The team, comprising experts in various fields, is expected to work hand in hand with other government officials in their ministries to develop and implement policies, manage budgets, handle crises, advise the president and the prime minister, and communicate with the public, among other responsibilities.
In addition to the Cabinet, the Head of State is expected to appoint heads of parastatal institutions from time to time, who also play a key role in the management of various government bodies.
For all these leaders to be resourceful and successful civil servants, several key principles and practices are essential to ensuring strong performance, effective leadership, and job security.
1. Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Integrity and ethical conduct remain at the core of public service, and any leader entrusted with a position in government must adhere to the highest standards, avoiding corruption, nepotism, and other unethical behaviours.
In recent years, several leaders have been forced out of office due to lack of integrity, highlighting the growing intolerance for unethical behaviour in Rwanda's public service.
On July 25, 2024, Dr. Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya was dismissed from her position as Minister of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) amid a probe into her conduct.
According to Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Mujawamariya is being investigated for accountability issues related to her tenure as Minister of Environment between November 2019 and June 2024.
RIB is also investigating Environment Permanent Secretary Patrick Karere and other individuals in the ministry accused of mismanagement of forestry and environmental projects.
President Kagame's zero tolerance for graft led to the sentencing of former Minister of Youth and Culture, Edouard Bamporiki, to four years in prison in 2022 after he was found guilty of corruption and misusing his office to solicit a bribe.
Additionally, former Eastern Province Governor and Inspector-General of Police, CG (Rtd) Emmanuel Gasana, is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for abuse of office.
2. Accountability
As explained above and in the highlighted cases, the government of Rwanda has zero tolerance for corruption and other fraudulent activities. To remain compliant, a state officer must be prepared to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring transparency and honesty in all dealings.
3. Professionalism
Professionalism in civil service is fundamental for effective governance, public trust, and the successful implementation of government policies and programs.
The virtue entails upholding a high level of ethics and integrity, demonstrating a high level of competence and expertise, possessing strong communication skills, managing time effectively, and promoting teamwork and collaboration.
4. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
To be resourceful and successful in their roles, civil servants must consistently strive to ensure that their actions and decisions are compliant with the laws and regulations of the country.
Compliance with laws and regulations is crucial for maintaining the integrity, effectiveness, and trustworthiness of public service, ensuring that a civil servant fulfils their roles in a lawful, fair, and responsible manner.
5. Continuous Learning and Improvement
State officers, such as Cabinet ministers, occupy pivotal roles that shape a nation's trajectory. To effectively navigate the complexities of governance, continuous learning is indispensable.
In a rapidly changing world, it is essential for key officials to develop a deep understanding of emerging trends, technologies, and global dynamics to formulate effective policies. This can only be achieved through continuous learning and self-improvement.
Additionally, continuous learning enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for managing crises.
6. Effective Communication
Any civil servant seeking to be successful in their role must develop strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate their ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
This includes communicating the success of one's initiatives to the public and taking responsibility for any failures.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration
To excel in governance, a good leader must work well within teams, respect other officials' contributions and encourage a collaborative work environment.
By fostering a cooperative environment, government agencies can enhance their ability to address complex challenges, improve service delivery, and achieve shared objectives.
8. Innovative Thinking
Any leader seeking to succeed in their undertakings must be open to new ideas and approaches, actively seeking innovative solutions to challenges and continuously improving processes within their department.
9. Customer-Oriented Service
A civil servant's primary role is to serve the public. To succeed in this, one must be responsive to the needs of citizens, delivering services efficiently and courteously.
This includes actively listening to feedback, adapting to changing circumstances, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism. Building trust through transparency and integrity is also essential for fostering positive relationships with the community and ensuring effective public service.
10. Strong Work Ethic
Successful civil servants often show dedication through their work through diligence, discipline, and the consistent delivery of quality results.
Commitment to one's work can inspire junior officers to strive for greater achievements and, in the long run, improve the overall performance of a ministry or department.
11. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of public service. It underpins the trust between the government and its citizens.
Civil servants are required to protect sensitive information and uphold confidentiality, especially when handling government data or citizen information.
12. Adaptability and Flexibility
The public sector is dynamic, and a good leader must be able to adapt to change as needed. Additionally, flexibility in handling unexpected situations is crucial for navigating the complexities of public administration effectively.
13. Leadership and Initiative
As a leader, you are required to exhibit exceptional leadership by proactively taking initiative, steering others with vision and purpose, and making well-informed decisions that advance the interests of government and serve the public effectively.
14. Time Management
To enhance productivity, as a leader, you need to manage your time well by prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. It's important to note that proper time management not only supports strategic planning but also promotes work-life balance.
15. Respect for Hierarchy and Protocol
Respecting hierarchy and protocols ensures smooth and respectful interactions between colleagues and superiors.
16. Focus on Results and Outcomes
Focusing on results and outcomes is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. As a leader, your primary objective should be to achieve tangible results that advance the goals of your department or ministry.
This means setting clear, measurable targets and directing your efforts toward achieving these specific outcomes. By concentrating on concrete achievements, you ensure that your initiatives and strategies are not only well-planned but also yield meaningful impacts.
17. Resource Management
Effective resource management is fundamental to successful leadership. As a leader, you are entrusted with various resourcesâ€"financial, human, and materialâ€"that are critical to the operation and success of your department or ministry. Wise management of these resources involves ensuring that they are used efficiently and responsibly.
18. Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is an essential skill for effective leadership, particularly in managing disagreements and issues that arise in the workplace. As a leader, developing strong conflict-resolution skills enables you to address and resolve disputes calmly and effectively, ensuring that the workplace remains productive and harmonious.
19. Commitment to National Vision
To be an effective leader, it is essential to align your work with Rwanda's national vision and strategic goals. This means understanding and integrating the country's long-term development objectives into your daily responsibilities and decisions. By doing so, you contribute to the broader mission of advancing national prosperity and achieving sustainable development.
20. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
To excel as a leader, you must be culturally aware and promote inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background. This will promote a progressive society where every individual feels appreciated.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/new-civil-service-leaders-20-keys-to-unlocking-success
