Statement by Patrick Cram, Advisor, Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations Fifth Committee, on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand, on Item 125: UN Common System
27 October 2008
(As delivered)
Mr Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I would like to thank Mr. Kingston Rhodes for introducing the report of the International Civil Service Commission for the year 2008, Mr. Vladimir Belov for introducing the Statement submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedures of the General Assembly, and Ms. Susan McLurg for introducing the corresponding ACABQ report.
Mr Chairman,
Our delegations commence by underscoring the importance of the responsibilities of the ICSC and the direct connection between its work and the effective functioning of the organizations of the common system.
CANZ delegations had great interest in the pilot project on broad banding and pay-for-performance because these tools could help to strengthen performance-based human resource management. We are therefore disappointed to see the failure of the pilot study. The General Assembly requires a fuller account of the factors contributing to this, including how the project was managed. We would also benefit from insight into how the issues investigated by the OIOS affected the conduct of the project. We note the decision to move forward with development of a performance management framework and look forward to learning the outcomes of this.
Mr. Chairman
In order for organizations in the United Nations system to remain effective and progressive, the relevance of strengthening the capacity of managers cannot be understated. In this regard, our delegations look forward to the full realization of the Senior Management Network and believe it is significant that the Commission sees the value of this initiative.
We note the observations made by the Commission of the practical problems encountered by organizations in the implementation of the revised Mobility and Hardship Scheme. Were these matters that could have been predicted? Broadly we see merit in the path forward envisaged by the Commission which should address the impact on encouraging staff to work in hardship locations.
We note the work of the Advisory Committee on Post Adjustment matters, in particular its review of the results of an out-of-area survey conducted by the secretariat. We have observed recently that the post adjustment for New York has increased significantly. Knowing to what extent this increase was driven by out-of-area factors would be useful. What is the weight attached to out-of-area factors in the post adjustments for New York?
We appreciate the efforts of the ICSC in its efforts to simplify and modernize the methodology for determining the education grant. However, we notice the divergence of views between the Commission and HR Network and would appreciate clarity in the areas of disagreement and the path forward.
Mr. Chairman
The Commission occupies a strategic position in the UN system. In this regard we are encouraged by the efforts of the Commission to strengthen and streamline its working methods. We will watch with interest the outcomes of these improvements on the work of the Commission and the critical guidance it provides to the operation of the organizations of the UN system.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.