OMBUDSMAN COMMISSION

OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

COU01 – COUNSEL TO THE COMMISSION

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea is an independent constitutional institution established to protect and promote good leadership and governance in Papua New Guinea. The Commission has in the past few years undergone a major institutional strengthening project which has enhanced every aspect of its operational and administrative functions.


The position of Counsel to the Commission is created by the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission and is currently vacant. The Counsel –

  • is the Ombudsman Commission’s principal legal adviser and a key policy adviser to the Commission
  • provides legal and policy advice to the Commission on all aspects of its constitutional functions and operational activities.
  • is expected to produce high standards of work, provide quality advice without fear or favour and properly guide the Commission in making sound and quality decisions.
  • provides support to the Operations Division in the conduct of major investigations under the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership
  • imposes quality control on all of the Commission’s major outputs, including investigation reports and referrals to the Public Prosecutor
  • conducts litigation in the National Court and the Supreme Court on behalf of the Ombudsman Commission
  • must possess good management skills and be able to employ good management strategies and best management practices in achieving results.

Applications are invited from nationals and non-nationals suitably qualified, experienced, mature, with high personal integrity and highly motivated with the personal drive to produce real results.

Key responsibilities are:

  • Providing quality control for all substantive investigations under the Constitution and the relevant Organic Laws.
  • Providing services in respect of litigation where the Commission is a party and carriage of prosecutions for breach of the offence provisions of the Constitution and relevant Organic Laws.
  • Providing opinion work and drafting determinations, notices and documentation in respect to contracts, disciplinary procedures and other administrative functions.
  • Providing advice to the Commission on specific constitutional matters and policies, including issues arising before the Judicial and Legal Services Commission and Public Services Commission’s Appointments Committee (of which the Chief Ombudsman is a member).
  • Manage the operations of the Office of Counsel to ensure Ombudsplan targets are met.

     Exercise final quality control and approval of all draft reports and other documentary products presented to the Commission.

  • Participate in high-level and complex investigations.
  • Appear as Counsel in the National Court and Supreme Court.

Qualifications and experience

The successful applicant must –

  • have a degree in law from a tertiary institution recognised by the Commission and demonstrate that he has practised successfully as a lawyer for a substantial number of years either in Papua New Guinea or in a country with a legal system that, in the opinion of the Commission, is substantially similar to the legal system of Papua New Guinea
  • be admitted to practise as a lawyer in Papua New Guinea (or be eligible for immediate admission, in which case documentary proof of eligibility is required) 
  • be of high standing and respected within the legal profession
  • possess an acute appreciation of the Constitutional Laws of Papua New Guinea, in particular the constitutional mandate of the Ombudsman Commission.
  • have a sound knowledge of administrative law, criminal law, civil law  and law principles and  practice

Experience in law enforcement or investigations or constitutional law advocacy is advantageous, as are other qualifications, eg accountancy, or experience, eg in private practice or international relations, in related fields. 

Key competencies

  • Detailed knowledge of the Constitution and relevant Organic Laws.
  • Knowledge of contemporary team building, leadership and management development.
  • Apply fair and equitable management practices to all aspects of work.
  • Possess high-level interpersonal, negotiation, interview and communication skills.
  • Produce quality work, meet deadlines and establish work priorities that reflect the urgency and importance of specific tasks.

The Commission provides exciting and challenging career opportunities rewarded with competitive remuneration and an environment that acknowledges progression based on good performance.  

Full details of salary, conditions of employment and job description outlining the selection criteria for the position and completion of the application form can be obtained by contacting the Human Resource Unit on: 308 2678/ 308 2622/ 308 2623/ 308 2667/ 308 2698 and 308 2695 or visit our website at www.ombudsman.gov.pg/jobs/

To apply, strictly complete application forms (Form OC2.2.2) and submit together with curriculum vitae and copies of qualifications to:

DOWNLOADS

JD _COU01 Counsel to the Commission

Terms & Conditions – Counsel to the Commission

OC Application – Form OC 2.2.2

THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION

OMBUDSMAN COMMISSION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

OMBUDSMAN COMMISSION HAUS, CHAMPION PARADE, PORT MORESBY

P O BOX 1831

PORT MORESBY 1121 NCD PNG

Attention: Human Resources Manager

Applications close at 4.06 pm on 08th November 2024.

Advert Ref No: EX06/2024