourism development, destination management, consultancy, or hospitality operations (minimum of six years combined).
• Evidence of applied research or scholarly publications in ecotourism, adventure tourism, sustainable development, or tourism policy is highly desirable.
• Practical experience supervising fieldwork, industry placements, or work-integrated learning programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, punctuality, and commitment to sustainable tourism principles.

Salary Range

Lecturer I / Lecturer II
K48,382.26 – K59,132.71
K52,941.42 – K64,707.20
(plus applicable allowances and benefits)

Why Join PNGUNRE?

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape practice-ready tourism graduates through immersive field-based learning, industry engagement, and applied research. PNGUNRE provides a collaborative academic environment that values quality assurance, sustainability leadership, and real-world impact.

Application Details

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter addressing fieldwork experience, industry engagement, and accreditation-related expertise
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• Names and contact details of three (3) referees

Applications must be addressed to:

The Manager – Human Resources
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment
Vudal Campus, East New Britain Province

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 06 February 2026

PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates.