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• Grow Your Career in a dynamic urban environment
• Join a passionate team dedicated to a stronger, more vibrant capital.

NC Salary Grade: NC 13
Location: NCDC City Hall, Waigani, National Capital District
Reporting to: Principal Legal Officer

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 Senior Legal Officer – Litigation & Prosecution is a senior-level legal role within the Legal Branch of the Office of the City Manager. Based at NCDC City Hall in Waigani, the position is responsible for leading the Commission's litigation functions and supervising a team of lawyers. The role requires a high degree of professional independence and the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent civil, criminal, and regulatory matters. The officer must be a skilled advocate capable of representing the NCDC in court while ensuring that all legal strategies and filings meet the highest standards of quality and ethical practice.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Principal Legal Officer, the primary purpose of this role is to lead and manage the NCDC’s litigation and prosecution activities to protect the Commission's legal and reputational interests. The Senior Legal Officer ensures that all enforcement actions and court proceedings are conducted lawfully and professionally. By overseeing case management, providing strategic legal advice, and maintaining quality control over court appearances, the role ensures that the Commission is effectively represented in all disputes and regulatory enforcement matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Litigation and Prosecution Case Management: Lead and manage the preparation, progression and conduct of civil litigation and prosecution matters on behalf of the Commission, ensuring cases are handled effectively, professionally, and in accordance with legislative and procedural requirements.
• Legal Advisory and Enforcement Support: Provide legal advice and guidance to the Principal Legal Officer, Directors, Managers and enforcement staff on litigation, prosecution and regulatory matters, supporting lawful decision-making and consistent application of NCDC by-laws and enforcement powers.
• Supervision and Quality Assurance of Legal Work: Supervise Legal and Prosecution Officers, review legal documentation and court submissions, coordinate engagement of external legal counsel, and ensure the quality, accuracy and timeliness of legal outputs produced within the Litigation & Prosecution Section.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Law from a recognised tertiary institution and admitted to practice as a Lawyer in PNG and current Practising Certificate and active membership with the PNG Law Society
• Preferred: Post-admission training or continuing professional development in litigation, advocacy, evidence, or public sector law practice.
• Beneficial: Experience working in a public sector or regulatory enforcement environment.
• Beneficial: Current drivers license (min class 1).

Skills & Knowledge

• PNG court system, litigation practice and procedure, including pleadings, evidence rules and interlocutory processes.
• Civil litigation principles, and (where applicable) criminal procedure relevant to prosecution of regulatory offences.
• National Capital District Commission Act 2001, NCDC by-laws, and associated regulatory enforcement frameworks.
• Key legislation affecting municipal administration, such as Physical Planning, Building, Land, and Claims By & Against the State legislation.
• Principles of legal risk assessment and management in high-volume litigation environments.
• Public sector governance requirements, confidentiality obligations, and ethical standards for legal practitioners.
• Basic familiarity with government procurement and financial accountability requirements when engaging external counsel or services.
• Strong litigation and advocacy skills, including representation in court and preparation of case strategies.
• Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex legal issues and provide clear, accurate legal advice under time constraints.
• Proficiency in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, affidavits, submissions, notices, and formal correspondence.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and support Legal Officers and Prosecution Officers to ensure quality and consistency in case work.
• Effective stakeholder communication skills, including the ability to translate legal concepts for non-legal audiences.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to manage multiple matters and meet court-imposed deadlines.
• Demonstrated discretion, integrity and commitment to professional and ethical legal practice.

Work Experience

• Minimum three (3) years post-admission experience in litigation practice.
• Experience conducting or managing civil litigation, with exposure to prosecution or regulatory enforcement preferred.
• Experience preparing case files, court documents and appearing in court proceedings.
• Experience supervising junior staff or coordinating legal teams work (preferred but not essential

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 "#26017" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.