• Nation-building leadership
• Promote modern & strong governance standards
• Maximize sustainable outcomes nationally for PNG

Our client, The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is Papua New Guinea’s independent statutory regulator for the petroleum sector, established under the National Petroleum Authority Act 2025.

The NPA Board invites applications from suitably qualified and highly experienced professionals for appointment as the Authority’s inaugural Managing Director.

This is a nation-building leadership opportunity to establish and lead a modern, competent and high-integrity regulatory institution that promotes responsible petroleum exploration and development, strengthens investor confidence, protects the national interest and maximises sustainable benefits for Papua New Guinea.

THE ROLE

The Managing Director will:

• Serve as the statutory and administrative head of the NPA;
• Perform the statutory functions of the Director of Oil G Gas and Chair the Petroleum Advisory Board;
• Be accountable to the NPA Board in accordance with the Act and applicable laws;
• Provide strategic, regulatory, technical, commercial and corporate leadership;
• Lead an establishment of approximately 320 personnel across the Authority’s regulatory, technical, commercial and corporate divisions;
• Build a strong institutional culture founded on integrity, professionalism, independence and accountability;
• Engage effectively with government, industry, landowners, development partners and other stakeholders; and
• Be based at the NPA headquarters in Waigani, Port Moresby.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• At least 15 years of senior executive or leadership experience in petroleum regulation, oil and gas, resource-sector development, government administration or a comparable complex organisation;
• A recognised degree in engineering, geoscience, economics, law, public administration or another relevant discipline;
• A relevant postgraduate qualification, which would be an advantage;
• Strong knowledge of petroleum policy, legislation, licensing, regulation and industry operations;
• Proven executive judgement, integrity, independence and sound decision-making;
• Experience establishing or transforming institutions and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams;
• Strong governance, financial management and stakeholder-engagement capabilities; and
• A clear commitment to protecting Papua New Guinea’s national interest and delivering lasting benefits for its people.

HOW TO APPLY

If your experience closely aligns with the key skills and attributes please submit:

• An updated curriculum vitae (that includes 3 professional referees);
• A covering letter outlining your qualifications, experience and suitability for the position; and

Applications will be managed confidentially by Peopleconnexion, who have been engaged to support the NPA Board with this appointment.

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Friday 28 August 2026.

Apply online at: www.peopleconnexion.com/jobs

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