Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery recently met with the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday.
Honorable Babucarr O. Joof was at the Commission to acquaint himself with the Commissions’ operations as well as to gain clarity on the working relationship between the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Personnel Management Office (PMO).
The Commission’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Lamin Sam Jaiteh deliberated on the role and mandate of the Commission, its Commissions’ relationship with the PMO and some of the programmes the PSC is implementing.
“PSC is mandated by law to exercise a supervisory role of the overall management and efficiency of the Civil Service, addressing various issues including but not limited to appointments, promotions, disciplinary actions, and various leave requests,” said Mr. Jaiteh.
“Additionally, conducting reviews of key Human Resource Policy documents, advise Government on the implementation of those documents and the submission of annual reports to the National Assembly.”
He said that the Commission is able to execute its mandate by working ‘hand in glove’ with PMO, which PMO serves as its technical arm by offering it advice on technical issues concerning staffing matters.
Jaiteh explained that PMO acts as liaison between Government Departments and PSC on the majority of Human Resource related issues, prior to them being sent to the sector for consideration and further action.
“PMO (to some extent) serves as a bridge between PSC and other MDA’s when it comes to the tasks delegated to the PSC by the Constitution,” the Chairman stated.
Discussion of the programmes being implemented by the Commission. Formed the nucleus of the Hon. Minister visit to the commission.
Minister Joof was informed that the PSC would next year launch E-Recruitment portal system, aimed at enabling all suitably qualified Gambians home and abroad to apply for Government jobs online and receive live updates on their applications.
Honourable Minister Babucarr O. Joof expressed gratitude to the new initiative and he emphasized the importance of digital transformation as vital for the way forward.
He expressed optimism that the E-Recruitment portal would “increase transparency and accessibility when it comes to Government appointments, thereby widening the pool of applicants to be considered for appointment into the Civil Service”.
On the mandate and scope of the PSC, Hon. Joof expressed that the work of the Commission should not be limited to the Civil Service only, but should cover the Public Service in entirety as per the Constitution and other relevant Policy instruments.
Minister Joof pledged his support and desire to reform and strengthen the Commission and assured the Commission of his commitment and eagerness to serve as its mouthpiece in Cabinet.
By Lamin B. Darboe, Information Officer, PMO