From 4 to 6 June 2025, delegation of 12 Serbian public administration representatives Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government of Serbia and the Human Resource Management Service participated in a study visit to the Belgian Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA), Directorate-General Recruitment & Development. The visit provided an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of Competency-based human resource management (HRM) practices and digital HRM tools within the Belgian federal administration and to explore approaches that could inform ongoing public administration reform efforts in Serbia.
The delegation, consisting of members from the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, led by Ivana Savićević, Assistant Minister in the Sector for Human Resources Management, Mila Stanković, Assistant Minister in the Sector for European Integration and International Cooperation, and the Human Resources Management Service led by its director, Dr. Danilo Rončević, focused on the Belgian federal competency model, covering its development and implementation across recruitment, development, and performance processes. Particular attention was given to:
- recruitment and selection, with emphasis on the use of generic competence testing and assessment centres;
- competency-based performance appraisal, including performance planning, setting measurable objectives, and evaluation;
- presentations and discussions on key HRM structures and tools applied in Belgium;
- introduction to the design and application of job profiles, function descriptions, and the weighing system, which ensure fairness and transparency in the classification of positions in the civil service.
The study visit further showcased a variety of digital tools and data-driven approaches supporting modern HRM in Belgium. Presentations included the use of specific programmes designed to support different aspects of HRM, such as: Symphony for performance management, SEPP monitoring for workforce planning, and Persopoint for digitised HR and payroll. Moreover, the Career Centre and Cornerstone Learning Experience Platform illustrated Belgium’s investment in continuous learning and career development, enabling employees to grow and adapt to evolving job requirements.
The insights gained during the study visit will contribute to efforts to improve the functioning of Serbia’s public administration. In particular, they will inform future work on strengthening the Competency-based HRM for the civil service, enhancing recruitment practices, and designing IT tools that support HRM systems and provide comprehensive information for effective decision-making.
