Sansan is new secretary

By HELEN TARAWA
TAIES Sansan has been confirmed as the Department of Personnel Management secretary after acting in the position for almost two years.
Prime Minister James Marape made the announcement at the Christmas party for the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council yesterday.
He congratulated Sansan, saying she had earned the position “on merit”.
“You didn’t earn it because you are a female,” Marape said.
“A lot of women are appointed to high positions on merit.”
Sansan, from Manus, has been acting in the position of secretary since March last year.
She replaced John Kali who is now the PNG High Commissioner to Australia.
She holds a Masters in business (human resource management) and a degree in political science and international relations.
She joined the department almost 20 years ago.
She will serve a four-year term effective from Dec 6, 2019.
Sansan told The National that her priority would be to implement policies in the Corporate Plan (2019 to 2022).
Some of the policies are:

• Implementing the 70-20-10 manpower distribution to districts, provinces and national agencies;
• setting up regional offices so officers can be close to provinces;
• implementing the performance management system for assessing agency heads and cascading this down to officers below;
• to have key result areas developed for all officers from top to bottom; and,
• Putting in place housing, health and medical insurance for public servants.

Sansan thanked Marape for the decision to appoint her.
“I also thank the Government and Cabinet for the vote of confidence (in me) and assure them of my support as I lead the department.”
She viewed the Cabinet decision as upholding the gender equity and social inclusion policy.
“And I am the first woman appointed under your leadership.
“I now look forward to many challenges ahead and to find solutions to address these issues.