Fifteen new graduates received their university certification at the Nice University Institute of Technology. This unique training program in France aims to strengthen the role of municipal general secretary, a profession under pressure in rural municipalities.
The University Institute of Technology of Nice hosted the certification ceremony for the first Municipal General Secretaries trained in a university program unique to France. Fifteen candidates, supported by the municipalities of their region, have graduated. The training, launched in May 2023 at the initiative of Senator and departmental councilor Alexandra Borchio Fontimp, was designed to address a recruitment crisis.
“This project, born from an urgent need expressed by the mayors, was constructed notably in partnership with the Department of Alpes-Maritimes, the University Côte d’Azur, and associations of elected officials,” she recalled.
In light of the expected retirement of many agents by 2030, this initiative aims to build a pool of secretaries trained to understand the realities of the municipalities. The idea is also to better promote this profession, which plays a central role in the functioning of small communities.
A partnership between public stakeholders
The Department of Alpes-Maritimes financed the entirety of this training. The University Côte d’Azur, the Directorate of Public Finances, Agency 06, and SICTIAM contributed to the educational content. This partnership combines academic expertise with operational needs.
Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Department, praised the commitment of the laureates. “It is important to honor the municipal secretaries who, through their expertise and dedication, fully contribute to the smooth functioning of our communities,” he stated. He also announced the funding of a new session.
Present at the ceremony, Jeanick Brisswalter, president of the University Côte d’Azur, awarded the certificates to the graduates.
The call for applications for the second cohort is already open. This certification aims to sustain the role of municipal secretary in a context of significant territorial personnel renewal.
