In the framework of the WCO – WACAM project support to the customs administration of Senegal in the area of HRM, an expert mission has taken place from 14 – 18 February 2016. The objective of this important mission is to transfer the HRM modernization project to an internal level (all central and regional customs services). This step is part of the communication plan and helps to drive change as outlined in the work plan of the project.

At this stage, the HR modernization committee, which is comprised of all central and operational Customs department representatives, has finalized all the competency based HRM tools. A presentation of the tools to the entire customs personnel is necessary in order to ensure their effective application. Therefore, information and communication sessions have been organized on the national level (including the director general and all regional directors) in which almost 150 officers representing all relevant services and ranks participated. During the session, the participants did not only show interest and a positive attitude towards the new HRM approach but also participated actively in discussions, especially concerning recommendations on funding for the HRM modernization on the level of their administrations (compensation management, performance and career management etc.). It is important to mention that this event lays the foundation for future activities which will involve the evaluation of HR planning competency needs as well as trainings at certain pilot sites in 2016 and at all customs sites in 2017. As part of the effort to promote the importance of the HR modernization in the country’s public administrations and in order to enhance the progress already accomplished in the Customs Administration of Senegal on the national level, an important conference took place which was attended by the DG, the HR director of the ministry of economy and finance, the president of the public service modernization committee as well as by all customs directors. In this meeting, it was decided that Customs will be the head of the HR modernization committee for the ministry of economy and finance and that it will adopt the customs HR modernization approach in their modernization process.

Furthermore, in order for other administrations in the West and Central Africa Region to benefit from the progress and in order to guarantee a sustainable continuation of the approach, it was agreed to print all finalized versions of the competency based HRM tools (Job Catalogue, the Competency Framework, the Dictionary of Competencies and all Job Descriptions) and to share them with other members in regional meetings.

For more information, please feel free to contact the WCO – WACAM Project Manager, M. Richard Chopra (richard.chopra@wcoomd.org).