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Politics
29 March 2025

Vietnam Proposes Major Reforms To Job Positions And Local Governance

The Ministry of Home Affairs outlines new job position definitions and local government structure changes to improve efficiency.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in Vietnam is making strides to redefine job positions within government structures, proposing significant amendments to its organizational framework. In a recent draft, the ministry has outlined a new Chapter III that will specifically address job positions, detailing four articles that encompass definitions, classifications, and management of these roles.

According to the draft, the concept of a "job position" can be defined in two distinct ways. The first option describes it as a title that identifies specific job tasks associated with a professional designation or leadership role, constructed based on the functions and organizational structure of an agency or unit. The second option presents it as a title linked to a civil servant's work, responsibilities, and outcomes within an organization.

The structure of a job position is comprehensive, including the title, job description, responsibilities, tasks, powers, and a competency framework. Furthermore, the draft categorizes job positions into four main types: cadre positions, leadership and management positions, professional positions, and support positions.

The Ministry emphasizes that the criteria for determining job positions must align with the organizational structure and functions of the respective agencies. These criteria include the complexity of tasks, characteristics of operations, and the degree of modernization and IT application within the agency. Additionally, it is critical that any changes to job positions are based on the organization's needs and meet the standards set for the new roles.

Management of job positions, as outlined in the draft law, includes several key responsibilities. This encompasses issuing legal documents related to job positions, outlining the authority and methods for determining these positions, and specifying the authorized agencies responsible for such decisions. The draft also includes provisions for inspection and handling violations related to job position management.

The government plans to provide detailed regulations concerning civil servant positions and those under contract labor agreements, ensuring that the management of job positions is efficient and transparent.

In a parallel development, the Ministry of Home Affairs is also seeking input on a revised Law on Organization of Local Government, which aims to implement a two-tier local government model, eliminating the district level. This proposed law will be presented at the upcoming 9th session of the National Assembly.

Key changes in this draft include new tasks and powers for the chairpersons of provincial People's Committees. The chairpersons will oversee regional cooperation and international programs that promote economic and cultural development. They will also manage local budgets, infrastructure, and social welfare facilities while ensuring the effective use of resources.

Moreover, the chairpersons will be tasked with directing the construction of digital governance and economy, focusing on modernizing local government operations and enhancing public service delivery. Responsibilities will also extend to land management, environmental protection, and the development of significant local projects, including agriculture and tourism.

For city chairpersons, similar powers will be proposed, with additional responsibilities tied to urban population management, housing development, and public safety. They will also be responsible for ensuring the provision of essential public services, such as water supply and waste management.

These reforms are part of a broader initiative to streamline government operations and improve service delivery to citizens. The Ministry of National Defense is also in the process of consulting on a draft circular regarding policies for streamlining organizational structures within the military. This circular aims to provide clarity on benefits for personnel affected by organizational changes.

The draft circular proposes a method for calculating benefits for those eligible for early retirement due to restructuring. This includes a one-time retirement subsidy based on the individual's current salary and the duration until retirement age. Specific calculations are provided for both early retirement within the first 12 months of restructuring and those opting to retire later.

For instance, an example provided illustrates how a Lieutenant Colonel, Hoang Van Manh, would calculate his benefits upon early retirement due to unit mergers. With a monthly salary of 20,000,000 VND, Mr. Manh would receive substantial one-time subsidies, totaling approximately 1.85 billion VND, based on his years of service and early retirement status.

As these drafts are reviewed and refined, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense are committed to ensuring that the policies reflect the needs of their respective agencies while promoting transparency and efficiency in public service.

The ongoing consultations and proposed changes highlight the Vietnamese government's dedication to modernizing its administrative frameworks, adapting to contemporary needs, and enhancing the effectiveness of public service delivery.