The National Development Bank (NDB) is a development finance institution, wholly owned by the state of Papua New Guinea. The bank operates 19 branches around the country and lends to individual Papua New Guineans and indigenous businesses operating in the agriculture and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) and SME sectors.

We are seeking a qualified and motivated Legal Officer to join our Legal Services Division. Reporting directly to the Principal Legal Officer, this role is responsible for delivering high-quality legal advisory services, supporting commercial transactions, and managing litigation matters.

The Legal Officer will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on statutes, regulations, case law, and policy matters affecting the Bank.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, loan agreements, and other legal documents.
• Support litigation processes, including liaising with external counsel and preparing legal documentation.
• Advise on legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Conduct legal research and prepare briefs and opinions.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with banking laws, corporate governance standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate with departments to support legal aspects of projects and initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB); and Admission as a Legal Practitioner to the National and Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea.
• Must be a member of the PNG Law Society.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in Commercial Law Litigation and practice, preferably related experience or exposure in banking, finance or corporate law.
• Have a strong legal, financial, compliance, reporting, company law knowledge
• Must be a team player to supervise the legal department.
• Intermediate Technical Skills in Compliance, Legislation, Contract Management, Industry Intermediate Technical Skills in People Management Processes.
• Experience in managing bank risk.
• Experience in dealing with Governments and Central Bank
• Professional knowledge in Drafting Legal documents
• Professional Knowledge in Civil Litigation, Commercial Law - Conveyance, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Criminal Litigation

How to apply

Please send your resume, with (3) most recent referee and a brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject “Legal Officer Application - Your Name”

Closing date 17 October 2025.

Only Short-listed applicants will be contacted.