In the hope that it is applied to contribute to reforming and developing civil service in Palestine,
AMAN submits a proposed set of public policies to the General Personnel Council
Ramallah – At the request of Mr. Mousa Abu Zeid, Chair of the General Personnel Council (GPC), the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) sent a proposed set of public policies to the GPC. If implemented, these policies will contribute to reforming the civil service system. Abu Zeid requested these proposals when he participated in the 2022 Conference of the Civil Society Team for Enhancing Public Budget Transparency on Financial Reform and Public Financial Management Policy. The conference was held in late August 2022.
AMAN proposed a number of recommendations, which would help reform the public financial management sector. These are particularly relevant as the public budget is affected by a swelling wage bill, which accounts for half of the budget revenues. AMAN hoped that its recommendation contribute to addressing the current situation and manage the financial crisis of the Palestinian Authority.
Policy for trimming the wage bill
AMAN recommended that policies and processes for trimming the wage bill should not run counter to the principle of rule of law, compliance with relevant legislation, and respect for the rights of civil servants. Public policies and subsequent procedures will be applied to all without distinction, discrimination, inequality, or unfair treatment. The pension fund will not incur additional burdens, by which the financial crisis is carried forward to future generations.
Equal opportunities to hold public office
AMAN attached importance to appointments to public office. Except as provided for by law, AMAN stressed the need to bring an end to the extraordinary processes of recruitments and promotions. A policy for announcing all posts of different administrative levels will be adopted with a view to promoting the principle of equal opportunities.
Recommendations highlighted the significance of adopting the certificate of no criminal conviction, issued by the Ministry of Justice, for positions that require a certificate of good conduct. Any incompetent party, particularly security agencies, will be prevented from interfering for issuing this certificate. A body/committee, which comprises persons with relevant experience in civil service management and with proven integrity and professionalism, will be established and tasked with examining eligibility for holding public office (job description cards) by candidates. The competent body will, consequently, select appropriate candidates.
Inclusion of integrity indicators into the performance evaluation policy
AMAN emphasised the need for compliance with the Code of Conduct for Civil Service in annual performance evaluations. This requires that evaluation systems be upgraded so as to include measurable indicators of compliance. A special programme will be developed to raise awareness of the Code of Conduct for Civil Service and how to apply it to all newly appointed civil servants.
AMAN expressed hope that the GPC adopt these policies for improving the Civil Service Law. AMAN also cited the need for deterrent penalties against persons not complying with civil service policies. Engaging the public sector and civil society organisations, AMAN confirmed that a participatory approach to public administration should be strengthened as this will have a direct and positive impact on the Palestinian public.
