PSC advertises PS Foreign Affairs role

The position of permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade has been advertised following the pending end of the current contract holder’s term.

The role was advertised by KPMG in the media last week as the contract of current permanent secretary Raijieli Taga is scheduled to end in May.

Ms Taga has held the position since February 25 last year following a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

She previously served in the Mineral Resources Department where she became a trailblazer for women after securing the director’s position and later becoming the first female Permanent Secretary for the department.

Ms Taga later resumed a role at the Office of the Prime Minister in 2024 before transitioning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, exchanging positions with Lesikimacuata Korovavala, who is now the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Public Service Commission chairperson Luke Rokovada confirmed that Ms Taga had been offered an appointment as Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand on a three-year contract.

“The advertisement was only made last week because we want to ensure the appointment is made before the end of May,” Mr Rokovada said.

“She was offered an appointment as Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand; however, she withdrew her candidacy for personal reasons.”

Mr Rokovada said he was not aware of how many applications had been received so far because the advertisement had only recently been placed.

The vacancy is now open and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka acknowledged Ms Taga’s service and contribution to Government over the past few years and said the door remained open should she decide to reapply.

“What I can say is that we acknowledge and greatly appreciate the excellent service Ms Taga has rendered to Government over the course of her tenure, including her dedicated contribution to the work of the Ministry,” Mr Ditoka said.

Questions were sent to Ms Taga regarding her resignation and whether she would apply again for the Permanent Secretary position. However, attempts to obtain a comment were unsuccessful when this edition went to press.