Wings and Divisions

The Office of the Secretary, Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs serves as the Central Administrative hub, responsible for overseeing and coordination of the Department’s functions and responsibilities. This Office manages the Corporate Support Services, the Strategic Policy and Digital Integration and the Sub— National Support and Governance.  The office of the Secretary manages other administrative responsibilities like the functional units of Legal Services Unit, the Internal Audit Services and the Public Relations and Media Services.

• Some of the important and key functions the Department oversees includes; over – seeing and coordination of the mechanics and operations of the Provincial Local Level Service Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA) established under Section 110 of the OLPLLGA, the External Stakeholder Programs and Projects, in providing leadership oversight, coordination, and monitoring the involvement of bilateral and multilateral projects and programs at the LLGs and the Ward levels.

The Provincial Local Level Service Monitoring Authority is established by Section 110 of the Organic Law on Provincial Local Level Government Affairs. Its mandates are to develop and monitor the implementation of National Policies and decisions at the Sub – National Governments. It is further entrusted with the responsibility to establish minimum development standards and monitor the maintenance of those in the overall development of the rural and urban communities.

The PLLSMA assists the Auditor General carry out the performance audit of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs. It develops, coordinates and monitors the training and professional needs of the National Public Service assigned to the Provinces and Districts. It additionally assess the effectiveness and efficiency of Provincial and Local Governments, and executes powers and functions delegated to it by law; to make recommendations to the Minister for DPLLGA matters in relation to strengthening the decentralization of government. By participating in appointment committees, the PLLSMA ensure all appointments to offices in the Provincial and Local Level Governments are merit – based; and other functions that may be delegated to it by an act of Parliament.

The Director General, Legal Services Unit reports to the Secretary on all matters of legal services, is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support and advisory services to the Department and Sub – National Government agencies and other agencies like the PLLSMA, the External Stakeholder Programs and others. The primary function of the unit include;

• Administer OLPGLLG, DDA Act, City Authority Act, LLG Administration Act, Provincial Government Administration Act, Restoration Acts, Resettlement Acts.
• Provide policy and legal advice to Minister, Secretary, National Agencies, Provincial Governments and Local-Level Governments, District Development Authorities, City Authorities and LLG Special Purposes Authorities.
• Propose legislative and policy drafts and reviews as and when required.
• Attend to litigation cases as and when required, in liaison and consultation with the State Solicitor, Department of Justice & Attorney General.
• Establishment and maintenance of an up-to-date registry of all relevant National, Provincial, and LLG model laws.
• Vetting of provincial and LLG laws

The Department’s Internal Audit and System Compliance Unit is established within the Executive Support Services Division and reports directly to the Secretary of the Department of Provincial Local—Level Government Affairs. The Unit is responsible for assessing the Department’s operations, systems and processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies and industry standards. The Unit conducts independent and objective evaluations to provide assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. Additionally, the Unit identifies areas for improvement and recommends corrective actions to enhance internal controls, operational efficiency and accountability.

The Internal Audit and System Compliance plays a key role in promoting transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct within DPLLGA. By conducting regular audits, monitoring compliance with laws and regulations, and providing reliable information to the Office of the Secretary and the Senior Management Team, the unit contributes to the Department’s overall effectiveness and success.

The Department’s Media Services and Public Relations Unit reports to the Secretary, DPLGA under the Executive Support Services Division. Developing and implementing strategic communication policies and plans to enhance the Department’s public image and reputation are the primary responsibility of this important and vital functional unit. A greater cultivating relationship with Journalists blogs and influences to secure positive media coverage for the Department and giving prominence to its performance and progresses in the Governance circle.

For managing the Department’s social media, presence, creating engaging content, monitoring online conversations to maintain a positive brand, image, collaborations with marketing and communication team, develop integrated campaigns to promote Department’s key policies and programs.

The Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs Corporate Planning within the Department involves setting strategic goals and objectives aligned with national development agendas. Key components include;

• Strategic Planning; developing a long term vision and operational plans that guide the activities of the Department in supporting provincial and local level governments.
• Performance metrics; establishing clear performance indicators to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and initiatives at the provincial and local levels.
• Reporting Framework; implementing a robust management reporting system that captures and analyses data on performance, expenditures, and outcomes to inform decision-making and policy adjustments.

Section 114 and 119 Reports; in collaborations with the Provincial and LLGs, the reporting on the Financial Affairs required under Section 114  and Governance Affairs reporting required under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Government Affairs for Provincial and LLGs are facilitated by the Corporate Planning and Reporting Branch of the Department.

• Identify capacity gaps and develop capacity development programs and initiatives for Provinces and Districts.
• Ensure effective roll-out and compliance on implementation, monitoring and reporting.

• Formulate policies, conduct policy analysis and provide recommendations.
• Coordinate and implement government directives and National Executive Council Decisions.

• Provide governance and technical advisory support to Provincial Governments and District Development Authorities.

• Identify capacity gaps and develop capacity development programs and initiatives for LLGs and SPAs.
• Administer LLG and SPA operations.
• Formulate policies, conduct policy analysis and provide recommendations.
• Implement the National Government’s Rural Service Delivery Project.
• Provision of ongoing advisory services to LLG leaders.
• Ward Record Book rollout and data management for LLGs and Wards.
• Facilitate the establishment of new LLGs and Wards.
• Coordinate Local-Level Government Elections.

• Administer LLG Leaders payroll system.
• Coordinate and implement government directives and National Executive Council Decisions.

• Provide governance and technical advisory support to LLGs and SPAs.

Ensure effective roll out and compliance on implementation, monitoring and reporting

• Identify capacity gaps and develop capacity development programs and initiatives for City Authorities and Resettlement Authorities.

• Formulate policies, conduct policy analysis and provide recommendations.

• Ensure effective roll out and compliance on implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Facilitate coordination programs and strategic interventions for Resettlement Authorities.
• Provide governance and technical advisory support to City and Resettlement Authorities.
• Coordinate and implement government directives and National Executive Council Decisions.

• Strengthen national coordination, administration and management mechanism of development partners at sub-national level.
• Participate in bilateral and multilateral development cooperation arrangements.

Coordinate and facilitate donor engagement for the Department in line with its core mandates and functions

• Administer PNG international borders with Indonesia, Australia, Solomon Islands including Micronesia.
• Coordinate implementation of infrastructure construction and maintenance along the border areas in Papua New Guinea.
• Coordinate Wutung Border Post facilities as the major on-land border trading and security check-point.
• Ensure flow of information necessary for border security.
• Implementation of socio–economic development projects for people living along the border areas.
• Management of government assets located at all border posts.
• Administer East Awin Refugee Camp.

• The Strategic Policy and Digital Integration Division (SPDI) within the Department of Provincial and Local – Level Government Affairs (DPLLGA) is a new Division created under the new Organization Structure tasked with the critical responsibility of advancing strategic policy initiatives and fostering the integration of digital technology and development, promoting digital security, providing comprehensive up – to – date information into government operations. This division plays a pivotal role in enhancing governance effectiveness, promoting transparency and enabling better service delivery and coordinated oversight at Sub – National levels.
• Its mission is to develop and implement innovative policies and digital solutions that enhance the operational capacity of provincial and local level governments, ensuring they are responsive, efficient and aligned with the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

• Administration of Land Trust and Deceased Estate under the Secretary as the Custodian of Trust and Customary Land.
• Formulate, Coordinate and Implement Policies, Strategies, and Regulatory Frameworks relating to Customary Land Administration, Land Use Planning, and Land Governance at the Provincial Level.

Work in Collaboration with Provincial Administration and other stakeholders to ensure the integration of sustainable land management practices into local governance systems.

• Develop and implement digital platform and tools for data collection, performance monitoring and inter-governmental communication.
• Facilitate the integration of ICT systems to enhance efficiency, transparency and accessibility to departmental and sub-national governmental services.
• Provide technical guidance, training and support on digital solutions for provincial and LLG administrations.
• Collaborate with government agencies, development partners and the private sector to promote innovation and digital transformation.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of special functions and digital initiatives, to ensure alignment with national policies and departmental priorities.

Provide Finance and Administration support services to the Department and the Ministry.

Provide Human Resource Management support services to the Department and the Ministry.

Provide Information and Communication Technology support services to the Department and the Ministry.

• Lead the formulation, coordination, and review of DPLLGA’s Corporate Plans and Annual Activity Plans.
• Drive institutional performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting across all departmental functions.
• Develop and institutionalize provincial performance reporting systems for provinces, districts, cities, LLGS and Special Purposes Authorities.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of departmental policy proposals, reports, and briefs to the Minister, CACC, NEC, and Parliament.
• Ensure alignment of departmental strategies and plans with national frameworks such as the MTDP IV, Vision 2050, and Sectoral Strategies.
• Support evidence-based policy and planning through performance data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Facilitate internal and external performance reviews to inform executive decision-making and continuous improvement.

Administer the Executive Performance Management System.