THE Public Service Commission vetted more than 700 applications for 11 permanent secretary positions and those who were shortlisted for interviews met the qualification and experience criteria.
This, according to PSC chairman Luke Rokovada while addressing concerns on the recent permanent secretary positions.
He said with the assistance of the recruiting company, KPMG Fiji, the commission undertook a thorough screening exercise.
“In light of the very high calibre of candidates, both women and men, many missed out on appointment,” he said.
“Many who missed out had double masters degree qualifications, some had Doctor of Philosophies (PhDs) and other very well qualified candidates.
“Extensive work experience at senior executive level positions was a very important criteria aside from having the requisite qualifications.”
He said out of the seven candidates with PhDs, there were two women and five men.
“Five candidates who had PhD qualifications missed out on appointments as well as many with double masters degree qualifications.
“The commission has a duty and moral obligation to balance relevant qualifications and proven experience at a high level in order to select the best candidate for the demanding positions.
“Placing emphasis on the academic qualifications alone is naive and simplistic.
“At the end of the day, those appointed met the merit principle and criteria for selection.”
The total number of permanent secretaries appointed by PSC stands at 22, out of which 15 are men and 7 women.
