Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a diverse and resource-rich country that faces many social and economic challenges. The workforce of PNG is one of its most valuable assets, but it also needs to overcome some obstacles and seize some prospects to enhance its productivity, skills and well-being. This article will explore some of the current trends, headlines and discussions on the topic of enhancing the workforce of PNG, focusing on the Pacific Islands context. It will also provide some positive recommendations to jobseekers and employers/recruiters on what they can do to improve their chances of finding and retaining quality jobs and workers. Finally, we will mention Wantokjobs.com, a leading online platform for connecting employers and jobseekers in PNG and the Pacific Islands.
The State of the Workforce in PNG
The workforce in PNG consists of about 3.9 million people, of which about 2.6 million are employed in the formal or informal sector, and about 1.3 million are unemployed or underemployed1. The majority of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishing, followed by wholesale and retail trade, public administration and education1. The extractive industry, such as mining and oil, accounts for a large share of PNG’s exports and foreign direct investment, but employs only a small fraction of the workforce2.
Some of the main challenges facing the workforce in PNG are:
- Low levels of education and skills: Only about 40 percent of the workforce has completed primary education, and only about 10 percent has completed secondary education or higher1. This limits the opportunities for workers to access higher-paying and more secure jobs, especially in sectors that require technical or professional skills.
- Poor health outcomes: PNG has one of the lowest life expectancies and highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world1. The COVID-19 pandemic has also posed a serious threat to the health system and the population, with more than 860 confirmed cases and nine deaths as of January 20213. Poor health affects the productivity, absenteeism and turnover of workers, as well as their income and welfare.
- Political instability: PNG has experienced frequent changes in government and political turmoil in recent years, which have affected the policy environment and the confidence of investors and businesses3. Political uncertainty can undermine the stability and growth of the economy, as well as the quality and delivery of public services that support the workforce.
- Gender inequality: Women face significant barriers to participate in the workforce in PNG, such as cultural norms, domestic responsibilities, violence, discrimination and harassment1. Women have lower labor force participation rates, lower literacy rates, lower wages and less access to land, credit and training than men1. Empowering women to join and thrive in the workforce is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Some of the main opportunities for enhancing the workforce in PNG are:
- Abundant natural resources: PNG has rich endowments of land, minerals, oil, gas, forests and fisheries that offer potential for economic diversification and value addition1. Developing these sectors can create more jobs and income for workers, as well as generate revenues for public investment in infrastructure, health, education and social protection.
- Young population: PNG has a young and growing population, with about half of its people under the age of 251. This provides a window of opportunity for harnessing the demographic dividend, if adequate investments are made in improving the health, education and skills of young people.
- Digital transformation: PNG has made significant progress in expanding access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as mobile phones, internet and social media1. These technologies can enable workers to access new markets, information, services and opportunities, as well as enhance their productivity, innovation and learning.
- Regional integration: PNG is part of several regional initiatives that aim to promote trade, investment, cooperation and development among Pacific Island countries1. These initiatives can foster greater connectivity, mobility and exchange among workers in the region, as well as create new markets and partnerships for businesses.
Recommendations for Jobseekers
For jobseekers who want to improve their chances of finding quality jobs in PNG or elsewhere in the Pacific Islands region, here are some recommendations:
- Seek education and training opportunities: Education is one of the most important factors that determine employability and earnings. Jobseekers should try to complete at least secondary education or vocational training that matches their interests and abilities. They should also seek opportunities for lifelong learning to upgrade their skills and adapt to changing labor market demands.
- Use online platforms: Online platforms can help jobseekers find relevant information on job vacancies, requirements, salaries, employers, and more. They can also help jobseekers showcase their qualifications, experience, and achievements to potential employers. One of the leading online platforms for jobseekers in PNG and the Pacific Islands is Wantokjobs.com, which offers a user-friendly and secure interface for browsing and applying for jobs across various sectors and locations.
- Network and connect: Networking and connecting with other people can help jobseekers discover new opportunities, get referrals, and receive feedback and advice. Jobseekers can use their existing contacts, such as family, friends, colleagues, teachers, mentors, or alumni, as well as expand their network through online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. They can also join professional associations, clubs, or groups that are related to their field of interest or expertise.
- Be flexible and adaptable: Flexibility and adaptability are key skills for succeeding in the modern labor market, which is constantly evolving and changing. Jobseekers should be open to exploring different options, such as working in different sectors, locations, or formats (e.g., full-time, part-time, freelance, remote, etc.). They should also be willing to learn new things, take on new challenges, and cope with uncertainty and change.
Recommendations for Employers/Recruiters
For employers/recruiters who want to improve their chances of finding and retaining quality workers in PNG or elsewhere in the Pacific Islands region, here are some recommendations:
- Use online platforms: Online platforms can help employers/recruiters reach a larger and more diverse pool of candidates, as well as streamline the recruitment process. They can also help employers/recruiters showcase their brand, values, and culture to potential workers. One of the leading online platforms for employers/recruiters in PNG and the Pacific Islands is Wantokjobs.com, which offers a cost-effective and efficient service for posting jobs, screening applicants, and managing candidates.
- Invest in human capital development: Human capital development is the process of improving the knowledge, skills, and abilities of workers through education, training, and health. Investing in human capital development can help employers/recruiters attract, motivate, and retain quality workers, as well as enhance their productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. Employers/recruiters can invest in human capital development by providing opportunities for formal or informal learning, mentoring, coaching, feedback, and recognition to their workers.
- Promote diversity and inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are the principles of respecting and valuing the differences and similarities among people, such as gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or background. Promoting diversity and inclusion can help employers/recruiters create a more positive and supportive work environment for their workers, as well as access a wider range of perspectives, talents, and markets. Employers/recruiters can promote diversity and inclusion by implementing policies and practices that ensure equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and participation for all workers.
- Engage with stakeholders: Stakeholders are the people or groups that have an interest or influence on the activities and outcomes of an organization or project. Engaging with stakeholders can help employers/recruiters build trust, collaboration, and support for their goals and actions. Employers/recruiters can engage with stakeholders by communicating clearly and regularly with them, listening to their views and concerns, involving them in decision-making processes, and addressing their needs and expectations.
Conclusion
Enhancing the workforce of PNG is a vital task for achieving social and economic development in the country and the region. The workforce faces many challenges but also has many opportunities to improve its situation. Jobseekers and employers/recruiters can play an important role in enhancing the workforce by following some positive recommendations that can help them find and retain quality jobs and workers. Wantokjobs.com is a valuable resource that can assist both jobseekers and employers/recruiters in their endeavors.
References
1: World Bank (2020). Papua New Guinea Economic Update: From Relief to Recovery. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/png/publication/papua-new-guinea-economic-update-from-relief-to-recovery
2: International Institute for Sustainable Development (2016). Papua New Guinea: Direct Employment. https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/publications/case-study-papua-new-guinea-direct-employment.pdf
3: World Bank (2021). Papua New Guinea – Dealing with a Triple Crisis. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/png/publication/papua-new-guinea-dealing-with-a-triple-crisis
: Wantokjobs.com (2021). About Us. https://www.wantokjobs.com/about-us/