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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.12
Location: NCDC City Hall, Waigani, National Capital District
Reporting to: Manager – Urban Planning


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 Urban Planner (Environment and Risk Management) is a specialist planning role responsible for integrating environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and hazard risk reduction into urban planning and development processes across the National Capital District. The role supports the preparation and implementation of urban plans, zoning frameworks, and development assessments that respond to environmental challenges such as flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and settlement growth in high-risk areas. Working closely with planning colleagues, engineers, environmental authorities, and community stakeholders, the role contributes to coordinated and risk-informed urban development outcomes.

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of the Urban Planner (Environment and Risk Management) is to support evidence-based urban planning that promotes environmental responsibility, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. The role ensures environmental and hazard considerations—such as green space protection, drainage and waste planning, ecological integrity, and resilience strategies—are incorporated into planning policies, land use decisions, and infrastructure planning. Through technical analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and policy support, the role contributes to building a safer, more resilient, and sustainable Port Moresby aligned with NCDC’s long-term development vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction into urban plans, zoning frameworks, and development assessments to support safe, compliant, and sustainable growth across the National Capital District.
• Provide technical planning input on environmental and hazard risks through development reviews, spatial analysis, GIS mapping, and preparation of reports and submissions for Planning Board and internal decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with internal branches, government agencies, and technical partners to support risk-informed planning outcomes, maintain environmental planning data, and assist with consultant coordination and procurement activities in line with NCDC policies and procedures.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Management, Physical Planning, Geography, or a related field, combined with relevant training in environmental risk assessment, GIS, or urban resilience.
• Preferred: Bachelor in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Geography, or a closely related field from a recognised institution..
• Preferred: Eligible for membership with a recognised planning or community development body (e.g., PNG Institute of Planners or similar professional organisation)

Skills & Knowledge

• • Knowledge of relevant legislation, or willingness to acquire knowledge of: Physical Planning Act (1989 & 2001), Physical Planning Regulation (2007), Land Act (1996), NCDC Act (2001), Environmental Act (2000) and Public Procurement Act (2021).
  • Understanding of environmental risks and hazard-prone areas common in Port Moresby, including flood zones, erosion-prone slopes, and informal settlement vulnerabilities.
  • Knowledge of climate adaptation strategies, sustainable land use, and green infrastructure approaches in urban contexts.
  • Familiarity with planning tools that integrate risk mitigation and environmental sustainability into development controls and zoning.
  • Understanding of how environmental planning interacts with infrastructure provision, land use policy, and urban resilience.
  • Environmental and Urban Planning Practice: Practice: Demonstrated ability to contribute to planning processes that integrate environmental risk and sustainability principles.
  • Risk Analysis and Mapping:Skilled in analysing hazard data and applying findings to planning proposals and zoning recommendations.
  • Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to engage technical agencies, planning consultants, and community stakeholders on environmental issues.
  • Regulatory Interpretation: Ability to interpret and apply environmental planning instruments, zoning schemes, and disaster risk reduction policies.
  • Technical Proficiency: Competent in GIS, environmental mapping tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Professionalism and Public Sector Values: Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical standards and community service.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in urban, environmental, or land use planning, with exposure to environmental risk management in a public or municipal setting.
• Experience contributing to development plans, hazard risk assessments, and land use policies that incorporate environmental and climate considerations.
• Prior involvement in projects related to disaster risk reduction, green infrastructure, or environmentally sensitive areas is desirable.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, government agencies, and planning consultants in an urban development context is an advantage.

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 "#25992" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.