Pragmatism in HR strategy implementation by customs institutions in Ukraine

Abstract

The article investigates the implementation of the Human Resource Management Strategy of the State Customs Service of Ukraine for 2021–2024. It addresses key issues such as personnel renewal of customs institutions in the context of customs reform by 2030, collaboration between the customs service and higher education institutions regarding specialist training, as well as practical aspects of enhancing the qualifications of customs officials under the legal regime of martial law. Purpose. The objective of the article is to examine the practical implementation of the HR strategy within the customs authorities of Ukraine and to identify the key issues of updating the human resources of the Ukrainian customs in the context of the war with Russia. To achieve this goal, a number of research tasks have been defined: analysis of the main components and features of the HR strategy implementation within the State Customs Service of Ukraine; analysis of the effectiveness of measures aimed at improving the qualifications of customs officials; development of proposals to enhance customs staffing in the context of customs reform in Ukraine. Methods. The methodological basis of the research consists of fundamental categories, concepts, principles, and methods of modern financial science. The complex of methods used in this study of personnel provision for customs is based on the principles of objectivity, systemicity, certainty, determinism, and the unity of theory and practice. Results and Conclusions. The characteristics of the implementation of HR strategy of the customs authorities of Ukraine for the period 2021–2024 were studied, and key issues regarding customs staffing were identified. In particular, significant challenges are observed due to the war, such as the redistribution of staff numbers, the transfer of personnel from customs in combat zones to other regions, leading to substantial imbalances between actual and approved staff, as well as in the age structure of the customs authorities employees. In the context of improving the efficiency of the Human Resources Department of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, it is proposed to focus on a comprehensive approach to personnel management, enhancing the motivation and training system, as well as improving internal communications and utilizing modern technologies.