malvernmugadzikwa
Emmanuel Kafe
FORTY-FIVE people have applied for the position of general manager at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), which has been vacant for nearly two years.
NSSA recently flighted an advert inviting applications for the post that became vacant after Mr Arthur Manase’s acrimonious departure in July 2022.
Since then, Dr Charles Shava, the director of occupational health, has been serving as the acting general manager.
The statutory body is responsible for providing social security and promoting occupational safety and health.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, NSSA board chairperson Dr Emmanuel Fundira said the selection process will be thorough, transparent and merit-based.
“We have received 45 applications from prospective candidates, which the board has reviewed and commented on,” said Dr Fundira.
“To further evaluate the shortlisted candidates, we invited expressions of interest from independent recruitment agents and individual consultants, who will screen the candidates further, in line with regulations and best practices.
“So far, three have responded, and we will soon be selecting the consultants before proceeding to the next stage.”
He said screening of the applicants will take more than three weeks.
“It takes 20 days to carry out the screening and psychometric evaluation of the shortlisted candidates,” he continued.
“This is done to reduce the shortlist to 10.
“After that, the NSSA board will interview the candidates, together with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, until we are left with six and then eventually three candidates, whose names will be forwarded to the minister for his consideration.
“He will then do his own processes and assessments.”
The recruitment exercise comes at a time the statutory body is facing intense scrutiny over its handling of funds and investments.
The new general manager will be tasked with turning around the authority’s fortunes and restoring public confidence in the institution.
Online Reporter