• Shape landowner, government and community relationships.
• Attractive leadership opportunity with long-term career growth.
• Make a visible impact on major project outcomes across PNG.

A leading organisation within Papua New Guinea’s development and resource sector is seeking an experienced and relationship-driven professional to lead its Stakeholder Engagement and Community Affairs function. This organisation is recognised for its commitment to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and building long-term partnerships with communities, government agencies, landowner groups, and key stakeholders. Offering a collaborative and purpose-driven culture, this is an opportunity to join a business where your contribution will directly influence strategic outcomes and support responsible development initiatives across PNG.

The Role

Reporting to senior leadership, this position will oversee stakeholder engagement, community relations, land access coordination, permitting activities, and social performance programs across key project areas. The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening external partnerships, leading multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring effective engagement with government agencies, landowner groups, NGOs, and local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage stakeholder engagement and community relations strategies across project and operational activities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government bodies, landowners, NGOs, community representatives, and other key stakeholders
• Oversee land access, land leasing, acquisition and purchasing processes, permitting, and social performance activities across project operations
• Drive community development, social investment, and livelihood initiatives aligned with sustainable development objectives
• Develop, manage, and monitor stakeholder engagement and community relations budgets throughout project development, implementation, and operational phases
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams while fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture
• Support executive leadership with strategic planning, stakeholder management, and operational decision-making
• Ensure compliance with relevant PNG legislation, policies, regulatory requirements, and social performance commitments
• Prepare and present high-level reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement updates for senior management and key stakeholders

Key Requirements

• Proven senior leadership experience within stakeholder engagement, community affairs, corporate affairs, land access, or related functions
• Extensive knowledge of PNG customary land tenure systems, with proven experience managing ILG formation and governance, landowner engagement strategies, benefit-sharing discussions and the development of sustainable relationships with diverse landowner groups and community stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder relationships within demanding operational or project environments
• Knowledge and practical experience in land leasing, land acquisition, and access negotiations
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build trusted partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Strong communication, report writing, presentation, and relationship management skills
• Experience leading teams and driving operational and process improvements
• Ability to manage competing priorities while delivering strategic and commercial outcomes
• Strong financial management skills, including the development, implementation, and oversight of stakeholder engagement budgets throughout project development, construction, commissioning and operational phases.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications, Social Sciences, Community Development, Public Policy, Business, or a related discipline

Why Join?

This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially minded and people-focused leader seeking to make a meaningful impact within a growing and dynamic organisation. An attractive opportunity for leadership exposure, and the chance to shape critical stakeholder and community outcomes within Papua New Guinea are on offer for the successful candidate.

Candidates who can operate strategically while maintaining strong community, government, and stakeholder relationships are encouraged to apply.

To apply, upload your CV and covering letter by clicking on the "APPLY NOW" button and register your interest for this role.

Applications Close: COB Thursday 18th June 2026

Peopleconnexion PNG: Recruitment, Training, Immigration, Payroll & HR Services.

www.peopleconnexion.com/png

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