Senior Lecturer – Integrated Coastal Management

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 specialised national institution mandated to advance education, research, innovation, and community engagement in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and applied development disciplines.

PNGUNRE operates across four locations:

• Vudal Main Campus (East New Britain Province) – home to the University's core teaching, research and administrative functions.
• Takubar Campus (Kokopo, East New Britain Province) – host of Postgraduate Programs and the Department of Business & Economics.
• Popondetta Campus (Oro Province) – focused on agricultural training, applied learning and community development initiatives.
• Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI), Rabaul (East New Britain Province) – PNGUNRE's specialist hub for ocean and climate research, environmental monitoring, climate resilience, sustainable development, and national and international research collaboration.

The University emphasises practice-oriented teaching, field-based learning, applied research, and strong partnerships with government, industry, communities and international institutions. Through its teaching, research and outreach activities, PNGUNRE develops graduates, knowledge and practical solutions that contribute to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.

About the Role

PNGUNRE invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced academics for appointment as Senior Lecturer – Integrated Coastal Management within the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI), based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province.

This is a senior academic and research position with responsibility for advancing teaching, research and professional engagement in integrated coastal management, coastal and marine ecology, marine protected areas, blue and green economy, environmental governance, climate change, conservation, pollution, and coastal disaster risk management.

The successful appointee will provide academic leadership in the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, lead applied and multidisciplinary research, supervise postgraduate students, mentor junior academics and contribute to building MOCRI's research profile.

The position will have a strong focus on research that addresses the practical challenges facing Papua New Guinea's island and coastal environments and translates scientific knowledge into sustainable resource management, policy advice and community-based solutions.

The position reports directly to the Dean – Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership in Integrated Coastal Management and related areas of marine and environmental science.
• Develop and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate courses, lectures, seminars, practicals and field-based learning activities.
• Lead curriculum development and review in areas relevant to coastal and marine resource management.
• Supervise undergraduate, honours and postgraduate research and provide academic mentorship to junior staff.
• Develop and lead high-quality research in integrated coastal management, coastal and marine ecology, protected areas, climate change, conservation, environmental governance and related fields.
• Publish research in reputable peer-reviewed and indexed journals and contribute other scholarly outputs relevant to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, seminars and professional forums.
• Develop competitive research proposals and secure external research grants, consultancies and collaborative projects.
• Establish and maintain research partnerships with government agencies, provincial administrations, communities, industry, NGOs, universities and international research institutions.
• Provide technical and professional advice on coastal management, conservation, climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
• Contribute research evidence and professional expertise to relevant policy development and national and provincial initiatives.
• Participate in MOCRI and University academic governance, quality assurance, planning and administration.
• Contribute to professional training, short courses, community outreach and other knowledge-transfer activities.
• Represent PNGUNRE and MOCRI on relevant professional, research and external bodies.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills & Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A PhD in Integrated Coastal Management, Marine Science, Coastal and Marine Resource Management, Environmental Science, Marine Ecology, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional, academic or research experience in coastal, marine, environmental or related fields.
• A demonstrated research record with five (5) or more publications in indexed peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience in university-level teaching, curriculum development and student assessment.
• Capacity to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research and mentor emerging researchers.
• Strong expertise in integrated coastal management and related areas such as coastal ecology, marine conservation, protected areas, blue economy, climate adaptation, environmental governance or disaster risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to design and undertake field-based and applied research in coastal, island and marine environments.
• Experience in developing research proposals and securing or contributing to externally funded research and consultancy projects.
• Strong analytical, academic writing, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to translate scientific research into practical solutions, policy advice and community outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with government, industry, communities and national and international research partners.
• High standards of academic integrity, professional conduct and commitment to PNGUNRE's teaching, research and community engagement responsibilities.

Strategic Research Focus

PNGUNRE is particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Integrated coastal zone management
• Coastal and marine ecology
• Marine protected areas and biodiversity conservation
• Blue economy and sustainable marine resource development
• Blue carbon and coastal ecosystem services
• Island and coastal community resilience
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Marine and coastal pollution
• Environmental governance and policy
• Coastal vulnerability and disaster risk reduction
• Sustainable management of marine resources
• Integration of scientific and traditional knowledge in coastal resource management

Salary Range

Senior Lecturer
Base Salary: PGK53,663.00 – PGK65,586.00 per annum
International Market Allowance: PGK52,062.00 – PGK63,354.00 per annum
(plus applicable allowances and benefits)

Why Join PNGUNRE?

This position offers an opportunity to take a senior academic role within the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute and contribute to building PNGUNRE's research and postgraduate capacity in an area of significant importance to Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.

Based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, the position provides an exceptional setting for applied and field-based research across island, coastal and marine environments. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop multidisciplinary research programs, supervise the next generation of researchers, work directly with coastal communities, and establish national and international research collaborations.

For an accomplished researcher in coastal and marine systems, the position provides an opportunity to contribute both academically and practically to the sustainable management and resilience of Papua New Guinea's extensive coastal and marine resources.

Living and Working in East New Britain

East New Britain offers a distinctive lifestyle alongside the professional opportunities available at PNGUNRE. The province is one of Papua New Guinea's established tourism destinations, known for its volcanic landscapes, tropical islands and coastlines, diving and snorkelling, rich cultural traditions, and significant World War II history. Rabaul and Kokopo provide access to places such as the Duke of York Islands, volcanic sites around Rabaul, historic war sites, beaches and marine environments.

For academics and researchers, East New Britain's natural environment also provides an exceptional setting for field-based teaching and research in agriculture, marine and coastal systems, climate, biodiversity, environmental management and sustainable development. Beyond work, staff can experience the province’s culture, islands, reefs, outdoor activities and community life.

Application Details

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter addressing suitability and relevant expertise for the position
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a full list of research publications
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Names and contact details of three (3) referees

Applications must be addressed to:

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

Closing Date: Friday, 09 October 2026

PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. This position is open to both Papua New Guinean and international applicants.