Executive Dean, School of Law

The Executive Dean is the academic and administrative head of the School of Law and is accountable to the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) for the overall performance of the School.

The Executive Dean provides strategic leadership in teaching, research and community engagement; manages the School's staff, budget and facilities; and represents the School within the University and to the legal profession, the judiciary, government and the wider community.

• Provide academic and strategic leadership to the School of Law and implement the University's Strategic Plan at School level.
• Lead the development, accreditation, delivery and review of the School's undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring alignment with the admission requirements of the PNG Legal Training Institute.
• Manage the School's academic and administrative staff, including recruitment, workload allocation, mentoring and performance review.
• Prepare and manage the School's annual budget and ensure prudent use of University resources.
• Build and grow the School's research output, higher degree supervision capacity, and external research funding.
• Maintain strong relationships with the judiciary, the PNG Law Society, the Office of the Public Solicitor, government agencies and partner law schools regionally and internationally.
• Chair the School Board and serve on University committees as required, including the Academic Board.
• Oversee student admission, progression, welfare and discipline matters within the School.

Essential

• A doctoral qualification in Law (PhD or SJD), or a Master of Laws with an outstanding record of professional and academic distinction.
• Admission, or eligibility for admission, to practise law in Papua New Guinea or a comparable common law jurisdiction.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' university teaching and research experience, including at least five (5) years at senior academic level.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience at Head of Department, Dean or equivalent level.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publication and postgraduate supervision.
• Proven budget, staff and resource management capability.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Papua New Guinea legal system, customary law and the Melanesian context.
• Experience in curriculum accreditation and quality assurance in higher education.
• A record of attracting external research or development funding.

Applications must address each of the selection criteria and be accompanied by a full curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic qualifications, and the contact details of three (3) referees.

Please quote reference UPNG/HR/2026/031 in your application. Applications close at 4:00pm on Friday, 28 August 2026.