Share this job:

• 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 – Land Use supports the development and application of land use policies, zoning schemes, and development controls that guide the sustainable and orderly growth of the National Capital District, providing technical planning input to ensure alignment with the Urban Development Plan 2030 and statutory planning requirements while working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Urban Planner – Land Use is to support informed land use decision-making through spatial analysis, policy input, and development assessment, ensuring zoning and land use outcomes promote efficient urban form, equitable access to land, and a liveable, well-planned Port Moresby consistent with NCDC’s long-term vision.


Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, review, and implementation of urban development plans, zoning schemes, precinct frameworks, and development controls, ensuring land use outcomes are sustainable, coordinated, and aligned with NCDC’s statutory and strategic objectives.
• Assess development applications, subdivision layouts, and planning proposals to ensure compliance with zoning, land use policies, density provisions, and spatial development goals, promoting equitable, efficient, and well-organised urban growth.
• Collaborate with internal NCDC branches, external agencies, landowners, and technical teams to provide technical planning advice, spatial analysis, GIS mapping, reporting, and support for consultant engagements and policy or infrastructure-related studies.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, Physical Planning, Land Use Planning, or a related field, supported by relevant training in land administration, zoning, or GIS.
• Preferred: Bachelors in urban and Regional Planning, Geography, Surveying, or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Preferred: Eligible for membership with a recognised planning or infrastructure professional body (e.g., PNG Institute of Planners, Institution of Engineers PNG).

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), Survey Act (1969), and Public Procurement Act (2021).
• Understanding of zoning principles, land use classifications, and subdivision regulations within a growing urban context.
• Knowledge of customary land tenure, settlement patterns, and land development trends in Port Moresby.
• Familiarity with planning tools that guide spatial structure, precinct design, and land allocation.
• Understanding of how land use planning intersects with infrastructure delivery, informal settlement upgrading, and housing provision
• Land Use Planning Practice: Demonstrated ability to contribute to zoning reviews, spatial plans, and land development assessments.
• Spatial Analysis and Zoning Application: Skilled in interpreting zoning maps, land use data, and subdivision layouts using GIS or other tools.
• Stakeholder Communication and Engagement: Strong communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, landowners, and developers.
• Regulatory Interpretation: Ability to apply statutory instruments, zoning schemes, and subdivision standards to planning decisions.
• Technical Proficiency: Competent in GIS, land information systems, mapping platforms, 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 land use or urban planning within a public sector or municipal setting.
• Experience contributing to zoning scheme reviews, land development applications, and spatial policy documents.
• Prior involvement in formalisation of informal settlements, subdivision planning, or land allocation projects is desirable.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, surveyors, landowners, and planning consultants on land-related matters 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 "#25996" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.