Community Affairs and Landowner Liaison Manager

About the role

The Community Affairs and Landowner Liaison Manager will lead clan and landowner engagement, grievance management and statutory permit processes for a major resources construction project in Papua New Guinea. This 24‑month fixed‑term position sits above the Public Relations Officer and reports to the Project Manager and Project Director.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain an engagement plan and stakeholder register covering clan leaders, landowner groups, local and provincial government.
• Run the grievance mechanism from intake through investigation, resolution and close‑out, recording timeframes.
• Manage statutory permits and approvals, keeping the register up to date.
• Advise on community risk to prevent work stoppages and supervise the Public Relations Officer.
• Coordinate local sourcing and employment opportunities to align community expectations with contract capacity.
• Represent Laba at community meetings and, when required, alongside the client and head contractor.
• Report monthly on engagement activity, grievance status and community benefits delivered.

Required profile

• Eight years or more in community affairs, landowner liaison or government relations on a resource or infrastructure project.
• Demonstrated experience in grievance management and dispute de‑escalation.
• Established standing with landowner communities or equivalent experience.
• Fluent in Tok Pisin and English; degree or diploma in social science, community development, law or related field, or equivalent experience.

Required skills

• None explicitly listed as technical skills in the posting.