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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


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 – Urban Planning is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the Urban Planning Branch and guiding the sustainable growth and orderly development of the National Capital District. The role provides strategic direction for urban planning, land use management, and land-related services to ensure developments comply with statutory requirements, zoning frameworks, and long-term planning objectives. Working closely with internal teams, government agencies, stakeholders, and communities, the role supports coordinated and well-planned urban development outcomes.

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of the Manager – Urban Planning is to lead the development and implementation of urban planning policies, plans, and frameworks that support sustainable, inclusive, and efficient land use across the National Capital District. The role ensures effective oversight of planning functions, supports land administration and tenure considerations, and facilitates collaboration across government and stakeholders. Through strong leadership and policy guidance, the role contributes to making Port Moresby a liveable, productive, and sustainable city.

Key Responsibilities Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor's in urban and Regional Planning, Physical Planning, Geography, or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Preferred: Postgraduate qualification or formal training in Urban Policy, Development Studies, Land Management, or Strategic Planning.
• Preferred: Eligible for corporate membership with a recognised planning or land administration body (e.g., PNG Institute of Planners or similar professional institution)

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of relevant laws, or willingness to acquire knowledge of: Physical Planning Act (1989 & 2001), Physical Planning Regulation (2007), Land Act (1996), NCDC Act (2001), and Public Procurement Act (2021).
• Understanding of customary land systems, informal settlements, and land tenure dynamics within the Port Moresby context.
• Knowledge of zoning practices, land use planning, and spatial development frameworks in urbanising environments.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement practices and planning consultation requirements under national and municipal regulations.
• Understanding of how urban planning intersects with infrastructure provision, environmental protection, and service delivery.
• Urban Planning Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead planning teams, oversee land use planning processes, and implement urban growth strategies.
• Policy and Regulatory Interpretation: Skilled in interpreting planning laws, by-laws, and regulatory instruments to guide land use decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Strong communication and negotiation skills to work effectively with landowners, developers, officials, and communities.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to analyse urban development challenges and propose realistic, policy-aligned solutions.
• Team Management and Supervision: Experience in leading multidisciplinary planning or land teams, including performance monitoring and mentoring.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in the use of planning-related tools such as GIS, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Integrity and Public Sector Values: High level of professionalism, impartiality, and commitment to NCDC’s urban development goals and ethical standards.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in urban or land use planning, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing urban development plans, zoning schemes, and land management strategies.
• Experience in liaising with customary landowners, regulatory authorities, and planning consultants within a public sector or municipal context.
• Prior involvement in planning policy development, strategic urban frameworks, or project reviews is desirable.

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 "#25983" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.