Their Excellencies the Ministers:

1. The costs for sponsorship of long-term out-of-country training and education have been constantly rising, particularly in Western nations. In addition, there have been a number of failures of participants and cases of employees or trainees later dropping out of the sponsored programs. These conditions point out the need for ministries to establish internal procedures which will ensure careful selection of individuals or sponsorship in essential development programs.

2. In this regard, the ministries are encouraged to appoint a Career Development Committee consisting of three or four high level executives or managers. Responsibilities of the Committee would include:
   1. Determine ministry immediate and long range staffing needs, particularly in the professional fields.

   2. Determine those staffing needs that may be met by sponsored long-term development programs.

   3. Ensure financial requirements for the programs are included in the ministry budget.

   4. Review qualifications and select nominees for ministry sponsorship.

   5. Review and evaluate the progress of participants and overall ministry career development program.

   6. Recommend actions necessary to improve the program.

   7. Others felt necessary by the Ministry.

3. Committee consideration and selection of candidates for ministry sponsorship will include:
   1. Evidence of proficiency in the required foreign language. (Test results, certificates etc.)

   2. Grades received at schools prior to proposed sponsorship. Since it can be expected that the individual’s initial grades at the out-of country institution will be lower, the scholastic records and grades of candidates being considered should be high.

   3. Career goal of the individual being considered.

   4. Activities by the individuals to develop themself.

   5. Any personal problems which may cause difficulties (faimly, children etc.).

   6. Others felt necessary by the Ministry.

4. Ministries who wish to form their Career Development Committee are advised to inform the Training and Management Development Directorate in CSB of actions taken, the names and job titles of the Committee members, and/or other actions to ensure careful selection for, and control of, long-term development programs. Civil Service Bureau specialists will be available to provide assistance to the committees, if desired.

JAWAD SALIM AL-ARAYED
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS