The Public Service Commission through its Human Resource Management Division conducted a series of training on organization review, the recruitment and selection process and the Performance Management System.
The sessions aimed at improving human resource management in the public service. They were in line with Goal 2 of the Public Administration Sector Plan that looks at improving Human Resource capacities and management of Samoa’s Public Service. The initiative also supported ongoing efforts to achieve the one public sector vision for good governance through improved people management practices.
The first training held over 3 days from 20 – 23 June 2016 came about as a result of the review of the Recruitment and Selection Manual.
The revision of the recruitment and selection manual puts more emphasis on the merit factors as the basis of the assessment and also ensure that transparency, accountability and fairness are clear and precise throughout the process. Added to this is to ensure the enhancement of the capacity of the staff members on recruitment and selection
The Performance Management System training that ran from the 27 – 29 June 2016 encouraged Ministries to utilize the said tool to develop the capacity of staff and towards developing a reward system for public servants.
There was also an opportunity to conduct a special training on Recruitment and Selection Processes held for those with special needs at the Nuanua o le Alofa which was held on 22 September, 2016. The training was well received by the participants which included persons with disabilities and other interested parties. The session was premised on an inclusive approach and focused on the merit factors and job competencies, eliminating communication barriers as well as emphasizing equal employment opportunities for all in the Samoa Public Service.