Yesterday, the Government approved the Methodology for Recognizing Excellence among Public Administration Employees in Montenegro, allowing for the selection of distinguished officials or teams at both state and local levels who have made exceptional contributions.

The award amount can reach up to one gross salary of the individual for the previous year, while teams could receive up to two average gross salaries. Monstat reported that the average gross salary last year was 1,083 euros.

This initiative aligns with the Public Administration Reform Strategy and aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public administration via improved governance, transparency, and accountability; bolstering administrative capacities; and upgrading the quality of public services for citizens and the business sector. It also seeks to harmonize with EU standards through refined legislation and practices in public administration, fighting corruption and organized crime, modernizing technology and information systems, and promoting human resource development, gender equality, inclusion, and anti-discrimination.

“Among the stated objectives is the establishment of an effective advancement and reward system based on performance monitoring and ongoing improvement of public administration employees, which will foster the development of documents aiding in achieving these aims. This methodology is the first of its kind for public administration in Montenegro. Future advancements are anticipated in this methodology, alongside the creation of individual reward systems within respective institutions,” the methodology outlines.

It is specified that the award for excellence does not include salaries as defined by the Law on Salaries of Public Sector Employees and pertains solely to the variable component of their compensation.

The public administration is comprised of numerous individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed due to the extensive workload and sometimes negative perceptions of public administration.

“Thus, it is crucial to highlight positive examples where daily work supports seamless services for citizens, enhances transparency, initiates new programs, fosters partnerships, raises awareness about vulnerable groups, and promotes gender equality and human rights. This award intends to strengthen the sense of belonging among public administration employees and underscore their significant role. Together with other initiatives from the improved promotion and reward system, this award should further motivate public administration staff to act proactively, embark on new projects, forge partnerships, and generally elevate service quality for citizens,” the methodology notes.

The award is available to officials in public administration at both the state and local levels, excluding those employed in state-owned public enterprises.

Individuals or teams can either nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues or superiors.

“It is essential that the entire award process is inclusive and transparent, ensuring that all public administration employees understand the selection and award process. This understanding is vital for employee motivation. The Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro (MPA) will oversee the entire process and is responsible for implementing the methodology. Other public administration institutions must also follow this methodology when nominating employees for awards,” the document clarifies.

The methodology outlines the procedures and application forms and establishes the framework through which committees will select candidates for awards. Points will be allocated for various actions and achievements by officials. It includes procedures for appointing 12 committee members who will select award recipients. In addition to cash awards, recipients will receive a plaque signed by the Prime Minister.

Six Award Categories

The methodology states that award categories will be defined annually in accordance with the strategic priorities of the state and the operational programs of the Government and relevant institutions.

So far, six categories have been proposed: Excellence in delivering public services and commitment to accessible public administration – Public administration for all; Modernization and digital transformation of public administration; Contributions to the EU accession process; Support for youth empowerment and greater inclusion of vulnerable groups in society, focusing on gender equality and gender-responsive public administration; Contributions to environmental sustainability within the framework of the Green Agenda and tackling climate change; and Support in combating corruption and organized crime.

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