Definitions & Officer Categories
The foundational terminology of The Gambia's civil service — officer categories by grade, key legal definitions (appointing authority, established post, permanent appointment, secondment, transfer), and the hierarchy of legal instruments governing your service.
Chapter 1 defines every key term used across the General Orders. 'Government' means the Government of The Gambia; 'Commission' is the Public Service Commission established under Section 172 of the Constitution; 'Contract' means a fixed-period appointment ending with a gratuity; 'Established post' is any Public Office on the Recurrent Estimates; 'Permanent appointment' entitles the holder to a pension under the Pensions Act. Officers are divided into five categories by grade: Category V (Grade 11 and above — senior management), Category IV (Grades 7–10 — middle management), Category III (Grades 4–6 — supervisory), Category II (Grades 2–3 — clerical/technical), and Category I (Grade 1 — support staff). These categories determine entitlements to housing, transport, travel, and other benefits throughout the Orders. Where an officer is also subject to a specific statute (such as the Police Force), the statute takes precedence over General Orders in case of conflict.
Chapter 1 of the PPM sets out the constitutional mandate and organisational structure of the Personnel Management Office. Under Section 173 of the 1997 Constitution, the PMO is responsible for the management and development of the entire civil service. The PMO's vision is 'to be a leading and efficient office in Human Resource Management in the sub-region.' Its core values include professionalism, merit-based decision making, transparency, accountability, and fairness. The legal framework governing the civil service includes the 1997 Constitution, the Public Service Act (2004), the Public Service Commission Regulations, General Orders (revised 2013), Financial Instructions, the Pensions Act (Cap. 42:01), and the Code of Conduct. Understanding this hierarchy is essential — the Constitution sits at the top, and the General Orders implement what the Act prescribes.