• Lead the legal function & advise leadership on strategic & regulatory matters
• Oversee compliance with national & international legal frameworks.
• Drive legal policy, manage risk, & support economic and institutional integrity.

The Company

A trusted financial institution at the heart of Papua New Guinea’s economy, promoting monetary stability, sound financial systems, and inclusive growth. It combines global standards with local insight to drive responsible banking, innovation, and access to financial services—particularly in underserved communities. Guided by experienced leadership and a clear public mandate, it is committed to integrity, transparency, and long-term national progress.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced legal professional to serve as General Counsel. This executive role is responsible for leading the legal function and providing expert advice on all legal matters that influence the organisation’s operations, compliance obligations, and strategic direction.

You will oversee the Legal Office and play a key leadership role in ensuring alignment with national and international legal frameworks. This includes guiding the institution’s compliance with regulatory obligations, particularly in areas such as anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, financial system governance, and institutional integrity.
This is a pivotal executive role for a forward-thinking legal leader to shape national policy, support economic stability, and ensure legal excellence within one of Papua New Guinea’s most important institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to the Governor, Board, and senior leadership, embedding legal guidance into policy, governance, and operational decisions.
• Ensure full compliance with national and international legal frameworks, including AML/CFT obligations.
• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, manage legal risks, litigation, and regulatory matters, and oversee responses to legal developments.
• Collaborate with government bodies, regulators, and external partners to uphold legal and financial integrity.
• Lead, develop, and support the legal team to ensure ethical standards, professional excellence, and organisational alignment.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Law, admitted to practice before PNG’s National and Supreme Courts, with a current practicing certificate.
• 15+ years of post-admission legal experience, ideally in banking, finance, or the public sector, with strong capability in commercial law, litigation, and legal advisory.
• Demonstrated expertise in legal risk management, regulatory compliance, governance, and drafting complex legal documents.
• Proven leadership in developing legal teams and collaborating with senior executives, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and a PNG national, preferably based in or willing to relocate to Port Moresby.

To apply for this position, interested candidates are asked to submit:

• A cover letter addressing key criteria of the role
• An updated CV in Microsoft Word format, outlining employment history, educational qualifications, and listing three referees (referees will only be contacted if shortlisted)

Our client's priority is to provide opportunities to high performing Papua New Guineans for this position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Peopleconnexion PNG: Recruitment, Training, Immigration, Payroll & HR Services.
www.peopleconnexion.com/png
Your legacy is our business