The Head of the NAUCS: “We are competing for young people who are honest, motivated, and capable of leading the country forward”

 On 17 July, Nataliia Aliushyna, the Head of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service, held a motivational meeting with participants of the training programme ‘Civil Service: Youth Creates Democracy’. 

The topic of the speech was ‘Real Civil Service’ - without embellishments and stereotypes, just about the complexities. Fifteen young people who are undergoing internships in public institutions got together at the National Agency. For them, it wasn't just about getting to know the civil service from the inside, but their first dive into its reality, vibe, values, and challenges.  ‘We are opening these doors to you not just as guests, but as future colleagues,’ Nataliia Aliushyna addressed the participants. She noted that today’s public service needs young, honest, determined people — those who are ready and able to work for a country focused on the needs of its citizens. 

During her speech, the Head of the NAUCS shared the results of a survey on the barriers that prevent young people from choosing public service. These include toxic organisational culture, low salaries, corruption, political influence and lack of flexibility. At the same time, she outlined the demands of the younger generation: honesty, opportunities for development, transparency, respect for the profession, and modern working conditions. “That is why today there is a real battle for you between the civil service, business and the non-governmental sector. And we want to win this battle,” Nataliia Aliushyna said.   

Another part of the speech was devoted to working with stereotypes. According to surveys, 58% of public servants have encountered biased perceptions. For example, that ‘all civil servants are corrupt, lazy and freeloaders, indifferent and unethical’, etc.  ‘Such clichés destroy trust. But the civil service is already different — and is changing every day thanks to people who have chosen to serve society,’ noted the Head of the National Agency on Civil Service. 

During the meeting, participants watched a promotional video for the educational series ‘Public Service,’ created by the NAUCS with the support of the UNDP. The series is available on the Diya.Osvita platform. 

According to Nataliia Aliushyna, this is a tool that helps to better understand how the state works, how to contact civil servants, and how to enter the system. However, no series can replace experience, which can be gained during an internship. The Head of the National Agency also spoke about current opportunities for entering public service: during martial law, access to positions is possible without competitions, under a simplified procedure. At the same time, from 1 June 2026, it is planned to resume competitive selection in areas where there is no fighting, according to the updated rules. It's about a new draft law developed by the NAUCS and supported by the Government on 14 July. The document provides for transparent admission procedures, career advancement, and even advantages for those who have completed internships. It is part of a broader reform that is in line with Ukraine's European integration commitments and is being monitored by the European Commission. 

The meeting ended with a Q&A session. Nataliia Aliushyna thanked everyone for their activity and concern and asked young people not to doubt their role. 

"We want public service to be a growth point for everyone. We need to change the rules of the game. And we invite you to do it with us. It's not always easy. But we have a team, we have the will, we have the tools — and we have you. That means anything is possible," she said. 

In addition, participants were given a tour of the Centre for the Assessment of Candidates for Civil Service Positions, which is a structural unit of the High School of Public Governance at the National Agency on Civil Service.