Training for top govt officials to enhance skills

Muscat, Nov 8 - A training programme to enhance the skills of top officials in the government sector began on Wednesday. The second edition of ‘Government Competence Program’ started at Intercontinental Hotel, Muscat, under the auspices of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai, State Advisor. Sheikh Khalid bin Omar al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, and high level officials were present on the occasion. Organised by the Ministry of Civil Service (MoCS) in cooperation with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), the six-month programme is fully funded by the private sector. A total of 42 officials, including director generals, assistants and their equivalents from government as well as some private sector establishments are participating in the programme. Al Marhoon said the programme provides innovative ways to enhance skills of people in top positions as per best international practices. “Through monitoring and observing outputs of the programme’s first edition, participants showed improvement in functional abilities and built a network of relations with their counterparts in other government offices,” he said. Thanking the private sector for funding the programme, he said: “This initiative is an effort between two sectors in the field of human resources development.” The opening speech was made by Sayyid Salim bin Musallam al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Development, MoCS, who said the programme is part of the ministry’s activities that aim at “continuous improvement of government workplaces, leading to highest efficiency and competence in performance and productivity”. “As per His Majesty’s directives regarding developing human resources as the best investment for future, the ministry, along with its partners, IPA and Competence HR Company, have designed content for the programme taking into consideration responsibilities of participants and challenges they face,” he said. The training, he said, is based on team work, dialogue, risk-taking and common projects, which will help create a stimulating workplace and boost the Sultanate’s competitiveness. It will focus on executive education, scientific projects, lectures and special workshops, meeting local pioneers, trips to private sector establishments and reading book summaries. “The programme looks at highlighting three main topics: better understanding of government sector in 21st century, scientific knowledge as well as personal leadership abilities. This will enhance practical leadership skills in a vital, fast-growing work environment,” said Al Busaidi. A visual show was presented by Amer bin Musatfa al Fadhil, Managing Director of Competence HR, on the programme’s objectives and content. Zainab al Nassri — Photos by Huda al Bahri