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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 15
Location: NCDC City Hall, Waigani, National Capital District
Reporting to: Director – Regulatory Services

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 – Settlements to Suburbs provides strategic and operational leadership to plan, coordinate, and deliver settlement upgrading and formalisation initiatives across the National Capital District. The role oversees the development of land subdivision layouts, infrastructure improvements (including roads, drainage, utilities, public spaces, and community facilities), and the integration of social and environmental considerations in line with the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan and national policy frameworks.
The position works collaboratively with other NCDC Branches, external contractors, consultants, government agencies, and affected communities to ensure projects are well-designed, transparently implemented, and sustainable.


Role Purpose

The Manager – Settlement to Suburbs provides strategic and operational leadership to plan, coordinate, and deliver settlement upgrading and formalisation initiatives across the National Capital District. The role oversees the development of land subdivision layouts, infrastructure improvements (including roads, drainage, utilities, public spaces, and community facilities), and the integration of social and environmental considerations in line with the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan and national policy frameworks.
The Manager – Settlements to Suburbs works collaboratively with other NCDC Branches, external contractors, consultants, government agencies, and affected communities to ensure projects are well-designed, transparently implemented, and sustainable. The role ensures that informal settlements are transformed into liveable, connected urban neighbourhoods that support inclusive growth, improved services, and long-term resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to plan, coordinate, and deliver settlement upgrading and formalisation initiatives across the National Capital District.
• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of settlement upgrading projects, including roads, drainage, utilities, public spaces, and community facilities.
• Direct the Settlement Planner and S2S Lands Officer to coordinate land subdivision planning, layout preparation, and tenure formalisation processes.
• Ensure project planning and design align with the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan, national urbanisation policies, and sustainable land use principles.
• Oversee the S2S Mapping Officer to maintain accurate GIS data, spatial planning maps, baseline assessments, and progress tracking for decision-making and reporting.
• Monitor project implementation through progress reports, site inspections, milestone reviews, and performance tracking tools to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Ensure contractor performance, technical standards, and project timelines are met, with corrective actions taken where necessary.
• Prepare, monitor, and report on Branch and project budgets in accordance with NCDC financial management procedures.
• Oversee procurement and contract administration processes in compliance with the PFMA, National Procurement Act, and NCDC procurement guidelines.
• Identify and manage program and project risks, escalating issues where necessary to maintain project progress and safeguard resources.
• Prepare accurate progress, milestone, performance, and financial status reports for the Director – Regulatory Services and senior management.
• Coordinate with internal Branches such as Urban Planning, City Works, City Data, Legal, Finance, and Enforcement to support integrated planning and service delivery.
• Liaise with statutory authorities and utility providers (e.g., Water PNG, PNG Power, Telikom, Dept of Lands) to secure technical approvals and service extensions.
• Direct the Inter-Branch Community Liaison Officer to facilitate participatory planning, community mobilisation, grievance management, and awareness activities in collaboration with Social Development and Community Services Directorates.
• Engage landowners, community leaders, and settlement residents to build shared ownership of upgrading projects and long-term maintenance.
• Manage conflict resolution processes with affected stakeholders to maintain project progress and community cooperation.
• Lead the development of annual Branch work plans, project schedules, and phased investment strategies.
• Provide strategic advice to the Director and Executive Management on emerging settlement challenges, funding needs, and program priorities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for donor support, public–private partnerships, and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen program impact.
• Monitor KPIs and evaluate project outcomes to support continuous improvement and operational learning.
• Perform any other duties as directed by the Director, Deputy City Manager, or City Manager.

Education & Qualifications
Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Human Settlements Development, Community Development Infrastructure, Geography, Development Studies, Project Management, or a closely related field.

Preferred:

• Postgraduate qualification or formal training in Urban Upgrading, Land Administration, Project Management, Infrastructure Planning, or related discipline.
• Other: Valid Class 3 driver’s licence

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of, or willingness to acquire knowledge of, relevant laws and frameworks, including the Physical Planning Act, Land Act, NCDC Act, National Procurement Act, and PFMA.
• Understanding of urban settlement upgrading, land subdivision processes, and community participation approaches.
• Knowledge of civil works delivery processes (roads, drainage, utilities) and coordinating with contractors and consultants.
• Understanding of utility connection and service extension processes with service agencies.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping, spatial planning data, and evidence-based reporting.
• Program and Project Leadership: Ability to oversee multiple concurrent settlement upgrading projects from planning through delivery.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Strong communication, facilitation, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills to work with landowners, communities, government agencies, and contractors.
• Contract and Procurement Oversight: Capability to manage tenders, evaluate contractor performance, and ensure compliance with procurement procedures.
• Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Able to identify risks, develop solutions, and make sound decisions in complex settlement and community environments.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to supervise and mentor staff, manage workplans, and build a cohesive and motivated team culture.
• Technical and Data Literacy: Able to interpret designs, layout plans, cost estimates, and GIS-based progress tracking (MS Office essential; GIS/AutoCAD exposure desirable).
• Professional Integrity: Demonstrated commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience coordinating or managing infrastructure, settlement upgrading, community development, or urban planning projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with contractors, consultants, landowners, and community leaders.
• Experience in government, donor-funded, or municipal development programs is highly desirable.
• Experience managing teams and overseeing multiple workstreams at once.

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 "#25986" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.