Lagos State public servants have been charged to strictly adhere to their job specifications and set clear targets to enhance productivity and efficiency in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
Speaking at a 2-day workshop on job description and target setting, held in Lagos for human resource leaders and department heads in the state, Toyin Anjous-Admuyiwa emphasized the crucial importance of adhering to job specifications and setting clear targets.
Anjous-Admuyiwa highlighted that a well-defined job description is essential in the public sector, as it establishes a clear framework for employees’ roles, responsibilities, and expectations. By outlining the specific tasks, required skills, qualifications, and reporting lines.
She added, “A well-defined job description helps employees understand their role and enables them to align their efforts `with the organisation’s goals and objectives.
“In the public service, where accountability and transparency are of utmost importance, job description becomes even more critical; it helps to prevent role ambiguity and ensure that employees understand their specific duties and responsibilities.”
Anjous-Admuyiwa claimed that target setting in public service should be “SMART”—Specific, Measurable Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, describing that it was crucial to strike a balance between setting ambitious targets and considering the challenging nature of public sector work.
She remarked, “SMART means specific target provides clear direction, while measurable target allows for objective evaluation. Achievable target ensures that they are within the reach and motivate employees to strive for excellence, the relevant target is aligned with the organisation’s mission and strategic priorities. Lastly, time-bound targets set deadlines and create a sense of urgency.”
However, she stressed that clear and well-defined job descriptions provide employees with a sense of purpose and direction, while target setting enables organisations to measure their performance and deliver quality public service.
“It is through these practices that government agencies can effectively serve the public, promote accountability and foster a culture of continuous improvement,” she concluded.
