Determination is Nepe’s Guiding Hand to Success

Today we talk to 26-year-old Brandon Nepe, a young vibrate enthusiast who considers enjoying the perks of life as a hobby. A bright eyed, light-skinned typical Southern Highlander with a passion and drive to succeed.   

Brandon Nepe knows the true definition of determination. At a young age he knew that village life was not for him. He had constant encouragement from his parents and elders to get a better education where his drive to bettering himself and his family. Hailing from a tiny village in Yombi, Imbonggu District in the Southern Highlands Province, Nepe who is an only child, remembers how his mother would wake up early to prepare his breakfast of baked kaukau over the burning embers of a dying fire as the dawn broke, mother nature painting the early morning sky in an array of hues that signal a bright day ahead, before his journey his long journey to his primary school. “Life was hard, but I am grateful because they have thought me that through perseverance and diligence your achievements are worth it,” he said.

From humble beginnings, today Brandon is employed with the Department of Personnel Management as the Staffing and Establishment Officer for the Highlands Region with the Human Resources Advisory Services (HRAS). “I was accepted to Wawin National High School where became interested studying Human Resource Management because the vital skills it entailed resonated with my personality in team collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution. “I graduated two years later and found myself being accepted into the University of Papua New Guinea to study Human Resource Management. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in HRM four years later.

“While studying at UPNG (3rd year 2019), I did an internship with the DPM and upon graduation got recruited as the Staffing and Establishment Officer for Highlands Region Directorate,” said Brandon. This position is responsible for managing public service workforce structures and ensuring compliance with staffing policies.

“My key duties include maintaining the establishment register, processing staffing and position changes, advising on organizational structures, and supporting workforce planning.

“While the role may be demanding, I find that such challenges has enabled me to adapt and grow with the department,” says Brandon. He gleefully says that the work he is doing is contributing to nation building and has its satisfaction.

“I am also thankful to my Director Christine Rupen and Martha Poli for through them I have learned a lot of valuable knowledge in my field of expertise. “Everyday we are evolving, the need for information sharing is vital, if not now, then when?” said Brandon. 

“I want to thank the department and Secretary Sansan for the trust and faith in employing me. When asked what his plans are, Nepe responds that he has set his sights on furthering his education by obtaining a masters degree soon.