Sunil Kumar, Sumeet Thakkar, Aminata Ongoiba, Alice Oleya Jino, Ozge Gokce Aktas and Lejla Sultanovic
In recent discussions surrounding the regionalization of Delegations, there has been growing concern about the future of Local Agents (LAs) and their crucial role within the organization. Often hailed as the "backbone" of Delegations by the hierarchy, Local Agents have played an indispensable part in the day-to-day functioning, shaping the institutional knowledge, and ensuring continuity across the globe. Yet, under the proposed limited duration contract structure and regionalization plans, there’s a real question:
Can we afford to lose this backbone?
What Happens When We Remove the Backbone?
Local Agents aren’t just employees; they are the custodians of history, the bridges between past experiences and present realities. They hold the institutional memory of Delegations and possess an unrivalled wealth of local knowledge. This knowledge is key to making informed decisions, understanding the cultural and political landscape, and ensuring that programming remains relevant, effective, and sustainable.
"Yet, when institutional changes occur, it is the Local Agents who are ruthlessly targeted, often facing the most brutal cuts"
And what happens when we lose this crucial asset? A Delegation that relies on the constant rotation of colleagues with little to no historical context that will struggle to maintain continuity and impact. Institutional memory will erode. Local knowledge will fade.
The result?
A more fragmented and less effective operation, where the ability to make informed, context-specific decisions will be compromised.
The Consequences of Regionalization Plans
The current regionalization plans, which call for a reduction in Local Agents, threatens to remove this valuable asset. With high turnover, there will be no one to provide the critical continuity that Local Agents have been offering for decades!
A Call for Thoughtful Reflection
The success of any Delegation lies in a well-balanced mix of experienced staff, fresh perspectives, and local expertise. Local Agents are vital to this balance, serving as the backbone that upholds the institution’s memory, offers practical insights, and ensures that programming remains relevant and sustainable.
As we continue to discuss and quietly implement regionalization plans, it’s crucial that we recognize and safeguard the invaluable contributions of Local Agents. Without them, there is a high possibility that the Delegations may find themselves navigating uncharted waters.
In conclusion, the wider use of limited duration contracts together with the move towards regionalization pose a challenge to the sustainability of EU Delegations. To maintain the integrity and success of our work, we must ensure that Local Agents remain a central part of the Delegation’s fabric. Their knowledge, expertise, and continuity are irreplaceable.
Let’s not forget that the strength of any Delegation lies not just in its ability to adapt but in its ability to remember—and
Local Agents are the ones who help the institution do exactly that
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