Reporting to the Managing Director, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel provides strategic legal leadership for KPHL. The role safeguards the company’s interests, oversees enterprise wide legal risk, and ensures full regulatory compliance across all operations and subsidiaries. The CLO & GC leads all legal affairs and the Legal, Risk Compliance function, delivering trusted advice to
the Board and Executive to support KPHL’s national mandate and strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high-level legal advice to the Board, Managing Director and Executive Leadership Team on governance, major projects, financing, joint ventures and compliance;
- Lead and manage all legal operations, including litigation, corporate transactions, commercial contracts and subsidiary governance;
- Ensure company-wide compliance and oversee statutory filings and regulatory engagement;
- Support business planning and investment decisions through sound, commercially focused legal input;
- Act as principal legal adviser in major negotiations, including petroleum and gas agreements and complex commercial contracts;
- Oversee litigation, disputes and claims, safeguarding KPHL’s legal and reputational interests;
- Implement and maintain KPHL’s legal risk management and compliance frameworks;
Qualifications/Experiences:
- Minimum Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree from a recognized institution, a post graduate Law or MBA qualification is highly desirable;
- Admitted to practice in Papua New Guinea with current PNG Law Society membership is essential;
- Has at least fifteen (15) years post-qualification experience as a Lawyer and at least 10 years in senior leadership, in the oil and gas resource industry or for a recognised commercial law firm;
- Strong experience in commercial and petroleum project transactions, joint ventures, and project
financing is essential; - Additional training in corporate governance, project finance, or international petroleum agreements is an advantage;
- In-depth, practical knowledge of Papua New Guinea’s legal and regulatory framework for the petroleum and energy sector, including the Oil & Gas Act 1998;
- Expertise in petroleum law, complex contract negotiation, corporate governance, and joint venture management;
- Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with the ability to turn legal advice into practical business decisions;
- Advanced drafting, negotiation, and interpretation skills for complex legal documents;
- Proven leadership and budget management
If you’re ready to grow your career with an organisation focused on innovation and national development, apply online via the KPHL Careers Portal at https://kumulpetroleum.com/careers/ or email your application to recruitment@kumulpetroleum.com.
Please include a cover letter, three referees, and copies of your educational certificates, addressed to:
The Human Resources Manager
Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited
PO Box 143
Port Moresby
NCD
Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, 20th February, 2026.
Thank you for your interest in joining KPHL, please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted