The Public Service Recruitment Secretariat is a key institution of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania responsible for managing and coordinating employment in the Public Service. It operates under the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance (PO-PSMGG). The main objective of the Secretariat is to ensure that recruitment into public service positions is conducted in a fair, transparent, and merit-based manner, in line with national laws and regulations.
One of the core functions of the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat is to oversee the entire recruitment process for government institutions. This includes receiving employment permits, advertising vacant positions, receiving and screening applications, organizing interviews, and issuing employment results. Through the Ajira Portal, the Secretariat has modernized the recruitment process by shifting it to an online system, which has significantly reduced paperwork, improved efficiency, and enhanced transparency.
In recent years, the Secretariat has become an important gateway for many job seekers, especially young graduates aspiring to work in the public sector. By publishing job vacancies through official platforms, it ensures equal access to employment opportunities for applicants from all regions of the country. The use of standardized recruitment procedures helps to promote fairness and minimizes favoritism, thereby strengthening public trust in government recruitment systems.
The Public Service Recruitment Secretariat also plays an advisory role to the government on matters related to human resource planning. Through data collected during recruitment exercises, the Secretariat supports government institutions in identifying staffing needs across key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and administration. This contributes to better planning and effective allocation of human resources to improve service delivery to citizens.
Despite its achievements, the Secretariat faces challenges, including a high number of applicants competing for a limited number of positions. However, continuous improvements in recruitment systems and procedures have helped to address these challenges by making the process more efficient and credible. The adoption of digital systems has also reduced delays and improved communication between applicants and the recruiting authority.
Overall, the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat remains a vital institution in Tanzania’s public administration system. By promoting transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity in public sector employment, it plays a significant role in building a competent and professional public service. Its continued efforts contribute to national development by ensuring that qualified and capable individuals are recruited to serve the nation effectively.