The Federal portal for administrative staff has been created by the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Development. All the ministries and departments will have to supply the website’s databank with a list of their job vacancies.

Moreover, all governmental organizations will have to officially announce the portal’s launch and provide links to it on their respective websites.

This is a rather unusual service, as governmental posts are usually advertised on an agency-by-agency basis (as it is done, for example, in the US).

Combating corruption

According to the official version, the internet job bank was devised with two primary aims. Firstly, it is meant to attract much-needed, highly-qualified staff towards governmental service.

Secondly, it should help combat corruption, since hiring “one’s own” people for governmental positions is reportedly common practice. According to the ministry that presented the government employment website idea, this site will ease the creation of corrupt networks.

The portal, however, will function as a single database across the board. A candidate can simply fill in a form with their personal details and wait for one of the multiple organizations which have access to the database to select someone with their skills.

Alternatively, candidates can browse vacancies, searching for specific jobs they wish to apply for. Although previously accessible to all Russian citizens aged from 18 to 65 and possessing the required skills, these vacancies have never before been found on a single list.

One thing remains unchanged: the candidates still have to pass a closed competition to receive any public service post. This, according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta analysts, leaves positions open for rigging.

However, it is suggested that if candidates from the united database suspect any dirty practices, they will be urged to file a court complaint.

There are exceptions to the competition rule: the President and Prime Minister have the power to appoint public servants. Furthermore, students will soon have the ability to sign contracts with governmental structures before finishing their studies.

This will allow students to receive additional grants from the government. In return, however, they will promise to work a set number of years for the stated public department or agency.

An enviable post

Recent studies have shown that most Russians wish to work for the government, be it as government officials, staff of government-owned companies or in law-enforcement agencies.

According to the “Vedomosti” newspaper, 55% of Russians wish to work in the public sector. The number is higher for those who are currently unemployed, rising to 57%. Further, even among those who currently work for commercial businesses, 48% would like to switch to the public sector.