Professional Development Programs
The next step after determining professional development needs is planning the activities. The content, form, preferred methods, terms, and executors (individuals or organizations) for the professional development program are identified.
According to the Government Decree, there are two types of professional development programs: basic and additional. These types serve different purposes and aim to enhance civil servants' competencies and skills in diverse ways.
Basic Professional Development Programs
Civil servants appointed for the first time, through either open or closed competition and in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Georgia on Public Service, shall complete basic professional development programs within one year of their appointment.
Completion of these programs is mandatory. Basic programs are categorized into accredited, thematic non-accredited, and non-accredited programs. Their primary goal is to develop personal and professional skills and to establish effective foundations for further growth.
The accredited basic programs include: "Development of Personal and Professional Competencies" for third- and fourth-rank civil servants, and "Managerial Skills of Civil Servants" for second- and first-rank civil servants.
Additionally, thematic non-accredited and non-accredited basic programs enable civil servants to take independent courses via the e-learning platform (Elearning.csb.gov.ge). Descriptions of these programs and information about their target audiences are regulated by Government Decree No. 242.
Additional Professional Development Programs
The purpose of additional professional development programs is to enhance specific knowledge and skills required for certain tasks. The basis for implementing these programs is a needs assessment, which considers factors such as: the requirements for each hierarchical position, job description, performance evaluation results, and/or the analysis of strategic goals and needs of the public institution.
Public institutions are required to provide, and civil servants are required to complete, at least one additional professional development course within two years of identifying a need. Exceptions apply when the necessary knowledge and skills are developed through initiatives implemented by the institution or the civil servant themselves.
Educational program providers can include public or private legal entities or other legal entities established under Georgian law.
As of 2024, basic programs are implemented by seven accredited training centers:
- LEPL – State Audit Institute;
- LEPL – Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration;
- LEPL – Training Centre of Justice of Georgia;
- LEPL – Academy of the Ministry of Finance;
- LEPL – Defence Institution Building School;
- LEPL – Electoral Systems Development, Reforms and Training Centre;
- International Teaching University of Management and Communication “Alterbridge”.
For additional programs, non-accredited institutions may serve as implementers.
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