personnel costs. TO speak of the budget was to speak of the personnel, as had been demonstrated by the discussion of the draft programme budget, which had centred on the problem of consultants, the need to increase the efficiency of the Secretariat and the importance of human resources management and a coherent career development system. The administration of the Organization was, of course, all the more difficult since it had to respect the principle of equitable geographical distribution, since the bulk of its budget was provided by a relatively small group of States and as there were different perceptions of the role of the international civil service, all of which considerations were influenced by the various principles and objectives in the Charter. 34. Recruitment examinations for junior Professionals had led to the appointment of nationals of three previously unrepresented Member States. Nevertheless vacancy rates in many departments remained too high. Recruitment procedures should thus be speeded up if the Secretariat was to function more smoothly. The introduction of / ... ' A/C.5/38/SR.48 English Page 9 (Mr. Ditz, Austria) computer techniques would undoubtedly help in that connection. It would be of interest to receive, at the next session, detailed information from the Secretary-General on the implementation of the medium-term recruitment plan and on the experience gained in applying the recruitment procedures outlined in General Assembly resolution 35/210. In that context it was of particular interest to know whether it was still the Secretary-General's intention to recruit for senior-level Professional posts by examination. Examinations had the merit of objectivity and should therefore be used to the widest extent possible. 35. The current system of career development seemed largely ad hoc and although it provided for job security and adequate remuneration, it did not give the staff reasonable assurances of equitable promotion opportunities and an average rate of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the budget and personnel costs of an international organization, specifically the recruitment and career development of its staff. It highlights the challenges of managing a diverse workforce with different perceptions of the role of the international civil service. The text also touches on the need to increase efficiency and use technology to streamline recruitment procedures.

**Category**
Employment, Science and technology