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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 Planner – Villages is a professional planning role responsible for supporting the spatial planning and development of traditional Motu-Koitabu village areas within the National Capital District. The role focuses on integrating these culturally significant communities into NCDC’s statutory planning framework while respecting customary land ownership, traditional settlement patterns, and social structures. Working closely with village leaders, landowners, and government stakeholders, the role supports coordinated planning outcomes that balance cultural preservation with access to infrastructure and services.

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of the Planner – Villages is to prepare and support the implementation of village land use plans, layouts, and planning controls that promote sustainable, inclusive, and culturally appropriate development. The role provides technical planning support, facilitates community engagement with customary landowners and Incorporated Land Groups, and assists the Manager – Urban Planning in ensuring village communities are meaningfully included in broader urban development initiatives. Through practical planning support and stakeholder coordination, the role contributes to improving liveability while preserving the identity and long-term sustainability of Motu-Koitabu villages.

Key Responsibilities

• Support village planning operations through workplan contributions, reporting, meetings, and effective coordination with the Manager – Urban Planning and internal stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing and implementing village land use plans and layouts, assess small-scale development applications, and undertake site visits, data collection, compliance monitoring, and Board submissions.
• Engage with village communities, ILGs, and stakeholders; maintain planning and spatial data; and support consultant coordination and procurement activities in line with NCDC and PFMA requirements.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, Social Policy, Community Development, or a related field, combined with relevant professional training in planning, consultation, or data analysis.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Physical Planning, Human Geography, Social Policy, 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 or willingness to acquire understanding of key planning and land laws including the Physical Planning Act (1989 & 2001), Land Act (1996), Physical Planning Regulation (2007), NCDC Act (2001), and Public Procurement Act (2021).
• Understanding of customary land tenure, informal settlements, and urbanisation trends in Port Moresby.
• Knowledge of local (Motu-Koitabu) cultural practices, traditional governance, and land tenure systems is highly desirable, particularly in the context of village planning and engagement.
• Familiarity with land use planning processes, zoning schemes, and their application in socio-culturally sensitive environments.
• Knowledge of participatory planning methods, stakeholder engagement, and community development practices.
• Understanding of how urban planning intersects with access to basic services, social equity, public health, and infrastructure needs in village contexts.
• Integrated Planning Practice: Demonstrated ability to contribute to spatial layout planning, land use analysis, and community-based development strategies.
• strategies. Analytical and Research Skills: Skilled in interpreting demographic, spatial, or socio-economic data to support inclusive planning outcomes.
• Communication and Engagement:Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate culturally sensitive consultations.
• Regulatory Application: Capable of applying zoning regulations, statutory frameworks, and customary protocols in planning decisions.
• Technical Proficiency: Competent in GIS, mapping platforms, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional Conduct: Demonstrates reliability, integrity, and a commitment to NCDC public service values, with discretion when handling sensitive land matters.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in village planning, informal settlement upgrading, land use management, or related fields.
• Prior experience working with or within traditional village settings or customary landowner groups in Port Moresby is highly regarded.

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 "#25989" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.