One aspect of the first phase was the delegation of human resource management in respect of locally-recruited staff in the field. The Staff Services Section of the Human Resource Service was reorganized to be better able to provide monitoring and support to newly delegated offices wich were given human resources authorithy, and a human resources staff member was designated Delegation Coordinator to oversee the transfer of authority. A Personnel Action Manual was developed for use by both offices in the field and by Human Resources staff at Headquarters. All human resources-related forms were converted to an electronic format and are being tested for field use Comprehensive delegation matrices and accountability frameworks were developed and disseminated. An advisory and support capacity was established within the Human Resource Service to guide and assist field offices in establishing and maintaining local Appointment and Promotions Committees.
Full delegation is implemented once training has been provided.
The workshops provided valuable fora in which experiences and concerns were exchanged. As a result of 26 missions to the field, Management training courses were conducted for Representatives and Heads of Country Offices in six regional locations, benefiting 79 managers. More than 3,000 Official Status Files for locally recruited staff in the field were transferred to offices which had been delegated authorithy. Covenants between Representatives, Directors of Operations and Human Resource Service were agreed upon and signed by all participants. The Covenants helped ensure a common understanding of roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities.