Windhoek
The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) has responded to allegations that it lowered the qualification requirements in its search for a new chief executive officer (CEO) because it already has someone to fill the position once its current CEO, Ambassador Leonard Iipumbu, retires in August 2016.
Agribank initially advertised for a new CEO, citing a Master’s degree and financial industry experience as key requirements, but when it re-advertised the position these requirements were omitted, which left many to speculate that the board had identified a suitable candidate without these requirements.
In a recent statement chairperson of the Agribank Board Tertu Uuyuni said the facilitation of the recruitment process was outsourced to Deloitte’s human capital division to ensure transparency and independence in the recruitment process, while the board still remained responsible and accountable for the recruitment of the CEO.
When the position was initially advertised in November 2015 a total of 18 applications were received. The screening and short-listing was conducted by the board using pre-determined and agreed upon screening criteria. After the initial advertisement eight eligible candidates were selected for the interview process.
Following the initial round of interviews, four candidates were further subjected to psychometric assessments and reference checks.
However, on the basis of the combined results of presentations by each candidate, the structured interviews, the psychometric assessment, as well as reference checks, the board could not find a suitable candidate for the position.
“Therefore, a decision was taken to re-advertise the position and re-assess the initial requirements set out in the selection and screening criteria to allow and attract additional suitable candidates to apply for the position. It should be noted that although a Master’s degree and financial industry experience are no longer key requirements, these will nevertheless be considered as an added advantage in the final recruitment decision, as per the revised job advertisement.
“There are, therefore, no pre-selected candidates and all qualifying candidates who apply will be taken through the full agreed selection process under the supervision and guidance of Deloitte. The change in the requirements was solely done to widen the pool of possible candidates and to encourage candidates with a proven leadership track record and experience in executive positions, but who might not necessarily have a Master’s degree or financial sector experience, to apply.
“The board remains committed to a transparent and fair recruitment process with regards to the CEO appointment,” Uuyuni said.