THE Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) is placing a strong emphasis on investing in its staff to advance the goals and objectives of its Secretariat.
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With a recent expansion that brought eight new professionals on board, the total number of employees at PNGEITI has now increased to 17.
Executive Director Lucas Alkan highlighted the significance of this strategic investment in human resources. “We are transitioning from being a Secretariat to becoming a Commission once the Commission Bill is passed,” Alkan said.
“It is crucial that we have qualified professionals to lead this transformation.” He encouraged his staff to pursue further training and education to enhance their capabilities and better serve the Secretariat’s mission. “I urge you all to continue learning, even if it means seeking further training abroad,” he added. “This investment in your development will benefit both the Secretariat and the country as a whole. I am prepared to support you financially for overseas training if necessary.”
Alkan made these comments during a ceremony celebrating the graduation of 14 staff members from PNGEITI, who received their National Certificate 2 in Government and Public Service on August 8th. This achievement follows a week-long induction course at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) in Port Moresby.
SILAG Legal Council guided the PNGEITI staff through the course, during which they took an oath to uphold loyalty and dedication in their roles as public servants. SILAG representative Nellie Arabagali commended the graduating staff, urging them to serve with commitment and integrity.
“The course is designed to equip probationary officers with the essential knowledge and attitude needed to excel in a public service environment,” said Arabagali. Trainer Andrew Walne added, “The training covers public service systems, processes, and legislative requirements necessary for delivering quality services to the public.”
The course provided by SILAG is a foundational qualification that aligns with the Public Service General Orders, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the public sector.
As PNGEITI continues to evolve, the focus on staff development is a critical component of its strategy to achieve its transparency goals and contribute positively to the extractive industries sector in Papua New Guinea.