Public institutions urged to abide by new recruitment rules

KIGALI - The Public Services Commission has appealed to government institutions which still require job applicants to submit notified documents prior to interviews to abide by the new order that relieves most of the burden to the job seeker. In an interview with The New Times, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Angelina Muganza, said that the new directive came into effect last year. She added that it was adopted by cabinet after the Public Service Minister tabled a proposal with the aim of reducing the burden faced by job seekers. Muganza explained that the 2004 Presidential directive governing modalities of recruiting public servants requested many documents, which at times cost a lot of money. “Requirements included two notified copies of academic certificates, a certificate proving the candidate had no criminal record, a CV, a copy of one’s national ID, two passport size photos, and a medical certificate,” she said, adding that all these put together were too much and costly for an applicant who was not even sure that he or she will be short-listed. The cost to have a document notified by a public notary is normally Rwf 1,200 for the first copy and Rwf 600 for the other copies and this is the same price that is charged for getting a criminal clearance. She said that now, single a form that can be accessed on the Commission’s website at its head office and the recruiting institution’s head offices would be filled by applicants. According to Muganza, the new system makes recruitment faster and transparent while easing the burden to applicants. All they need are copies of their academic certificates and a National ID. However, Muganza observed that the notified documents and other requirements are necessary for successful candidates. Ends