By Lamin B. Darboe
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n a recent meeting between Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery, Mr Babucarr O. Joof; and members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and staff of the Public Service Commission Secretariat, the Minister was informed that the PSC is on the verge of launching an e-recruitment system. The system will enable all suitably qualified Gambians both at home and abroad to apply for Government jobs online and receive live updates as their applications go through the necessary process including short listing. The e-recruitment portal is scheduled to launch later this year.
This meeting between the Minister and members of the PSC was meant to accord Mr Joof the opportunity to acquaint himself with the Public Service Commissions’ operations as well as to get clarity on the working relationship between the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Personnel Management Office (PMO).
The Vice Chairman at the Public Service Commission, Mr. Lamin Sam Jaiteh, on behalf of the PSC members and secretariat welcomed the Minister to the Commission and congratulated him on his new ministerial appointment.
Mr. Jaiteh deliberated on the role and core mandates of the Commission as stated in the constitution, the Commissions’ relationship with the PMO and some of the programmes currently being implemented by the PSC.
Elaborating on the mandate of the Commission, Mr. Jaiteh explained that 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. “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,” said Mr. Jaiteh.
According to Jaiteh, the Commission is able to execute this mandate by working ‘hand in glove’ with PMO, in which PMO serves as the technical arm of the PSC, offering advice on technical issues concerning staff matters.
He further explained that PMO acts as liaison between Government Departments and PSCon 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.
Reacting to the information on the e-recruitment system, Minister Babucarr O. Joof welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of digital transformation. He said the e-recruitment portal will increase transparency and accessibility when it comes to Government appointments, thereby widen the pool of applicants to be considered for appointment into the civil service.
Regarding the overall mandate and scope of the PSC, Hon. Joof expressed his view that the work of the Commission should not be limited to the civil service; rather, it should cover the entirety of the public service in accordance with the constitution and other relevant policy instruments.
He pledged his support and desire to reform and strengthen the Commission and assured the members of his commitment and eagerness to serve as the mouthpiece of the PSC in cabinet.
