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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.16
Location: NCDC City Hall, Waigani, National Capital District
Reporting to: City Manager

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 Principal Legal Officer leads NCDC’s Legal Branch and provides authoritative legal advice and guidance to the City Manager, Executive Management Team, and all Directorates. The role oversees litigation, prosecution, commercial advisory work, contract management, and representation before courts, tribunals, and statutory bodies. It also involves identifying and mitigating legal and reputational risks, contributing to policy development, and ensuring compliance with legislation, municipal by-laws, and governance standards.

Role Purpose

The role exists to ensure that NCDC’s operations, decisions, and regulatory actions are lawful, defensible, and compliant with applicable legislation and governance standards. By leading the Legal Branch, managing legal risks, and overseeing contracts, litigation, and advisory matters, the Principal Legal Officer supports effective governance and protects the Commission’s legal and reputational interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative legal advice and guidance to the City Manager, Executive Management, Directors, and Branches to ensure lawful and defensible decision-making.
• Lead and manage the Legal Branch, including planning, staff supervision, quality assurance of legal outputs, and operational management.
• Oversee litigation, enforcement, and prosecution matters undertaken by or against the Commission, including managing external legal counsel.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MoUs, leases, procurement agreements, and other legal instruments to protect NCDC’s legal and financial interests.
• Conduct legal risk assessments and advise on mitigation measures to manage reputational and operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with national legislation, municipal by-laws, regulations, and public sector governance standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain branch workflows, legal standards, and quality assurance processes.
• Prepare legal reports, briefs, and opinions for the City Manager and Executive Management Team.
• Coordinate with internal Directorates and external agencies to integrate legal considerations into project planning and operations.
• Manage budget allocations, monitor legal expenses, and oversee procurement activities for the Legal Branch.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional integrity, and adherence to ethical and legal standards in all legal matters.

Education & Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law from a recognized tertiary institution and admitted to practice as a Lawyer in PNG with current Practising Certificate and active membership with the Papua New Guinea Law Society.

Preferred:

• Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in Law, Public Administration, Governance, or related field
• Drivers license (Class 1)
• Desirable: Completion of recognised professional legal training or continuing professional development in areas such as: Commercial and contract law, Civil litigation and advocacy, Public sector governance and administrative decision-making.

Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of national legislation, municipal by-laws, regulations, and public sector governance standards.
• Expertise in legal advisory, risk management, litigation, and prosecution processes.
• Strong contract drafting, review, negotiation, and commercial advisory skills.
• Ability to assess legal and reputational risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Experience in leading and managing legal teams, including staff supervision, mentoring, and performance management.
• Proficient in preparing legal reports, briefs, opinions, and presenting to senior leadership.
• Knowledge of legal compliance requirements for procurement, financial control, and operational processes.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and coordination skills with internal and external parties.
• Familiarity with managing external legal counsel and outsourced legal matters.
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain legal workflows, standards, and quality assurance processes.
• High professional and ethical standards, with discretion in handling confidential matters.

Work Experience

• Preferred, at least 8 years post-admission legal experience, including advisory and litigation or prosecution work.
• Experience leading or supervising legal teams or managing a legal function.
• Demonstrated experience providing legal advice in a complex organisational or public sector setting.
• Experience in managing external legal counsel and overseeing outsourced legal matters.
• Proven experience in handling matters involving administrative decision-making, regulatory enforcement, or commercial contracts.

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 "#26710" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.