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By Ms Selai Managreve, SAI Tuvalu

 

“SAI Tuvalu is on a transformative journey, and achieving independence in recruiting staff is a milestone that underscores our progress. In 2023, I embarked on this journey as a participant in the 18-month long PASAI HR Championship Program, a capacity-building initiative designed in collaboration with experts from the Swedish National Audit Office (Swedish NAO), to empower HR leaders in Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs). The frameworks developed during this program ensure that the HR processes of SAI Tuvalu are not only efficient but also aligned with our overarching goal of becoming fully independent. This program became a pivotal point in my professional growth and my contribution to my SAI’svision on independence.

Key Achievements

During this intensive program, with PASAI’s support, I successfully developed three foundational documents essential for SAI Tuvalu’s strategic development:

  1. SAI Tuvalu HR Strategy 2023: This strategy provides a clear roadmap for the management and development of human resources within the SAI. It aligns our workforce planning and development efforts with the organization’s long-term goals.
  2. SAI Tuvalu’s Recruitment and Selection Policy: This policy establishes a transparent and robust framework for recruiting and selecting the best talent. It ensures fairness and aligns with international best practices, enabling SAI Tuvalu to recruit independently—a significant step towards autonomy.
  3. SAI Tuvalu HR Policy 2024–2028: This comprehensive policy outlines guidelines and procedures for managing HR operations over the next five years. It addresses critical areas such as staff welfare, capacity building, and performance management, ensuring the SAI remains a competitive and progressive workplace.

These documents are more than just policies; they are the foundation upon which SAI Tuvalu is building its independence and enhancing its operational capacity.

The Importance of Participation

Being part of the HR Championship Program allowed me to not only enhance my skills but also contribute meaningfully to my organization’s strategic goals. The program’s structure provided me with tools, insights, and methodologies that were instrumental in drafting the documents. It also emphasized the role of HR as a strategic partner in organizational success.

This journey reinforced my belief in the power of well-structured HR systems to drive organizational transformation. Having these documents in place ensures SAI Tuvalu is better equipped to attract, retain, and develop the talent necessary for its mission.

Networking and Collaboration

One of the most enriching aspects of the program was the opportunity to interact and network with other participants from the region, as well as facilitators. These interactions provided diverse perspectives on HR challenges and solutions. The peer learning sessions were particularly inspiring, as they allowed us to share best practices and ideas and adapt them to our respective contexts.

The facilitators brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise, guiding us through complex HR scenarios and ensuring our solutions were both innovative and practical. These connections have fostered a network of HR professionals across SAIs, creating a community that continues to share resources and support each other’s growth.

SAI Tuvalu’s Support

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of SAI Tuvalu and its contributions in reviewing, completing and endorsing the new strategies. The organization’s commitment to strengthening its HR capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous learning provided me with the resources and encouragement needed to succeed. This support underscores the importance of leadership buy-in when implementing HR reforms.

Conclusion

Participating in the PASAI HR Championship Program was more than a professional development opportunity—it was a chance to contribute to a vision much larger than myself. The knowledge, skills, and connections gained during this journey are invaluable, and I am proud to have played a role in shaping SAI Tuvalu’s future.

As we move forward, I am confident that these foundations will support SAI Tuvalu in its mission to deliver excellence in public auditing and governance, driving accountability and transparency for the benefit of our nation.

This experience has reinforced my passion for HR leadership, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and transformation.”