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

The Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment (PNGUNRE) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (OHSE) Officer within the Human Resources Department.

PNGUNRE is committed to strengthening governance, operational efficiency, employee wellbeing and environmental sustainability across the University. As part of its ongoing institutional improvement agenda, the University is seeking a proactive and results-oriented Occupational Health, Safety & Environment professional to coordinate the University's workplace health, safety and environmental management framework and foster a culture of safety, compliance and continuous improvement across all campuses.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Human Resource Manager, the Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (OHSE) Officer is responsible for coordinating and implementing PNGUNRE's occupational health, safety and environmental management programs to promote a safe, healthy, compliant and environmentally responsible workplace.

The successful candidate will coordinate workplace inspections, hazard identification, risk assessments, incident investigations, emergency preparedness, environmental management initiatives and workplace safety awareness programs while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and University policies.

Working closely with Schools, Departments, Divisions, managers and employees, the successful applicant will provide professional advice and operational support to strengthen workplace safety systems, minimise organisational risks and promote employee wellbeing throughout the University.

The position will play an important role in strengthening institutional compliance, improving workplace safety performance and supporting PNGUNRE's commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Occupational Health and Safety Management

• Coordinating the implementation of PNGUNRE's Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Management Framework.
• Assisting in the development, review and implementation of OHSE policies, procedures, guidelines and safe work practices.
• Promoting compliance with occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and University policies.
• Maintaining the University's OHSE documentation, registers and records.
• Providing professional advice to management, staff, contractors and visitors on workplace health and safety matters.
• Promoting a proactive safety culture across all University campuses.

Workplace Inspections and Risk Management

• Conducting regular workplace inspections across university campuses, facilities and operational areas.
• Identifying workplace hazards and unsafe work practices and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Undertaking workplace risk assessments and maintaining hazard and risk registers.
• Monitoring implementation of approved risk control measures.
• Assisting departments in developing safe work procedures and workplace risk mitigation strategies.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Coordinating reporting and recording of workplace incidents, accidents, injuries and near misses.
• Conducting workplace incident investigations and preparing investigation reports.
• Identifying root causes and recommending corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitoring implementation of investigation recommendations.
• Maintaining incident statistics and analysing workplace safety trends.

Workplace Safety Training and Awareness

• Developing and delivering workplace health and safety awareness programs.
• Coordinating OHSE induction programs for new employees and contractors.
• Promoting emergency procedures and safe work practices.
• Supporting specialised safety training, including fire safety, first aid and emergency response.
• Developing workplace safety awareness materials and campaigns.

Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Management

• Assisting in developing and maintaining University emergency response plans.
• Coordinating emergency drills, evacuation exercises and emergency response activities.
• Supporting environmental management initiatives, waste management and sustainability programs.
• Monitoring environmental compliance and promoting environmentally responsible workplace practices.
• Liaising with relevant emergency services and regulatory authorities where required.

Compliance Monitoring and OHSE Reporting

• Conducting internal OHSE compliance inspections and safety audits.
• Assisting with external inspections and regulatory reviews.
• Maintaining OHSE registers, compliance documentation and statutory records.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual OHSE reports.
• Providing recommendations to management for continuous improvement of workplace health, safety and environmental performance.

HR Advisory Support

• Providing professional OHSE advice and support to Human Resources and University management.
• Supporting employee wellness initiatives and Health & Safety Committee activities.
• Assisting with the development and review of OHSE policies and procedures.
• Supporting organisational improvement initiatives and performing other duties as directed by the Human Resource Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Public Health, Safety Management, Human Resource Management or a related discipline.
• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in occupational health and safety, workplace compliance, environmental management or a related field.
• Sound knowledge of occupational health and safety principles, legislation and workplace risk management practices.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace inspections, hazard identification, risk assessments and incident investigations.
• Experience preparing safety reports, compliance documentation and workplace records.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Experience working within a university, statutory authority or public sector organisation.
• Knowledge of Papua New Guinea occupational health, safety and environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience developing OHSE policies, procedures and safety management systems.
• Experience conducting workplace safety audits and environmental compliance reviews.
• Knowledge of environmental sustainability and workplace wellness initiatives.
• Membership of a recognised Occupational Health and Safety professional body.

Key Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Sound knowledge of occupational health, safety and environmental management principles.
• Ability to coordinate workplace inspections, hazard identification and risk assessments.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to investigate workplace incidents and identify root causes.
• Ability to develop and deliver workplace safety awareness and training programs.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policies and workplace safety procedures.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Integrity, professionalism and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Terms & Conditions

• Appointment will be made in accordance with the PNGUNRE Terms and Conditions of Employment.
• Performance will be assessed through the University's Performance Management System.
• The successful applicant may be required to travel between university campuses and external agencies as required.
• The position requires regular workplace inspections and may involve work in laboratories, workshops, farms, construction sites and other operational environments.
• University accommodation is not a condition of employment. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of East New Britain Province or those who are willing to relocate and are able to secure and meet their own accommodation arrangements.

Salary Range
Base Salary: K25, 843.00 – K31, 586.00

Why Join PNGUNRE?

PNGUNRE offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to strengthening workplace health, safety and environmental management within Papua New Guinea's specialist university for natural resources and environment.

The successful candidate will play an important role in improving workplace safety systems, strengthening legislative compliance, enhancing employee wellbeing, supporting environmental sustainability and advancing the University's commitment to operational excellence and institutional development.

Application Details

Interested applicants should submit:

• A written application addressing the selection criteria.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant certificates.
• Contact details of at least three (3) current professional referees.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Human Resources Manager
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment
Private Mail Bag
Kokopo, East New Britain Province
Papua New Guinea

Or email applications to: [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday, 14 August 2026

PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer.