Scrupulous observance of the United Nations Charter and the recommendations of the General Assembly would do a great deal to increase the effectiveness of the work of the Secretariat. 43. Mr. PAVLOVSKY (Czechoslovakia) said that his delegation appreciated the positive efforts made by the Secretary-General and OPS to implement a sound personnel policy. The personnel reforms initiated by the Secretary-General would improve geographical balance and the effectiveness of the staff. / ... A/C.S/38/SR.SO English Page 12 (Mr. Pavlovsky, Czechoslovakia) 44. Nevertheless, his delegation was concerned over the implementation of the principle of equitable geographical distribution. Any shortcomings which had arisen with regard to that principle were attributable to members of the Secretariat and not to the principle itself. Staff members had a responsibility to work in accordance with established principles and to solve any problems which might arise in their implementation. 45. The Secretariat's slow and inefficient recruitment procedures, particularly in the case of candidates from socialist countries, were disappointing. The impact of recruitment on geographical distribution was limited by the fact that over two thirds of the incumbents in geographical posts held permanent contracts. Consequently, it was all the more important to speed up recruitment procedures so as to select candidates within a reasonable time. Yet, it generally happened that posts remained unfilled for months or even years, until, on occasion, they simply disappeared as a result of internal transfers of posts. Many candidates from socialist countries suffered from such practices, while others were rejected with no adequate explanation. 46. It seemed that the system of job descriptions and vacancy announcements was a sort of game of deception between OPS and substantive departments, with the candidate playing very little part. Often OPS was relegated to the role of middleman between substantive departments and candidates, with very little influence over the final decision. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the organizational structure and personnel management of the United Nations Secretariat, specifically the recruitment and geographical distribution of staff members. It highlights concerns about the effectiveness of the Secretariat's work and the implementation of principles such as equitable geographical distribution. The text does not mention any specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the internal workings of the organization.

**Category**
Employment