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• Build a Legacy: Lead transformative projects shaping the future of Port Moresby
• Join a passionate team dedicated to a stronger, more vibrant capital.
• Grow Your Career in a dynamic urban environment

NC Salary Grade: NC 14
Location: NCDC City Hall, Waigani, National Capital District
Reporting to: Director - Social Development

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 Manager - Governamce Affairs is responsible for managing a team of up to 17 staff members. The position involves overseeing the daily operations of the Community Liaison & Governance Branch, which includes developing annual activity work plans, managing operational budget allocations, and ensuring all procurement complies with NCDC financial procedures. Because the role is field-oriented, the manager must frequently engage with ward-level structures to monitor compliance with governance frameworks, identify law breaches, and coordinate complex logistics for national programs such as elections and the census

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the NCDC fulfills its legal obligations regarding ward governance, village court administration, and national demographic coordination. The Manager serves as the critical liaison between the Commission and national agencies—including the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC), the National Statistical Office (NSO), and the Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA)—to ensure compliant and timely program delivery. By leading public awareness campaigns and maintaining the Warden Registry, the role aims to strengthen civic participation and ensure that community leadership structures are transparent and responsive. Ultimately, the position exists to bridge the gap between national governance standards and local implementation, ensuring a unified, whole-of-government approach to community engagement

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and Oversee Community Governance Programs: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of ward governance, warden registry maintenance, village court support, and civic engagement programs in line with legal and policy frameworks.
• Coordinate NCD Electoral and Census Operations: Manage the planning and execution of census and electoral roll update activities in partnership with national agencies, ensuring accurate data collection, community participation, and inter-agency collaboration.
• Strengthen Stakeholder Partnerships and Compliance Monitoring: Maintain strong relationships with ward leaders, government bodies, and development partners, while ensuring field-level issues—such as law breaches or governance gaps—are identified and escalated to relevant NCDC branches.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Policy, or a related field, plus a Grade 12 Certificate
• Preferred: Bachelor (as above) and other certificates or training in either project management, community development, conflict resolution, monitoring & evaluation and data collection.
• A valid Class 3 Driver’s Licence is required due to the field-based nature of the role

Skills & Knowledge

• Sound understanding of PNG’s electoral systems, ward governance frameworks, and community-level political structure.
• Knowledge of national and sub-national development planning processes, including alignment with PNG Vision 2050, MTDP IV, and related strategies.
• Familiarity with village court administration, the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-level Governments, and relevant procedures under MKA and DPLGA.
• Understanding of stakeholder engagement approaches, inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and conflict resolution at the ward/community level.
• Knowledge of government reporting, compliance, and program monitoring requirements, including awareness of NCDC operational procedures and policy mandates.
• Strong leadership, team supervision, and community engagement capabilities.
• High-level planning, coordination, and program delivery skills across multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills, with cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities and leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including reporting, policy briefs, and public messaging.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with data collection tools and basic data analysis.
• Demonstrated commitment to the goals, values, and service standards of NCDC, with a strong sense of accountability and public duty

Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in community governance, civic engagement, local-level government operations, or a similar public sector environment.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial position, preferably working directly with national agencies, ward councillors, or sub-national government programs.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating community-based programs, facilitating awareness initiatives, and managing inter-agency partnerships.

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 "#26026" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.