Imagine a human resources management system functioning as a precision engine—not only driving an organization's daily operations but also adapting to rapidly changing environments while unlocking employees' full potential. Madagascar Customs is moving decisively toward this vision, recognizing that human capital remains the cornerstone of organizational success.
With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and funding from the UK's HM Revenue & Customs through the Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme, Madagascar Customs is actively developing a modern, competency-based Human Resource Management (HRM) system.
Strategic Context: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
Madagascar Customs acknowledges that effective HR management is crucial for navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic while capitalizing on opportunities such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Their HR modernization initiative aims to establish a transparent, efficient system supporting strategic objectives.
WCO Expertise: Guidance and Capacity Building
Under the WCO's Executive and Professional Competency-Based HRM Project (EPCB_HRMP), experts conducted an advisory mission from May 29 to June 2, 2023. Building upon remote and in-person support provided in 2022, this mission assisted the cross-departmental HRM modernization team—led by the Head of Human Resources and Training and including union representatives—in designing competency-based HR tools while strengthening departmental capabilities.
Core Objectives: Establishing a Transparent HR Framework
The project's central aim involves creating a contemporary, transparent HRM system that helps Madagascar Customs overcome pandemic-related challenges while leveraging trade facilitation opportunities to enhance professional standards.
Director General's Vision: International-Standard HRM
During the mission launch, Director General Zafivanona Ernest Lainkana emphasized human capital management's critical importance. He articulated a vision for establishing a modern HRM system aligned with international standards and best practices, noting Customs' evolving operational environment and the necessity for strategic action to maximize employee potential and service quality.
Project Progress: Developing Competency Tools
Collaborating with WCO experts, the modernization team achieved several milestones:
- Finalized and validated position catalog: Clearly defining Customs positions to establish a foundation for competency modeling
- Established competency framework: Identifying key competencies required for success across positions
- Refined competency definitions: Ensuring consistent understanding through detailed descriptions
- Developed competency-based job descriptions: Integrating competency requirements to guide recruitment, performance management, and training
Team Commitment and Future Steps
Participants demonstrated strong engagement with acquired knowledge, expressing confidence in completing tool development with leadership support. The team established a roadmap outlining implementation approaches and deployment strategies. Plans include awareness campaigns for internal and external stakeholders following tool finalization to ensure inclusive change management.
Continued WCO Support
The WCO will maintain its support for Madagascar Customs' HRM modernization through ongoing capacity-building initiatives.
Analytical Perspective: Strategic Implications
From a data analysis standpoint, the HRM modernization project carries significant strategic value:
- Data-driven competency modeling: Leveraging historical performance, training, and promotion data can enhance model accuracy by identifying high-performers' key competencies
- Competency-based recruitment: Behavioral interviews and situational assessments improve candidate evaluation beyond traditional credential-based methods
- Personalized development: Tailored training programs addressing individual competency gaps increase effectiveness
- Continuous performance evaluation: Regular competency assessments with feedback mechanisms support ongoing improvement
- Project monitoring: Establishing data tracking systems enables progress measurement and timely adjustments
- Stakeholder engagement analysis: Regular assessment of stakeholder perspectives facilitates communication strategy refinement
- Risk management: Proactive identification and mitigation of potential implementation challenges
Conclusion: Human-Centered Organizational Development
Madagascar Customs' HRM modernization represents a strategic, human-centered initiative for organizational advancement. Through WCO collaboration and internal commitment, the establishment of an efficient, transparent HR system promises to strengthen institutional capacity while serving as a valuable reference for other developing nations' customs administrations.