Merit-based civil service recruitment and selection in the Western Balkans and EU Eastern Neighbourhood: Evidence, OECD practices and reform directions

Recruitment and selection are central to workforce capability, organisational performance and the delivery of effective public services. In a context of evolving skill requirements, technological change and increasing labour market competition, public administrations need to adopt more strategic and forward-looking approaches to attract and select talent. This paper brings together robust research evidence on recruitment and selection, alongside an analysis of advanced practices in selected OECD countries, to establish a foundation for assessing current systems in Western Balkan and EU Eastern Neighbourhood administrations. Drawing mainly on SIGMA assessments, it identifies persistent weaknesses and uneven levels of professionalism and effectiveness. The analysis highlights the need to strengthen the professionalisation of the human resource management function, improve job-relatedness and predictive validity of personnel assessment methods, and enhance strategic workforce planning, public service employer branding and data use. Overall, the paper argues that more evidence-based and adaptable systems are essential to ensure public administration remains fit for purpose.