Professional development of civil servants as a factor in increasing the efficiency of public administration at the local level on the example of the Yavoriv City Council of the Lviv region
Students Name: Rotar Svitlana Kostiantynivna
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: Public Management and Administration (Training of Civil Servants)
Institute: Institute of Public Administration, Governance and Professional Development
Mode of Study: part
Academic Year: 2025-2026 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: Rotar S. K, Holovchak M.I. (supervisor). Professional development of civil servants as a factor in increasing the efficiency of public administration at the local level on the example of the Yavoriv City Council of the Lviv region. The thesis for Degree of Master in Public Management and Administration. – Lviv Polytechnic National University. – Lviv, 2025. Extended abstract In the context of ongoing social, political, and economic transformations, aggravated by the war in Ukraine, the professional development of civil servants has become a key factor in ensuring the effectiveness and resilience of public administration at the local level. Local self-government bodies are responsible for a wide range of socially important functions – from organizing public services to supporting displaced persons and coordinating recovery processes. The efficiency of these activities depends largely on the level of competence, adaptability, and motivation of civil servants. From a theoretical perspective, professional development is understood as a continuous, conscious, and purposeful process of personal and professional growth of public officials, based on the integration of knowledge, skills, and competencies [1-3]. This process combines formal education, practical experience, career planning, attestation, and self-education, creating conditions for continuous improvement of the quality of public service and responsiveness to new challenges [4-6]. The study focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical mechanisms of professional development of civil servants as a determinant of the efficiency of local governance. Using the case of Yavoriv City Council in the Lviv Region, the thesis analyzes the structure and effectiveness of professional development programs, identifies institutional and motivational factors influencing their implementation, and proposes directions for system improvement. The purpose of the research is to analyze the features of professional development of civil servants as a factor in increasing the efficiency of public administration at the local level, based on the case of Yavoriv City Council, Lviv Region. Research objectives: 1. To explore theoretical foundations of professional development of civil servants and its impact on public administration efficiency. 2. To analyze current approaches to assessing public administration effectiveness at the local level. 3. To study the relationship between professional development and the efficiency of management processes. 4. To evaluate the administrative management system and innovative activities of Yavoriv City Council in the context of civil servants’ professional growth. 5. To investigate the economics of production and economic activities of the Yavoriv City Council of the Lviv region. 6. To develop recommendations for improving the professional development system of civil servants to enhance local governance effectiveness. The object of the study is the process of professional development of civil servants within the system of public administration at the local level. The subject of the study is the professional development activities of Yavoriv City Council civil servants and their influence on the effectiveness of public administration. To achieve the research objectives, the study applies a range of methods, including analysis and synthesis, comparative and statistical methods, logical generalization, and system-structural analysis. Practical significance. The results of the research can be applied to: • developing strategic recommendations for improving professional development programs for local civil servants; • enhancing administrative management practices and HR policies at the local government level; • strengthening institutional capacity and effectiveness of public administration during crisis and post-war recovery periods; • improving transparency, accountability, and service quality in public administration. Scientific novelty. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the professional development system of civil servants within Yavoriv City Council, identifying its structural, motivational, and digital transformation challenges. It also proposes an integrated model of professional development that combines institutional, digital-innovative, and motivational mechanisms, contributing to increased administrative efficiency and resilience. The research results highlight that the professional development of civil servants is not limited to traditional training programs but constitutes a continuous process of competence formation, adaptation, and innovation. It directly correlates with public administration efficiency, citizen trust, and the sustainable development of territorial communities. Keywords: professional development of civil servants, public administration, management effectiveness, administrative management, employee motivation, innovative and digital approaches, local government bodies, territorial community, human resource potential, Yavoriv City Council. References 1. On Civil Service: Law of Ukraine dated December 10, 2015, No. 889-VIII. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/889-19 2. On Approval of the Regulation on the System of Professional Training of Civil Servants, Heads of Local State Administrations, Their First Deputies and Deputies, Local Self-Government Officials and Deputies of Local Councils: Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated February 6, 2019, No. 106. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/974-2017-%D1%80 3. On Professional Development of Employees: Law of Ukraine dated January 12, 2012, No. 4312-VI. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/4312-17 4. Shpak, N., Podolchak, N., Karkovska, V., & Sroka, W. (2019). The influence of age factors on the reform of the public service of Ukraine. Central European Journal of Public Policy, 13(2), 40-52. 5. Рodolchak, N., Karkovska, V., Tsygylyk, N., Dziurakh, Y., & Bilyk, O. (2023). Synergetic approach for sustainable public service personnel management during Covid-19. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 408, p. 01015). EDP Sciences. 6. Khmelyuk, V., Podolchak, N., & Karkovska, V. (2021). Political leadership in public administration: Institutional aspects. Law and Public Administration, 2, 178-83.