U.S. Supports New Civil Service Draft Law

Ambassador Aponte listens to the presentations about the new law with the Undersecretary of Modernization of the State, Antonio Morales Carbonell.

As part of their shared commitment under Goal #6 of the Partnership for Growth, representatives from El Salvador and the United States on September 4 launched a public consultation period for a new Civil Service Draft Law, which was written by GOES officials with technical assistance provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The purpose of the draft law is to implement a modern human capital management system for the Salvador public sector and to strengthen the administrative career track for government employees.

The creation of the draft law is being spearheaded by the Salvadoran Secretary of Strategic Affairs, via the Undersecretary of Modernization, which is also responsible for building awareness regarding important aspects of the bill and engaging in lobbying activities toward the adoption of the new legislation.

USAID provided funds for internal consultations with government officials during the drafting of the new bill, and by providing subject matter experts to facilitate public consultation sessions during the current consultation process.  USAID is also helping to develop an awareness campaign addressed to employees and the general public on the benefits of civil service reform.  

In her remarks at ceremony, the Ambassador Aponte said that “a professional civil service, selected on the basis of merit and with a proper evaluation and incentive system, is a key component in driving the motor of development of any country.”

Participating in the ceremony with the Ambassador were the Secretary of Strategic Affairs, Hato Hasbún; the Ambassador of Spain, Francisco Rabena Barrachina; and the Undersecretary of Modernization of the State, Antonio Morales Carbonell.