MBRSG commences latest intake for internal consulting programme

The Dubai-based Emirates Centre for Government Knowledge (ECGK) has opened registration for the latest batch of its Internal Management Consultant programme. The second intake of the initiative seeks to develop the skills of government employees, enabling them to provide quality internal consulting services to their government entities.

Rich nations with an over-reliance on a single commodity tend to do poorly when it comes to change readiness due to several factors, including the volatility of commodities prices, a lack of accountability, and a propensity toward conflict. Many of the Middle East’s major economies have been stung by a recent fall in oil prices, to that end. However, thanks to a growing governmental emphasis on diversifying the economy, as well as a concentrated effort to grow the role of management consultants in the nation, the United Arab Emirates (UEA) now finds itself ranked as one of the world’s economies best placed for organisational change.

Part of this drive for diversity led to opening of the Emirates Centre for Government Knowledge (ECGK) in May 2016 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. The ECHK falls under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), as a knowledge-sharing platform focused on promoting the UAE Government excellence, experience and knowledge locally, regionally and globally.

The ECHK’s Internal Management Consultant programme features intensive workshops for five days provided by a group of experts, in order to expose participants to the requirements and implications of the internal management consulting profession, and empower them with the related tools and practices within the profession. Sessions include interactions with consultants and specialists, who will share their knowledge of the industry.

Last year, 26 participants from 14 government entities enrolled in the programme, where the majority successfully passed the assessment. Upon completion, participants are granted an "Internal Management Consultant" certificate – a qualification enabling them to enrol in other training courses related to consultancy, provided within the Government Excellence Programmes of the UAE.

Commenting on the return of the course, Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, the Executive President of MBRSG, said, "UAE government entities have acquired a great deal of government knowledge, which has reflected positively on the strategic sectors and brought us closer to strengthening our economy in preparation for the post-oil era… With the growing pace of government knowledge in the UAE, MBRSG has intensified its efforts to highlight the importance of the management consulting profession in both the government, as well as its essential role in shaping the future of institutional work.”

Sarah Talib, Director at ECGK, added; "The programme aims to empower participants with the necessary skills and practices to enhance the government practices and their applications. It also enables them to share their knowledge and provide necessary inputs that elevate the efficiency of the government entity and drive progress."

Related: Management consulting market of GCC grows 9% to $2.7 billion.