RAMALLAH, November 6, 2024 (WAFA) – In alignment with the 19th Palestinian Government’s direction under Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and as part of its reform agenda aimed at promoting transparency, integrity, justice, and equal opportunity, 10 new deputy ministers have been appointed, based on a merit-based selection process.
These positions, which became vacant following the retirement of former deputy ministers, were filled after conducting 77 interviews from a pool of 132 candidates.
President Mahmoud Abbas has issued decrees to officially appoint new deputy ministers, based on recommendations from the Cabinet and decisions by the appointed interview panels.
The new appointees will serve in the ministries of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Industry, Agriculture, Public Works and Housing, Planning and International Cooperation, Local Government, Social Development, Women’s Affairs, Interior, and Transport.
However, applications for the deputy minister positions in the ministries of Finance and National Economy were set aside, as the candidates did not fully meet the established criteria and standards.
Consequently, the General Personnel Council has recently reopened applications specifically for these vacant roles.
Each interview panel included an external expert with full evaluation authority, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. These experts, chosen for their professionalism and substantial contributions to Palestinian society, represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including academia, leadership roles within local and international organizations, as well as experts from civil society organizations and municipalities.
The panels were chaired by each respective government department and included key officials: the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, who serves as Chair of the Standing Ministerial Committee on Reform; the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates; the Chief of the General Personnel Council; the Secretary-General of the Cabinet; and the Head of the Institutional Development and Reform Office at the Prime Minister’s Office. Additionally, each panel included an external expert specializing in the relevant sector of each ministry,
Notably, these deputy minister positions were initially announced internally to prioritize opportunities for senior government employees.
Should fewer than three qualified applicants apply, or if none are selected by the interview panels, the vacancies will then be announced externally to attract candidates with the required expertise.
M.N
