As part of an effort to help fulfill its mandate, the MRU Secretariat organized a 2-Day Staff Retreat in Bo, Sierra Leone bringing together 46 employees at the Galliness Hotel from February 28, 2023, to March 1, 2023, to review plans, strategies, and activities that are aimed at strengthening the MRU Secretariat in the effective discharge of her mandate. The retreat which was designed to provide a platform for sober reflection, discussion, and exchanges among staffs helped to identify opportunities, strategies, and actions to optimize performance.
Key Activities
The 2 Day Retreat followed an approved agenda that included the following: presentations, sub-group discussion & plenary, and documentation of final agreements/actions for implementation.
Presentations made included:
- The Technical Framing of the MRU Secretariat,
- An overview of the MRU 5 years Strategic Plan,
- Staff Rules and Administrative Procedures,
- Financial Policy and Procedures,
- UMC-TCAF Recommendation and Internal Control, and
- the MRU Procurement Procedures and Policy.
To promote participation and gather contributions, subgroups were created and allowed to hold separate sessions. Groups discussed the issues and reported new ideas for effective and smooth operations of the MRU Secretariat. Staffs were divided into 3 main groups during the retreat: namely, Sub-Office Staff, Program & Technical Staff, and Junior & General Staff. Each group was allowed to deliberate and present challenges in an agreed format.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Discussion and presentations during the retreat covered key issues relative to staff’s welfare and the overall growth and development of the Secretariat. The retreat established key challenges and outlined useful recommendations and strategies that will further help to ensure effective and smooth operations in the Mano River Union.
The 2023 Staff Retreat Committee received support from staffs of the Mano River Union Secretariat in the successful organizing of the 2023 Staff Retreat. The committee also recognizes the Secretary General, Amb. Maria G. Harrison for her foresight on the need for a staff retreat. The 2023 Retreat Committee will forever remain grateful for all the support.
The Committee recommends to Management that the Retreat Planning Committee be turned into an Activity Follow-up Committee/Retreat Resolution Working Committee with the sole mandate to ensure that all agreed recommendations/actions be implemented, and that the SG serves as an Ex-Officio on said follow up committee.