Imagine a human resources department that evolves from an administrative back-office function to a strategic engine driving organizational objectives. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is making this vision a reality through its flagship "Executive and Professional Competency-Based Human Resource Management Programme" (EPCB-HRMP), helping customs administrations worldwide build more strategic HR systems. A recent virtual workshop for Bolivia's National Customs (BNC) exemplifies this initiative.
The five-day online training, conducted within the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) with funding from Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), brought together two WCO-accredited experts from Canada and Peru to guide participants through competency-based HR methodologies.
Strategic Partnership: Transforming Customs HR Capabilities
The workshop's primary objective was to elevate BNC's HR department into a strategic partner while equipping its multidisciplinary HR working group with tools to design and implement competency-based systems. This shift moves HR beyond policy execution into active participation in organizational strategy development, ensuring talent management aligns with operational goals.
WCO's competency-based approach will enable BNC to develop strategic HR plans synchronized with institutional objectives. The methodology also facilitates adaptation of existing HR tools to align with international best practices in competency-based management. This transformation promises to enhance BNC's ability to attract, develop, and retain talent, ultimately improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
Active Engagement: 33 Participants Demonstrate Commitment
The intensive program featured daily three-hour sessions with simultaneous interpretation to ensure full comprehension. All 33 participants completed the training, demonstrating strong commitment to professional development and organizational improvement.
Participants noted the workshop's particular relevance amid ongoing institutional reforms within Bolivian Customs. They emphasized how competency-based HR management would help navigate transitional challenges while maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving environment.
Ensuring Continuity: Strategic Workforce Planning
The initiative strengthens BNC's business continuity planning by ensuring critical positions maintain appropriate talent pipelines. This safeguards operational resilience during disruptions or major transitions, maintaining consistent service delivery.
The competency-based approach specifically enables BNC to:
- Identify core competencies for critical positions through detailed job analysis
- Assess current staff competency levels using validated evaluation methods
- Develop targeted training programs addressing competency gaps
- Optimize recruitment processes to select candidates with required competencies
- Implement performance management systems linking achievement to competency development
Global Perspective: WCO's Commitment to Customs Modernization
The workshop reflects WCO's broader commitment to global customs capacity building through training, technical assistance, and human resource development. The EPCB-HRMP program supports customs administrations in establishing strategic HR systems to address contemporary trade challenges.
The comprehensive program addresses all HR functional areas including strategic workforce planning, competency-based recruitment, performance management, professional development, and succession planning. Through this initiative, WCO aims to develop highly skilled customs professionals capable of facilitating secure and efficient global trade.
WCO will maintain ongoing collaboration with BNC to implement workshop outcomes, supporting the development of an effective, professional HR management system aligned with Bolivia's national development priorities.