Review of “Candidates’ Eligibility” in “Cooperative Appointments”
Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amtal Al-Hawila issued a ministerial decision outlining the conditions and controls for the selection, appointment, and performance monitoring of appointed members, interim managers, and interim boards of directors in cooperative associations and unions. Al-Hawila stated that the decision aims to strengthen governance, enhance managerial efficiency, and tighten oversight of the cooperative sector, emphasizing that it reinforces the principle that appointment is a responsibility, not a privilege. She added that the management of shareholders’ funds and interests must be based on competence, integrity, and accountability for results, affirming that interim management should serve as a tool for reform and addressing deficiencies, rather than merely replacing names with names.
She clarified that the decision includes the establishment of a permanent committee to review candidates’ qualifications, the creation of an electronic database for applicants to verify their compliance with legal and administrative requirements, and the absence of conflict-of-interest cases, with selection based on academic qualifications, experience, and age.
The decision set clear appointment criteria, the most prominent of which is that the candidate must hold a university degree with an “excellent” grade in the last two years, and must not have received a disciplinary penalty involving salary deduction or higher in the past three years. The conditions also include passing an approved training program and examination with a score of at least 80%, undergoing security clearance, and not having been previously dismissed from the board of directors of a cooperative association or union, nor having been a member of a board dissolved due to serious financial or administrative violations.
Furthermore, the decision mandated appointees to comply with legislation regarding the disclosure of financial status, prevention of conflicts of interest, and disclosure of any direct or indirect interests. Al-Hawila added that the decision requires interim managers or interim boards of directors to prepare a work plan within 30 days of assuming their duties and to submit periodic reports every three months detailing achievement rates, remediation of violations, and the financial and administrative status of the association.
She emphasized that anyone assuming responsibility would be subject to a work plan, measurable results, oversight, and accountability. The decision also authorized the termination of an appointment if any of its conditions are no longer met, duties are breached, authority is exceeded, or fundamental performance deficiencies are proven.
