Effective development co-operation depends on skilled and experienced personnel. They must have a good understanding of development, especially at field level. Securing and developing well-qualified, highly-motivated local and expatriate staff is essential for any agency to function effectively. Critical issues in managing human resources include: maintaining a critical mass of development co-operation expertise, creating a good working environment, encouraging staff mobility, finding an appropriate skills mix, providing appropriate staff incentives, and addressing the role and status of local staff. The emphasis on aid effectiveness means that there needs to be a better understanding of the personnel and skills needed in the field, and that human resources management needs to be given a higher priority than previously.