CURRENT PROBLEMS OF IMPROVING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Abstract

The article highlights current trends in the advanced training of local government officials. The authors identify the challenges facing officials of local governments at present. They include: preparing for a new local government reform, increasing autonomy at the local level, European integration, during which all public life spheres are brought closer to EU norms, and martial law caused by the war against the Russian aggressor. The priority areas of the new decentralization reform are highlighted. The legal framework regulating the activities of local government officials and facilitating advanced training of relevant officials is outlined. The sphere of local government is divided into four conditional sectors: occupied territories, de-occupied territories, frontline territories, and other territories. It is determined that each has specific features of how governing bodies function. Based on the analysis of the regulations by the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service and advanced training programs, developed and implemented by educational institutions, agencies, and organizations, authorized to provide relevant educational services, a gradual increase in the number of trends (resulting from programs as well) for local government officials was pointed out. The study entirely focuses on certain groups of these trends, which are currently the most significant in the context of the advanced training of local government officials. Namely, European integration, management of de-occupied territories, human rights, and gender issues. However, they do not cover the entire bank of topics, local government officials have to stay familiar with. Additionally, the tendency remains for topics of corresponding trends to expand, covering various issues, local government officials may face.