About 25 senior managers from various public institutions are set to benefit from the Executive Development Program (EDP), a professional course that will equip them with knowledge and skills to effectively perform their managerial duties.

The EDP is offered by Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management (RIAM) in collaboration with a South African Regional capacity building project, Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA).

Speaking at the launch of the program yesterday, the trainees expressed optimism that the course would greatly enhance their skills.

 "I hope to acquire expertise to use in managing my institution because the course is made up of modules that address skills gap in the public service,” said Alphonse Kalinganire, the Coordinator of the Capacity Building Fund.

He stated that the course would equip him with knowledge on common measurement techniques required in managing the public sector. The course runs for 12 months.

The senior managers would be required to study four days in a month and utilise other days to complete assignments for the duration of the course.

Angelina Muganza, the Executive Secretary of the Public Service Commission, stressed that, the program would enhance her competence in executing her duties more efficiently.

"This is a very important course that promotes productive work in public administration and enhances service delivery,” she noted.

According to Yves Ntabana, the Acting Director General of RIAM, the course is a 10-module program, aligned to the senior management services competence framework.

"The course was developed to address the skills gap in the public service, especially in the post conflict countries,” he said.

Ntabana asserted that the program is designed to provide an unbiased source of information to senior managers on best practices and innovative ideas in executive development.

During the entire course, learners are supported by an e-learning platform and the five weeks modules enables them to complete and submit formative (pre-course) and summative (post-course) assignments.

After completing the six core modules of the EDP, civil servants will acquire a professional qualification in the form of a postgraduate certificate.

Those who will complete all 10 modules will be awarded a masters’ qualification in public service after submitting and passing a mini dissertation as required by the accrediting institution.

The program runs in South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi and the newly created Southern Sudan.

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