Strategies for Engaging Young Professionals in Public Service
From June to November 2024, the Professional Government Association (PGA), in cooperation with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NADS) and with the support of the EU project EU4PAR, conducted a study on the employment of professionals with Western education and experience in the public sector. The research focused on analyzing motivational factors and barriers at three key stages:
Choosing public service as a potential employer (including the willingness to return to Ukraine to work in the public sector, particularly in de-occupied territories);
Participating in competitions for public service positions;
Retaining personnel in public service and reasons for resignation.
To collect data, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The online survey engaged 203 participants from the members of the Professional Government Association and a broader circle of professionals. Additionally, four focus groups were conducted, including current and former public servants as well as young specialists — graduates of foreign universities.
Based on the collected data, recommendations have been developed to enhance the attractiveness of public service and address staffing shortages.
