By Our Reporter
A newly created powerful position advertised recently by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has elicited anxiety and disquiet among staff working at the organization’s secretariat.
According to an internal advert advertised on July 29, 2022, the Commission advertised the position of Director of Operations also dubbed Chief of Staff at TSC Grade 3 who would have far more superior powers compared to other directors manning other directorates.
According to the notice, the successful candidate for the position will be reporting directly to the Commission Secretary (CEO) and will be in charge of the overall management of the Teacher Management, Finance and Administration and Human Resource Management and Development directorates.
Senior staff at the TSC headquarters are now questioning the intention of the introduction of this post saying this position is not enshrined in the agency’s approved organizational structure. They are also seeking answers as to why the so-called Director of operations will be supervising his or her colleagues of equal rank at the commission.
“We are wondering why this position has been created. Are they abolishing the position of the Deputy CEO and introducing this position as a replacement? If this is the case, why is the expected candidate going to earn the same package as the current directors if he is superior? Why the same title as fellow directors yet so powerful?” Quipped one of the officers who spoke to Education News in confidence.
The staff also questioned why the position was internally advertised and not opened for a competitive process to allow other interested parties outside to also express interest for the lucrative job.
“We feel this job is being deliberately arranged for someone well-connected within this commission headquarters. How come the vacancy is being advertised even before the position is created within the organizational structure” asked another TSC official.
The position seems to whittle down the influence of Head of Staffing, which carries some significant clout at the commission. The other departments of Finance, Human Resource and Administration will suffer the same fate.
According to the advert notice, the incoming Director of Operations will be expected to serve on a five (5) year contract which is renewable subject to satisfactory performance.
Those who were interested in the position were given up to August 12, 2022 to submit their application electronically and for consideration. Those applying were required to have served at the grade of Deputy Director within the Teacher Management, Finance, Administration, Human Resource Management and Development for a minimum period of three (3) years with a Master’s degree in a relevant field and a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Accounts, Finance, Social Sciences, Human Resources or Public Administration.
Other additional requirements were Certificate in leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution, Certificate in computer applications skills, met the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution; and demonstrated merit and ability in work performance.
Also raising eyebrows at the commission is the transfer of the head of Policy Planning and Research Division, George Okinda to Administration as the Deputy Director and the immediate advertisement of his previous position. The post just like the one of the Director of Operations would be filled internally.
TSC is the largest single employer in the country with a teaching force of over 345,000 teachers on its payroll along with not less than 4,500 secretariat staff serving at the head office and the regions.
