Community Affairs Manager – Mining & Natural Resources

About the role

The Community Affairs Manager will lead community engagement, stakeholder relations, and social performance programs for a growing mining and natural resources company operating in remote locations of Papua New Guinea. Reporting to senior management, the role ensures the company maintains its social licence to operate while supporting safe, uninterrupted mining activities.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, clan leaders, local communities, government agencies, and other key stakeholders across the project area.
• Lead community consultation programs, stakeholder engagement activities, and awareness campaigns to support current operations and future developments.
• Manage land access negotiations, community agreements, and dispute‑resolution processes with culturally appropriate approaches.
• Oversee the community grievance management system, ensuring timely recording, investigation, resolution, and reporting of complaints.
• Monitor community sentiment, identify emerging social risks, and develop mitigation strategies to minimise operational disruptions.
• Coordinate community development initiatives and local economic participation programmes.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in community affairs, stakeholder engagement, and landowner negotiations within mining or natural‑resources environments.
• Proven ability to work in remote, culturally diverse settings and to manage relationships with customary landowners.
• Strong understanding of social licence concepts, regulatory obligations, and community‑development best practices.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a focus on respectful and culturally appropriate engagement.

Required skills