Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE)

About the University

The Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE) is a national centre of excellence mandated to deliver practice-oriented education, applied research, and community engagement in agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, environmental sustainability, and science and technology disciplines.

PNGUNRE plays a critical role in supporting sustainable forest management, climate-resilient land use, and responsible resource development in Papua New Guinea through industry-linked teaching, policy-relevant research, and strong partnerships with government, communities, and the private sector.

About the Role

PNGUNRE invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced academics for the position of Senior Lecturer – Science & Technology (Forest Planning & Management) within the Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources.

This role provides academic and professional leadership in forest planning, sustainable forest management, and the application of science and technology in forestry education and research. The successful appointee will contribute to curriculum leadership, postgraduate supervision, applied research, and stakeholder engagement, supporting national forestry priorities and the development of a skilled forestry workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and coordinate undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Forest Planning, Forest Management, and Applied Forestry Science & Technology, using field-based and outcomes-oriented teaching approaches.
• Lead and contribute to curriculum design, review, and accreditation, ensuring alignment with national forestry strategies, industry needs, and PNGUNRE academic standards.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research, including fieldwork-intensive and applied projects relevant to Papua New Guinea’s forestry sector.
• Conduct and publish applied and scholarly research in areas such as forest planning systems, sustainable forest management, forest resource assessment, and science- and technology-driven forestry solutions.
• Secure and contribute to research grants, consultancies, and collaborative projects with government agencies, industry partners, and development organisations.
• Provide academic mentoring and leadership to junior staff, contributing to faculty development and succession planning.
• Support departmental administration, academic governance, and strategic planning processes.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with forestry companies, regulatory agencies, NGOs, communities, and international institutions to enhance teaching, research, and extension outcomes.
• Contribute to community outreach and extension activities, promoting sustainable and responsible forest planning and management practices.

Qualifications, Experience & Competency Profile

• PhD in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university.
• Substantial teaching and research experience at tertiary level, appropriate to Senior Lecturer appointment, with demonstrated academic leadership capability.
• Strong disciplinary expertise in forest planning, sustainable forest management, and the application of science and technology in forestry, including GIS and remote sensing applications.
• Demonstrated research track record, including peer-reviewed publications, applied research, or consultancy outcomes relevant to forestry and land management.
• Proven ability to provide academic leadership, mentoring, and supervision in a university environment.
• Sound knowledge of Papua New Guinea’s forestry sector, policy environment, and development challenges.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary contexts.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity, with a commitment to sustainable and ethical forestry practice.

Why Join PNGUNRE?

This role offers an opportunity to shape forestry education, applied research, and professional practice in Papua New Guinea. PNGUNRE provides a collaborative academic environment that values field engagement, industry relevance, innovation, and national impact, enabling senior academics to contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest planning and management.

Application Details

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter outlining academic leadership, teaching, and research experience in forest planning and management
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• Names and contact details of three (3) referees

Applications should be addressed to:

The Manager – Human Resources
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment
Vudal Campus
Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 06 March 2026

PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates.