LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE AFRICA PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS NETWORK

Transcription

1 WHO MANAGES THE HUMAN RESOURCES IN YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE: THE ROLE OF PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS AND THEIR NETWORKS IN PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE Prepared by: LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE AFRICA PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS NETWORK William J Ng unda (APS-HRMnet) Assistant Executive Secretary AFRICA PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS Network 29 June

2 INTRODUCTION The paper explains role of Public Sector Human Resource Managers and their networks in promoting professionalism in the public service in Africa with focus on the experience of APS- HRMnet APS-HRMnet was launched in Arusha, Tanzania on 27 th Feb 2009 in recognition of the need to promote professionalism and modernize the way we manage human resources in the Public Service sector in Africa In all 137 participants from 22 countries attended the launching and constituted the founding members of the APS-HRMnet 29 June

3 Human Resource Management is about ensuring that the policies and practices of managing people in the organization are all directed at achieving the organization s mission, strategy, and objectives. As the philosophy and the practice of managing human resources changed overtime, so did the roles of the people entrusted with managing human resource in the public service in Africa 29 June

4 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN AFRICA The period 1960s to early 1980s public service followed personnel management approach. Importance was put on abiding by the rule books such as standing orders, employment regulations, terms and conditions of employment and other staff management policies Since 1980s to the current era personnel management model paved the way to Human Resource Managers and the Human Resource management (HRM) approaches The process of globalization and development in Information Communication Technology has made it almost impossible to resist global trends in Africa 29 June

5 ... HRM in the Public Service in Africa There is more demand for quality and reliable services from the public and more competition for financial and human resources. Public institutions have to legitimize their existence, necessitating the adoption of result -focused systems and procedures. Quest for minimal government, reinventing government; empowering communities rather than only delivering services; encouraging competition rather than monopolies by government 29 June

6 ... HRM in the Public Service in Africa Whereas the role of Human Resource Managers in general remains to be applicable, Human Resource Managers in public sector in Africa have agreed to sign, ratify and implement The African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. The Charter was formally adopted at the 3rd Pan African Conference of Ministers of Public Service in Windhoek, Namibia from 5th to 6th February 2001 and also by Africa Heads of States during the 16th summit held in Addis Ababa on 31 January June

7 ...HRM in the Public Service in Africa The Charter is anchored on the following fundamental principles Equality of Treatment, Neutrality, Legality and Continuity of service and basically following meritocratic principles Challenges Declining values Inconsistency between traditional models and best practices Lack of visibility Lack of alignment Heritage Conflicts between political leaders and professional bureaucrats 29 June

8 THE ROLE OF APS- HRMNET IN PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM IN HRM There was a felt need in various forums to adopt a model enable HR managers to play their roles as Strategy expert; Work organization expert; Employee champion; and Agent of continuous transformation and as adviser on change management In a Communiqué issued at the end of its 30th Roundtable Conference held in Accra, Ghana, from 6 to 10 October 2008, the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) endorse lauching of APS- HRMnet. 29 June

9 PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM Specific Objectives of APS-HRMnet Promote Excellence, Integrity, Professional standards Advocate for Strategic positioning of HRM Promote continuous learning ( transfer knowledge and skills)to develop the current and next generation of human resource management professionals and leaders in the public sector in Africa Provide tools, models, methods and data Support implementation of Charter for Public Service Identify and share best practices 29 June

10 PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM To implement its objectives APS-HRMnet has conducted various capacity building workshops which serves as a forum for a continuous exchange of ideas and best practices among human resources managers Publish a book titled Human Resource Management in Africa ; Current Status and Future Direction. Over 1500 HRMs from 46 countries benefited from workshops, study tours, experts group meeting and on-line training. 76.4% of individuals (94 out of 123) who completed their on-line courses got their certificates, for which 83% were male and 17% female Certification of HRM on line training is done in partnership and/or collaboration with Africa-based and global management development institutes. Participants from 22 African countries attended the study tours hosted in 5 other African countries 29 June

11 Supporting implementation of Charter for Public Service This is a broad framework adopted by Ministers of Public Service in Africa and the Africa Heads of State seeking to promote moral values, accountability standards, and productivity in the public sector Chapter 9 and 10 in particular of the Charter guides employees to carry out their assignments and duties with both professionalism and diligence and link professionalism to ethic and rules of conduct The Charter is increasingly becoming an inspiration for strengthening good practices and the symbiotic relationship between professionalism, integrity and implementation of the staff ethic codes and codes of conduct in different countries 11

12 ...developing leaders. UNDESA, CAMPS in collaboration with APS HRMnet organized Ministerial workshop on Leadership Capacity-Development for Improved Delivery of Public Services in Africa using Information and Communication Technologies held in Addis Ababa March, Such workshops provide rare opportunity for political leaders and high level government bureaucrats in public sector to meet and share experience and understanding on how they can improve service delivery. leadership has an important role to play to promote professionalism and ethical values in the public Service. Best practice advocated will only be effective if they have environment created by leaders. 29 June

13 Developing Service and development oriented Leadership Developing professionalism in the public service in Africa requires leaders capable of leading and shaping the future of public services Leadership of HR in many countries has been elevated to senior management level or policy level. This gives HR a forum to negotiate ownership of HR agenda and the opportunity to adopt a strategic role To be relevant HR mangers have to ensure that peoples issue are at the heart of business decision making. In this way human resource managers will raise their profile. 29 June

14 APS- HRMnet and Other Networks The network provides a mechanism by which a varied range of viewpoints are transmitted to public decision makers, offering the possibility of influencing government policy without necessarily having a political mandate. The Association and Networks in Africa public Service do not necessarily compete to each other, there is quite harmonious relationships and strengthened culture of cooperation The idea of African Charter for Public Service for example originated from the Conference of Ministers of Public Service but the follow-up and implementation calls for support from AAPAM and APS HRMnet actions 29 June

15 Conclusion Human Resource Managers are key in the transformation of public service HR Managers have to pay attention to their multiple roles as strategy expert; employee champion; and agent of continuous transformation as adviser on change management. So far, APS-HRMnet and other Networks in Africa are working successfully in collaboration with governments in Africa and other key players to build the capacity of human resource managers to promote professionalism and modernize human resources management in the Public Service Sector in Africa. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! 29 June