Collaboration with NAUCS

Collaboration between the Professional Government Association of Ukraine (PGA) and the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS) within the PAR4UA initiative.

Initiative Overview

Professional Government Association of Ukraine (PGA) in partnership with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS) implements activities aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of state bodies, supporting public administration reform (PAR), and facilitating the process of Ukraine’s European integration.

The partnership is carried out within the PAR4UA project and focuses on two key areas — enhancing institutional capabilities through expert support and developing the training system for civil servants.

Activity 2.2 — International Course “Policy Talks”

In collaboration with the Latvian partner Providus, PGA is implementing the international online series “Policy Talks”, designed to improve the quality of training for civil servants and expand partnerships with leading European schools of public governance.

This component is carried out in close cooperation with the Higher School of Public Administration of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (HSPA) — the state institution responsible for postgraduate education and professional development of civil servants.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PGA and NAUCS formalized the cooperation, establishing a framework for the joint development of training programs and aligning educational priorities with the tasks of Ukraine’s European integration.

The Policy Talks series includes:

  • 5 online seminars: two in 2025 and three in 2026.
  • Seminar topics:
    • Public administration in conditions of war and recovery;
    • Transitional justice;
    • European integration and policy coordination;
    • Use of artificial intelligence and digitalization in management;
    • Inclusion and veteran policy.

Each event brings together European experts and Ukrainian participants to exchange best management practices and contemporary public policy tools.

Activity 2.1 — Expert Support for Strengthening Institutional Capacity.

Within this activity, PGA coordinates the work of four dedicated experts, of which three are integrated into NAUCS and one is integrated into the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.
Their term of activity is 12 months (September 2025 – September 2026).

Main areas of expert work:

  • Adaptation of public administration policy to European Union standards;
  • Modernization of the HR personnel management system for veterans;
  • Enhancing management efficiency and institutional performance.

The integration of experts into state institutions has already been successfully completed: key performance indicators (KPIs) have been established, and initial reports have confirmed positive feedback from NAUCS and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs regarding the experts’ contribution to policy development and aligning operational processes with European standards.

Partners of the initiative

  • Professional Government Association of Ukraine (PGA)
  • National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS)
  • Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
  • Providus (Latvia)
  • Higher School of Public Administration of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (HSPA)

Impact and results of the collaboration

Thanks to this partnership, PGA and the Higher School of Public Administration of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service are advancing public administration reform and the agenda for developing Ukraine’s institutional capacity by:

  • Integrating international expertise directly into the structures of state power;
  • Creating sustainable mechanisms for professional training for civil servants;
  • Enhancing Ukraine’s readiness for EU accession by harmonizing management practices and educational standards.

Research

Strategy for attracting young professionals to the civil service, at the request of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS) and with the support of EU4PAR. Implemented by PGA experts.

Implementation period: September-December 2024

"By the way, public service."

On August 14, 2024, as part of the youth attraction program for the public service at the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS), a networking event was held for those who want to try themselves in public service.

Meeting participants had the opportunity to communicate directly with experienced public servants.

During three discussion panels, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, NAUCS, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), as well as international partners from UNDP, Democracy Reporting International in Ukraine, and USAID Pro-Integrity answered young people’s questions, motivating them to consider the state as a reliable employer and public service work as an excellent start for further professional development.

A relaxed atmosphere, useful advice, pleasant communication, motivation to engage in public service work, and insights into the behind-the-scenes work of public servants.

The event was organized by #NAUCS and the Professional Government Association of Ukraine with the support of the EU4PAR project.