Santos
Don’t come for an easy career. Stay for a rewarding one.
Santos is a global energy company committed to increasingly cleaner energy and fuels production, with operations across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and North America.
We are currently PNG’s largest single investor and most active explorer, operating all the country’s producing oil fields and holding an extensive appraisal and exploration portfolio. Our aspirations and strategies reflect our genuine commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the lives of Papua New Guineans.
At Santos, our commitment is to be a global leader in the transition to cleaner energy and clean fuels, by helping the world decarbonise to reach net-zero emissions in an affordable and sustainable way.
Santos is one of Australia’s biggest domestic gas supplier, a leading Asia Pacific LNG supplier and is committed to supplying the critical fuels such as oil and gas in a more sustainable way through decarbonising projects such as the Moomba CCS project.
For more than 65 years, Santos has been working in partnership with local communities, providing local jobs and business opportunities, safely and sustainably developing its natural gas resources, and powering industries and households.
What you’ll do:
Based in Port Moresby, the Senior Government Affairs Adviser plays a key leadership role in shaping and executing SANTOS’s government relations strategy in Papua New Guinea.
The position is critical to influencing policy, strengthening senior government relationships, and ensuring alignment between regulatory developments and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the review and development of government affairs strategies with the Senior Government Affairs Manager, ensuring alignment with SANTOS business goals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key government agencies, and regulators such as the National Petroleum Authority, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, Departments of National Planning and Monitoring, Treasury, Internal Revenue Commission, Prime Minister’s Department
- Monitor government processes such as the National Budget, Policies, Sectoral Plans, legislation, and parliamentary sittings, providing timely advice on policy changes that affect SANTOS operations.
- Maintain accurate government and regulatory contact databases and profiles.
- Support Community Affairs by liaising with the PNGBU Community Affairs Manager on landowner issues impacting operations and projects.
- Gather and analyse government activity and policy for commercial, legal, environmental, and social risks, report confidentially to senior management.
- Communicate relevant information to government officials to support ongoing operations and promote SANTOS’s reputation.
- Identify opportunities for public affairs initiatives and represent SANTOS in business sector forums, including the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.
- Assist the PNG Communications Manager and team with PNGBU activities and corporate functions.
- Drive cost-effective solutions and administer Government Affairs activities efficiently.
- Ensure compliance with the Santos Management System (SMS), Delegation of Authority (DOA), and corporate governance and safety standards.
What you’ll bring:
Essential:
- Extensive experience in oil and/or gas field operations, ideally ranging from 8 to 10 years.
- Proven track record in government engagement and consultation.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and perform under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills.
Desired:
- Familiarity with the current regulatory environment, particularly the PNG Oil & Gas Act and Environment Act and other regulatory requirements
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all organisational levels.
Ideally, you will hold a tertiary qualification, with a degree being essential. Qualifications in Public Policy, Business, Communications, or related fields would be highly regarded.
What you’ll get:
Here, you’ll be amongst high-calibre people and get to work on industry-leading projects. We don’t shy away from solving tough problems at pace. We like it that way. You can expect to be challenged and supported; to learn and grow.
At Santos, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. This means a place that is safe; where you are valued and respected, and your contribution is recognised and appreciated. Join us, and you’ll play a role in this too.
Each of our sites offer access to specific amenities that aim to create the best possible benefits to your health, wellbeing and performance.
What you’re part of:
Everywhere you turn you will be a part of a team who are coming together to contribute to our single uniting purpose – to provide reliable and affordable energy to help create a better world for everyone and because it’s not only what you do, but how you do it, you will also contribute to improving the living standards of the communities where we operate, building enduring and respectful relationships that serve a generation.
It’s about each of us, and all of us – together.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system before COB Friday 26th September 2025.
A requirement of this role is that you will need to have in place the legal work rights for PNG to apply.
Potential Scams
There are a number of fake adverts that are impersonating Santos Limited, in these instances you will receive an e-mail from a generic e-mail address. We do not make offers without interviews or due diligence taking place. You will know if an advert is genuine if you are directed to the Santos company careers page to apply which is https://recruitment.santos.com/
To apply for this job please visit recruitment.santos.com.