The National Public Health Agency of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in a strategic move to reinforce its leadership and drive its vision, mission, and objectives, has recently completed an intensive recruitment process for several key director positions. This significant endeavor, overseen by the Directorate of Human Resource for Health within the Ministry of Health, underscores the agency's commitment to excellence and the critical importance of recruiting highly skilled, experienced, and motivated staff.

Recruitment Overview

The recruitment process aimed to fill the following director positions:

• Director of Biomedical Services

• Director of Surveillance and Epidemiological Services

• Director of Finance and Logistics

• Director of Human Resource and Administration

• Director of Information and Communication Technology

• Director of Planning, Policy, and Research

• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Rigorous Selection Process

The comprehensive recruitment procedure commenced with a declaration of vacancy, followed by an initial long-listing of over 30 competent candidates. This pool was meticulously narrowed down to 16 shortlisted candidates who were invited for the final interview stage.

Interview Details

The culmination of this rigorous process was a two-day interview session held from June 5 to June 6, 2024. The interviews were spearheaded by the Director of Human Resource for Health and featured a multi-sectoral panel of seasoned experts, including representatives from:

• The Human Resource Management Office (HRMO)

• The Public Service Commission (PSC)

• The National Cyber Security Coordination Center

• The Health Service Commission (HSC)

• The WHO Country Office Sierra Leone

• The Country Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• The Country Director of the Health Emergency Africa Development Agency

The Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Technical Advisor of the National Public Health Agency also participated as observers, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the process.

Commitment to Fairness and Equity

In line with the principles of transparency, fairness, and equity, all candidates were asked the same set of prescribed questions, with each question carrying equal marks tailored to the respective director positions. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, provisions were made for candidates unable to attend the interviews in person; Zoom facilities were provided to ensure their participation.

The National Public Health Agency's commitment to recruiting top-tier talent through a fair and rigorous process reflects its dedication to achieving its strategic goals and enhancing its capacity to deliver on its mandate. By attracting highly qualified and motivated individuals, the agency is well-positioned to drive significant improvements in public health across Sierra Leone.