Imagine a human resources department that moves beyond processing payroll and leave requests to become a strategic partner in organizational decision-making, capable of precisely identifying and nurturing core talent. This is the transformation the Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA) is pursuing. But how can HR shift from an administrative hub to a strategic driver of organizational performance?
Recognizing the importance of modernizing its human resource management system to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax administration, and strengthen collaboration, the MRA partnered with the World Customs Organization (WCO). Through WCO’s "Executive and Professional Competency-Based Human Resource Management Programme" (EPCB-HRMP), funded by the Sweden International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Project, a five-day hybrid workshop on "Competency-Based Human Resource Management" was successfully conducted from November 22–26, 2021. The workshop was facilitated by WCO CMA-HRMD certified experts from Liberia and WCO specialists.
Workshop Objectives
- Empower the modernization task force to develop and implement competency-based tools.
- Strengthen the HR department’s role as a strategic partner and trusted change agent within MRA.
Key Participants
A dynamic team of 31 members, led by the acting head of HR, included:
- 14 HR department members.
- Experts from enterprise risk management, modernization, finance, supply chain management, the Tax Management Institute, customs, debt management, public affairs, tax audit, policy, planning and research, domestic taxation, legal, administration, ICT, and internal audit.
Workshop Highlights
- Active engagement: MRA’s team demonstrated strong commitment to developing and implementing competency-based HR tools.
- Strategic partnership pledge: HR committed to evolving into a strategic partner, maximizing its organizational impact.
- Actionable modernization plan: The task force is expected to draft a measurable modernization roadmap, including pilot projects and timelines.
WCO’s Continued Support
The WCO pledged ongoing capacity-building assistance, particularly in refining and implementing competency-based HR systems and achieving modernization goals.
Strategic Significance of MRA’s HR Modernization
MRA’s HR modernization is not merely about upgrading software or restructuring—it’s a strategic initiative to build a highly skilled, professional, and innovative tax workforce. This aims to enhance tax administration efficiency, improve taxpayer services, and ultimately support national economic sustainability. Key measures include:
1. Implementing a Competency-Based HR System (CB-HRM)
Unlike traditional HR systems focused on static metrics like education and tenure, CB-HRM emphasizes employees’ actual knowledge, skills, and behaviors. MRA’s collaboration with WCO to adopt CB-HRM targets:
- Precision recruitment: Aligning hiring with core competencies to secure the best-fit candidates.
- Targeted training: Personalized development plans to address skill gaps.
- Performance evaluation: Objective assessments tied to competency models for promotions and career growth.
- Talent development: Clear career pathways to motivate and retain employees.
2. HR’s Evolution from Administrator to Strategic Partner
MRA is redefining HR’s role to include:
- Contributing to strategic planning and aligning HR strategies with organizational goals.
- Designing talent strategies for recruitment, development, and retention.
- Driving organizational change to boost efficiency.
- Fostering employee relations to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Modernization Task Force
A cross-departmental task force oversees:
- Developing detailed modernization plans with clear milestones.
- Executing projects like CB-HRM implementation and IT system upgrades.
- Monitoring progress and troubleshooting issues.
- Coordinating with stakeholders to ensure alignment.
4. WCO’s Role in Capacity Building
WCO provides:
- Technical support for CB-HRM frameworks and IT systems.
- Consultancy to resolve implementation challenges.
- Workshops and training on competency assessments and system operations.
Future Outlook
These initiatives position MRA to cultivate a high-performing HR team, bolstering its strategic objectives. WCO’s sustained backing ensures momentum, making MRA a model for HR modernization in developing nations’ tax administrations.