Workloads have increased and management areas have expanded, while staffing in some fields remains insufficient to meet requirements. In this context, many commune-level officials have had to take on duties beyond their areas of specialized training. To meet these demands, they must pursue self-study, conduct their own research and proactively coordinate with colleagues in carrying out their work.

Previously, at the former Na Son commune, Lò Thị Trọng was responsible for natural resources and minerals. Since the two-tier local government system came into operation, Na Son commune has been established through the merger of the former Na Son and Keo Lôm communes and Điện Biên Đông town. Trọng now works as a civil servant in the commune’s Economic Division. The division’s scope of work has expanded, and her own responsibilities have increased accordingly.

In addition to natural resources and minerals, Trọng has been assigned responsibility for agriculture and forestry, fisheries, livestock and veterinary services, disaster prevention and control, as well as advising on and compiling reports on the commune’s socioeconomic development. Each field has its own regulations and procedures, which officials must understand thoroughly to provide sound advice and respond promptly.

“The workload is heavy and covers many fields, several of which fall outside my area of specialized training. At first, I felt considerable pressure. However, to fulfill my duties, I took the initiative to study and learn more, gradually familiarizing myself with the new tasks. Whenever something was unclear, I consulted colleagues, division leaders or provincial agencies. I also regularly visit local areas to understand the situation firsthand and ensure that my advice reflects actual conditions,” Trọng said.

The new circumstances have also brought officials like Trọng unfamiliar tasks and responsibilities in new fields. In 2026, when Na Son commune began implementing the province’s policy of expanding coffee and macadamia cultivation, Trọng was assigned to advise directly on the implementation of the initiative.

Numerous tasks had to be carried out simultaneously on the ground, from reviewing available land and organizing community meetings to registering planting areas, providing guidance on digging planting holes, connecting with seedling suppliers, and organizing planting and crop care. Trọng proactively studied relevant regulations and documents and coordinated with colleagues to advise her division on implementing each task effectively.

To date, Na Son commune has completed planting more than 300 hectares of coffee and more than 50 hectares of macadamia, exceeding the targets assigned by the provincial People’s Committee. For Trọng, completing each assignment means gaining experience and building confidence to take on the next challenge.

In Nậm Kè commune, officials are likewise increasingly required to handle responsibilities across multiple fields as the two-tier local government system takes shape. At the former Nậm Kè commune, Mào Văn Nguyện was responsible for reviewing poor households and handling matters related to social protection, labor and employment. After July 1, 2025, he was assigned to the commune’s Division of Culture and Social Affairs, where he also took on responsibilities in healthcare, culture and sports.

Having to learn new fields while handling a heavy workload and responding quickly and accurately meant that, during the initial days of the new system, Nguyện frequently worked beyond regular office hours to meet deadlines.

For Nguyện, adapting meant devoting more time to studying official documents and materials and proactively updating his knowledge of the regulations governing his assigned fields. He also made greater use of information technology and digital transformation tools to reduce the time spent on administrative procedures and devote more time to professional duties.

“In the early days of operating the two-tier local government system, the workload was so heavy that many officials had to work at night and on days off to meet deadlines. However, procedures have gradually been standardized, coordination among departments has become smoother, and work has become more organized and efficient,” Nguyện said.

Nguyện’s sense of responsibility and work performance have been recognized by the leadership of Nậm Kè commune. In mid-September, he was appointed Deputy Head of the commune’s Division of Culture and Social Affairs.

In practice, the two-tier local government system means officials can no longer limit themselves to the areas covered by their original professional training. As responsibilities are decentralized and transferred to the grassroots level, officials must be capable of handling multiple tasks, learning independently and coordinating proactively to get the job done.

However, wearing many hats does not mean that one official must solve every problem alone. When responsibilities across multiple fields are concentrated at the commune level, unclear assignments and poor coordination can lead to overlapping duties and delays. Therefore, alongside individual competence, the way work is organized is also a decisive factor in the effectiveness of local government operations.

Đào Duy Thạch, Vice Chairman of the Mường Lạn commune People’s Committee, said the commune’s administrative apparatus had now stabilized. “The commune is focusing on strengthening discipline and accountability among officials, civil servants and public employees, while also improving how tasks are assigned and performance is assessed. At the beginning of each month, specific tasks are assigned to individual officials. Progress is checked and followed up on midway through the month, and results are evaluated at the end of the month.

“For each group of tasks, the commune uses key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and assess performance. This approach helps each official clearly understand their responsibilities, deadlines and expected deliverables. It also gives leaders a basis for identifying difficulties, resolving bottlenecks in a timely manner and adjusting assignments that are not working effectively.”

The two-tier local government system requires commune-level officials to broaden their knowledge, respond more flexibly and maintain closer ties with local communities. When individual initiative is supported by a well-organized working system, with clear assignments, progress monitoring and evaluation based on concrete results, the ability to wear many hats can become a valuable professional strength, helping local government operate more effectively.