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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 – Settlements to Suburbs

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 Settlement Development Planner reports to the Manager – Settlements to Suburbs and leads the preparation and coordination of settlement upgrading layouts and subdivision plans that guide the transition of informal settlements into structured and serviced neighbourhoods. The role ensures that settlement development plans are practical, culturally appropriate, and aligned with the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan, land tenure status, and the sequencing of civil works and service delivery.
The position works closely with the Lands Officer, Mapping Officer, Settlement to Suburbs Project Coordinators, and the Urban Planning Branch to ensure that settlement upgrading designs can be implemented effectively and support secure land tenure, improved access to services, and long-term community sustainability.

Role Purpose
The Settlement Development Planner ensures the preparation and coordination of settlement development plans and subdivision layouts that support the staged delivery of upgrading works. The role provides technically accurate, culturally responsive, and feasible planning outputs that guide the transformation of informal settlements into liveable, safe, and connected urban neighbourhoods. By collaborating with technical officers, project coordinators, and communities, the Planner helps maintain accurate spatial and planning records, supports transparent decision-making, and contributes to sustainable settlement outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop settlement development plans and subdivision layouts that are practical, culturally responsive, and aligned with statutory planning frameworks and Settlements to Suburbs upgrading priorities.
• Conduct site assessments to document settlement layout, housing patterns, service access, slope and drainage conditions, flood or erosion risks, and environmental constraints.
• Integrate designs for roads, drainage, water, sanitation, pedestrian networks, market spaces, schools, and community facilities in coordination with engineers and service planners.
• Develop and assess multiple layout and subdivision options for each settlement, evaluating land capacity, topography, community needs, and service delivery feasibility before confirming final plans.
• Incorporate space for pedestrian movement, communal areas, market activity, schools, clinics, and cultural gathering spaces to support liveable neighbourhood function.
• Ensure settlement layouts support safe mobility, climate resilience, equitable land allocation, social inclusion, and long-term neighbourhood integration.
• Work closely with the Urban Planning Branch to ensure SDPs align with the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan, zoning intentions, and long-term urban structure plans.
• Coordinate with the Lands Officer and Mapping Officer to ensure subdivision layouts reflect verified land tenure, boundaries, and accurate spatial data.
• Provide planning inputs and layout guidance to S2S Project Coordinators to support sequencing and construction works.
• Coordinate with the Social Development Branch to ensure settlement layouts respect community patterns of use, cultural spaces, and social support needs.
• Present draft settlement layouts to community leaders, ILGs, and residents to collect input and support shared understanding of proposed changes.
• Support awareness sessions and planning consultations conducted with community social development teams and Project Coordinators.
• Maintain up-to-date spatial datasets, structure plans, population estimates, and service needs for each settlement plan.
• Prepare planning reports, visual layouts, presentations, and supporting documentation for internal review and external reporting.
• Prepare layout documentation required for submission to statutory planning or subdivision approval processes, where applicable.
• Ensure settlement plans comply with Physical Planning Act requirements, subdivision and building standards, NCDC planning policies, and city development guidelines.
• Prepare planning-related cost estimates and technical inputs (e.g., surveys, pegging, consultation support, and subdivision drafting fees) to assist the Manager and Project Coordinators in preparing budgets and procurement requests.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Manager – Urban Projects.

Education & Qualifications

Minimum:

• Diploma in Urban Planning, Land Administration, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, or Development Studies. Additional certification in community development, project management, or GIS is an advantage.
• Advantage: Current valid drivers license.

Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of settlement planning, subdivision layout design, and neighbourhood development principles.
• Familiarity with PNG land tenure systems and relevant legislation (Physical Planning Act, Land Act, Survey Act).
• Knowledge of infrastructure service planning (roads, drainage, water, sanitation, public facilities) in settlement contexts.
• Awareness of participatory planning methods and culturally appropriate community engagement practices.
• Understanding of the Settlements to Suburbs Program and the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan.
• Ability to prepare layout plans, analyse spatial data, and translate field observations into planning outputs.
• Clear communication and presentation skills to explain planning options to communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to facilitate, not negotiate, land and settlement planning discussions respectfully.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to manage multiple planning tasks under deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with exposure to GIS or mapping software preferred.
• Cultural sensitivity, integrity, and professionalism when working with communities and landowners.
• Demonstrated commitment to NCDC’s values and improving settlement living conditions.

Work Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in urban planning, settlement upgrading, land administration, or related project work.
• Experience in community consultation and preparing planning layouts or subdivision plans is desirable.
• Experience liaising with government agencies, planning authorities, technical consultants, and customary landowner groups 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 "#25987" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.