Asian Journal of Environment and Disaster Management (AJEDM)
Volume 5 Number 4 (2013)doi: 10.3850/S1793924013000096
Making the Best Use of Human Resources Development: The Role of Government and NGO
ABSTRACT
Experts from ODA agencies stationed in Timor-Leste often point out the paucity of ‘useful’ human resources in the government as one of the major problems in promoting development in this post-conflict country. This does not imply that the number of officials in the government is insufficient. Rather, it is the lack of expertise and experience that is problematic. The government does not have an efficient system to recruit the appropriate staff members. On the other hand, both domestic and international NGOs always have vacancies and are generally willing to employ highly motivated and skillful people. These NGOs also serve as entry-point for graduates from higher education such as universities. Working with NGOs provides very effective training for those who are new to the job market in terms of acquiring management skills, establishing a good command of the English language, establishing connections within international society, and others. However, there is no mechanism for those trained by NGOs to then serve in the government. Therefore, the government is unable to employ those who are sufficiently trained through works with NGOs and therefore it suffers from a paucity of ‘useful’ human resources. The authors suggests the following: (a) the government should establish a system for employment that is more open to the public; (b) the ways and means to employ mid-carrier experts should be explored by the government; (c) there should be an exchange between people working in the government and those working for NGOs; and (d) the working relationship between the government and NGOs, which is presently fairly apart, should be improved.
Keywords: Human resources, Employment, Public officials, Local NGO, Foreign donor.
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