FICSA CIRCULAR
Report on the meetings of the ICSC working group on General Service Reform (Job classification)
MARGARET ELDON, FAO AND MEMBER OF ICSC WORKING GROUP
1. This report covers the last two meetings of the Working Group held on 30 November and 1 December 2006 in New York and 15 and 16 February 2007 in Paris. Background information to this subject can be found in document ICSC/64/R.9.
Meeting held 30 November and 1 December 2006, New York
2. The Working Group finalized its proposed new definition of GS work (Annex 1). The impact of information technology and pressures from Governing Bodies for organizations and programmes to do more with less have impacted on GS jobs in ways that result in greater autonomy, higher levels of responsibility and more direct contribution to programme delivery. The new definition tries to capture these changes.
3. The Working Group also completed its streamlining of the CCOG to reflect the move away from purely secretarial-type functions to functions that are more directly related to programme delivery (Annex 2). All jobs in the category were incorporated into Section 2, and Section 3 eliminated.
4. The definitions of the occupational groups were also revised. A working draft is provided as Annex 3. It has been submitted to the administrations of the various organizations for comment.
5. The Working Group reviewed the factors for classification of General Service jobs. The Human Resources (HR) representatives preferred fewer factors to simplify classification. FICSA opposed the omission of the factor for supervisory responsibilities and the removal of a factor for language use. FICSA expressed reservations on having reduced factors that would render it more difficult to maintain a clear distinction between the seven grades. The HR representatives preferred a more simplified system. The outcome to date is attached as Annex 4, however this should be taken as a preliminary step; things may change following discussions with the consulting firm to be hired to develop the standard.
Meeting held 15 and 16 February 2007, Paris
6. A tender had been issued by the ICSC through the UN procurement service for a consulting firm to develop the new standard. The Working Group met to evaluate the bids received. Because of the strictly confidential nature of bid evaluation, this report cannot provide specific detail about the offers received. The bids were evaluated according to the criteria established but before being able to finalize the technical evaluation, further clarification is required. The short-listing of the bidders will be finalized following receipt of such clarification.
Next steps
7. The current status of the progress achieved on this issue will be discussed at the Commission’s 64th session scheduled to take place 16 to 30 March in New York. Given the insistence by some members of the Commission to complete the exercise in a very short time, the Working Group unanimously agreed that such undue pressure should be avoided since the development and validation of a new classification standard takes time. It took two to three years to update the single Master Standard for the Professional category; it is unrealistic and unproductive to think that a single updated standard to replace the eight standards in use today for the General Service category can and should be finalized in less time. FICSA must adopt a strong position, if necessary, within the Commission, to ensure that sufficient time is granted to do a good job.
REDIFINING THE «GS»
Current definition
General Service work is procedural, operational or technical in nature and supports the execution of the programmes of the organization. It ranges from simple, routine or repetitive duties based on following detailed instructions to varied and complex assignments requiring identification and consideration of alternative courses of action based on extensive and in-depth practical knowledge of a specific subject area. The assignments are generally performed on a continuing basis. The knowledge of the subject field and higher level skills are generally developed through long experience and familiarity with applicable procedures, regulations and precedents or projects of the organization in a narrow technical field or in an administrative support activity.
Proposed new definition
The General Service Category contributes to the execution of the programmes of the organization through work that is procedural, operational and technical in nature. The functions support programme and process continuity and are central to efficient service delivery. The work ranges from routine or repetitive work undertaken in line with detailed instructions, to functions that are varied, complex and para-professional in nature, requiring identification and consideration of alternatives, sometimes requiring analysis, and based on extensive and indepth knowledge of a specific subject area. General Service work involves the application of specific knowledge gained through experience and familiarity with the procedures of the organization. The performance of general service functions often requires post-secondary education and technical or administrative training.
