Business Development Specialist (National) – APF Tie In Project
- Location: Project Impact Area (Kutubu) – Moro Office
- Position Open to PNG Nationals Only (rotational)
A leading Australian oil & gas operator with major projects in Papua New Guinea is seeking an experienced Business Development Specialist (National) to support the APF Tie?In Project. This is a back?to?back rotational position reporting to the APF Tie?In Project Site Manager.
Position Objective
The Business Development Specialist is responsible for leading day?to?day engagement with Landowner Companies (LANCOs), supporting local content implementation, and ensuring effective interface between project teams, construction contractors, and landowner stakeholders.
This role requires strong understanding of clan structures, land ownership, local socio?cultural dynamics, and how LANCO umbrella bodies and subcontracting arrangements operate within PNG’s resource projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and implementation of the LANCO strategy to deliver local employment and spin?off contract opportunities.
- Manage in?field LANCO engagement and support construction contractors to operationalise the National Content Plan.
- Assess LANCO capability and guide contractors on fair and equitable allocation of contracts in alignment with PNG legislation.
- Coordinate LANCO communication, commercial matters, labour recruitment, grievance management, and opportunity development.
- Support the Community Affairs team with vetting and recruitment of unskilled labour.
- Provide operational updates on LANCO activities, risks, and performance.
- Implement capacity?building programs for LANCO leadership and operational teams.
- Work with Community Affairs and Sustainable Development to address community expectations and empower women and youth.
- Support implementation of Community Investment and Development strategies.
- Monitor LANCO contracting cycles and ensure compliance with procurement requirements.
- Prepare business development reports focusing on LANCO compliance, audits, and improvement actions.
- Facilitate meetings with LANCOs to close out action items and escalate issues where required.
- Collect LANCO payment data from contractors and intervene where necessary.
- Ensure adherence to corporate governance, safety, and management system requirements.
Professional Experience (Essential)
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in PNG’s resource industry.
- Strong knowledge of National Content legislation.
- Understanding of business setup, management, and operations in PNG.
- Experience interfacing with financial institutions.
- Proven experience in landowner engagement and conflict mediation.
- Ability to work in multicultural environments and remote project locations.
- Experience living/working in a dry community environment.
Qualifications
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Law, Business Management, or similar.
- Current driver’s licence.
Desired Attributes:
- Strong knowledge of the Project Impact Area.
- Experience coordinating with primary construction contractors and LANCOs.
- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder?management skills.
- High level of resilience when managing complex issues and grievances.
- Motivated, self?starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Key Competencies
Candidates must demonstrate strong alignment with the operator’s values, including:
- Working as one team
- Acting safely
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Delivering results
- Supporting community and future development