The Rada has backed the reinstatement of competitive recruitment for the civil service
This was reported by “Public Administration Reform”.
On 29 April, the Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading draft law No. 13478-1 on the resumption of competitive recruitment for the civil service and local government service.
The document also provides for changes to the rules governing entry into, service in, and termination of public service.
The bill is intended to abolish the simplified appointment procedure introduced at the start of the full-scale war.
This concerns posts that were filled without competitive selection during martial law.
The document provides for the phased resumption of competitions for such posts.
Between September and November 2026, competitive selection processes are to be held for positions currently held by individuals appointed without competitive selection.
At the same time, the draft law makes exceptions for territories where hostilities are ongoing or which are temporarily occupied.
For such territories, the possibility of appointment without a competitive selection process may remain if the date of the end of hostilities has not been determined.
A separate provision applies to specialists appointed during martial law without a competitive selection process.
The appointing authority will be able, within three months of the resumption of competitions for the relevant category of posts, to decide to extend the service of such an employee without a new competition.
The draft law also proposes introducing a priority right for male and female veterans to be appointed to public service posts.
An important clarification: such priority will not replace the competition.
It will apply only where candidates have equal professional competence based on the results of the competitive selection process.
Another change concerns the career progression of civil servants.
The bill provides for the possibility of promotion to higher posts within the relevant category within one year of receiving an excellent rating in the annual appraisal.
The draft law also strengthens the accountability of employees.
In particular, it establishes a clear rule on dismissal in the event of two consecutive negative performance ratings.
Among the new human resources management tools, the introduction of a personnel and candidate reserve is proposed.
Provisions are also made for the induction of civil servants and internal competitions.
The resumption of competitions is cited as one of the key steps towards restoring transparent and professional recruitment rules for the civil service.
During martial law, simplified procedures allowed authorities to quickly meet staffing needs.
However, the continued use of non-competitive appointments poses risks to trust in the civil service, its political neutrality and professionalism.
Draft Law No. 13478-1 is also included in the list of documents whose adoption is being considered as part of broader reforms.
These are reforms that support Ukraine’s European integration and may help attract EU financial support.
The adoption of the bill is described as a strategic step towards Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
The resumption of competitive selection processes is a direct condition of the Plan for Ukraine Facility and a mandatory indicator of the Roadmap on Public Administration Reform.
As reported by ThePublic, the Economic Security Bureau is prepared to pay 100,000 UAH to the head of the innovation department.
Follow us on Telegram
