The Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially introduced a digital performance management tool aimed at enhancing accountability and tracking the performance of Director Generals across Vanuatu’s 13 government ministries.

The tool, known as Smartsheet, was introduced to senior executives by OPSC Senior HRMIS Officer Mr. Sohesohemoli Antas, on October 1st during a Basic Smartsheet training on Performance Agreement with Contracted SEOs, held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Ministry of the Prime Minister in Port Vila, Efate.

In his opening remarks, Secretary of the Public Service Commission, Mr. James Melteres, emphasized the significance of the initiative.

 “Today marks an important step forward in how we manage performance across the public service. Earlier this year, amendments were passed through Parliament—via Department of Communication and Digital Transformation (DCT)—and integrated into the Public Service Act to strengthen performance management not only at the executive level but across all levels of the public service,” he said.

Mr. Melteres noted that in previous years, performance agreements were managed manually using paper-based systems. “With this ICT-based tool, we now have the ability to monitor performance more effectively. Smartsheet is part of our 2025 Business Plan and will help us track progress in real time and also ministers would be given the access to view their own ministry performance,” he added.

The Smartsheet platform allows for daily performance tracking and live data recording. All activities of Director Generals are now uploaded into the system, enabling better oversight of business plan implementation. The tool also supports the generation of annual reports, which ministries are required to submit to the PSC.

Looking ahead, the PSC plans to expand the use of Smartsheet in 2026 to include all ministry business plans and incorporate Directors into the system, further strengthening performance accountability across the public sector.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) has launch today 4 September 2025 the Women in Leadership Program (WILP)—a bold step toward building a more inclusive, equitable future in infrastructure. With 19 women and 1 male participating from across all departments, this program is designed to boost leadership skills, build networks, and pave the way for women to take the lead in shaping Vanuatu’s infrastructure landscape. 

Secretary of the Office Public Service Commission Mr. James Melteres Speech was made on his behalf by the Director Innovation and Policy Development Unit Mr. Jean Yves Bibi.

"It is an honour to join you today for the official launch of the MIPU Women in Leadership Program. This initiative marks another important milestone in our collective journey toward a more inclusive and empowered public service. In 2023, the Ministry of Health led the way by launching a flagship Women in Leadership Program, delivered across national, provincial, and community levels.

The Office of the Public Service Commission has announced the appointment of Mrs. Cherol Ala IANNA as the new Director General on Monday 25^th August 2025.

Her appointment was conferred by the Chairman of the Public Service Commission Mr. Martin Mahe, witnessed by PSC Secretary Mr. James Melteres, Deputy Secretary Mr. Stephane Bong and Principal Employment Services Mr. Bonnie David.

Mrs. Ala is a seasoned senior public sector leader with over 20 years of experience in shaping national policy, leading institutional reform, and coordinating intergovernmental at the highest levels of government.

She previously served as Director General in the Prime Minister’s Office of Vanuatu from November 2022 to March 2025. Prior to this, Mrs. Ala was the Director General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Vanuatu, from 2016 to October 2022.

The Chairman Mr. Martin Raoul Mahe, congratulated Mrs. Ala on her new appointment.

“On behalf of the Public Service Commission, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as Director General of the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services,” said Mr. Mahe. “With your extensive experience and dedication to public service, the Commission is confident in your ability to lead this important ministry. The scope of the Ministry is vast, overseeing many citizens, especially the youth who are often marginalized. One of your key responsibilities will be to advance government policies that support youth training initiatives, such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to better prepare them for participation in the national workforce.”

Director General Ala expressed her gratitude to the Public Service Commission and all those present at her appointment.

“I thank everyone who has supported me and the Commission for placing their trust and confidence in me to lead the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services,” Mrs. Ala said.

She acknowledged the Ministry’s growth and the importance of collaboration: “The ministry has expanded significantly, and I am confident that with my experience and the collaboration of the Public Service Commission and the existing departments within the ministry, we will drive forward meaningful progress for the benefit of our country.”

Mrs. Ala also highlighted the strength of her team: “I believe in the strength of our team and their commitment to work collaboratively to achieve significant advancements within the Ministry,” she added.

Her appointment has taken place at the Office Public Service Commission in Port Vila and she has commenced her duties into the month of September 2025.

Port Vila – Staff of the Office Public Service Commission (OPSC) have commenced a week-long training from 25th of August, at the OPSC Office Conference Room in Port Vila. The training has ended on Friday, 29 August 2025.

The training was facilitated by the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics (VBOS) and includes contributions from key officials: Deputy Chief Statistician Mr. Charlington Leo, Manager of the Social and Environment Section Mr. Jimmy Tamkela, and Manager of Statistical Leadership Coordination Mr. Roger Smithy, along with other VBOS staff with coordination provided through the Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management (VIPAM), the training arm of the OPSC.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary of the Office of the Public Service Commission, Mr. James Melteres, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of data in improving public service management and accurate data handling within the public service.

“This training is a great opportunity for the Public Service Commission. We manage a vast amount of data, and this training will help ensure it is correctly and clearly entered,” said Mr. Melteres.

Mr. Tamkela explained that the training aims to build a foundational understanding of statistics stressing that effective policy-making depends on credible data.

“We can’t make any policy decisions without reliable datasets,” he stated.

The sessions focused on the Structure and Mandate of the VBOS, the Vanuatu Statistics Act, and their alignment with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and its policy framework. Other sessions of that day also explored the Importance of Statistical Data, Key Statistical Terminologies, and the Fundamentals of Data Analysis, concluding with a focus on Statistical Terminology.

The training continued through the week and ended on Friday 29th August 2025 with practical sessions to equip OPSC staff with skills to improve data quality, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and enhance evidence-based decision-making across government.