New Zealand High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle, has rejected claims that there was a conflict of interest in the alleged appointment of the partner of a senior diplomat to a position that could have been occupied by a local.
Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer, she did not confirm or deny the appointment. Nor did she respond, specifically, to a question about who actually got the job of Administration Manager.
The High Commissioner was asked for a comment following a complaint to the Samoa Observer that the expatriate husband of a senior diplomat had been hired despite there being Samoans suitable for the job.
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“I feel that it is so wrong,” a source, who asked not to be named fearing repercussions, said.
“If you will recall, there was an ad in the Samoa Observer a little while ago for an office Manager for the N.Z. High Commission.
“Supposedly the position was being localised. A lot of local people applied as well as Samoan people from New Zealand who were well qualified. I am especially disappointed as this person has taken the job that could have been filled by a local.”
Asked for a comment, Ms. Frizelle said: “The High Commission rejects any assertion of a conflict of interest in the appointment of its Administration Manager.
“The role was very widely advertised in both Samoa and New Zealand and resulted in 45 applicants, 5 of whom were interviewed.”
“The person selected was appointed solely on merit.
“A thorough selection and interview process was undertaken by a panel of three, including an independent external panel member, a human resources specialist, and the High Commissioner.
“The selection criteria included leadership skills, and technical expertise in finance, human resources, and property management,” she said.
The advertisement said the “ideal” applicant would have a “good knowledge of Samoa.” It also says that the ability to speak Samoan would be an “advantage.”
The Administration Manager is directly in charge of seven staff, with 19 altogether at the High Commission. A Google cache of the ad was first captured on 27th January, showing a closing date of 5th February.
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