13-4-2012

RECRUITMENT FOR TOP PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS UNDERWAY

The recruitment process for Heads of Government Departments is now well underway with applications for the 10 positions closing this Monday (16 April 2012). The positions have been advertised for three weeks and Public Service Commissioner Russell Thomas said although a number of applications had already been received, more were expected to arrive on Monday for the positions of Secretaries of Agriculture, Justice, Education, internal Affairs, Cultural Development, Health, Transport, Infrastructure and Planning, as well as Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Prime Minister. Applicants are required to have a management or relevant degree and over five years senior management experience leading an organization, division and staff as a minimum. Mr Thomas said his Office was now working on the composition of the selections panels for each position. “Unlike the past where there has only been one panel to consider all applications, we are now looking at having sector-focused teams with four members that will include the Public Service Commissioner (Chair), a representative of the Cook Islands Public Service Workers Association, a sector representative, and a member representing Cabinet and the Minister Responsible for the Office of the Public Service Commissioner.” Up to six names per sector have been submitted to Cabinet for consideration as possible nominees for each selection panel. The Public Service Commissioner is also developing the interview questions and fine tuning the short listing criteria for each position. “An orientation process to acquaint panel members with the selection process and fulfilling the duties and obligations of their role including declaring any conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality and impartiality is also being finalised.” He said Skype or teleconference calling will be utilised to interview shortlisted international candidates. The selection process is expected to be complete by the end of May with a report to Cabinet recommending appointments expected in early June. The Public Service Commissioner says the selection panel must recommend up to three candidates to Cabinet for consideration, and where a decision is made not to accept any persons recommended the panel maybe reconvened. Once confirmed, the final candidates will complete contract negotiations before officially assuming their three year appointment on 1 July 2012 to the end of June 2015. Mr Thomas said this year the OPSC would prioritise announcing the successful candidates by first informing the person selected of their appointment; before announcing publicly that the appointment have been made. If time permits, the Commissioner also intends to introduce the new HoMs to their respective Minister, Ministry and Office staff. He said the reviewed job descriptions for the senior posts illustrate the portfolio-specific long term strategic expectations that his Office is placing on each of the positions. “Over three years in Health for example, we are seeking major reviews of important pieces of legislation and the development and implementation of the National Health Strategy in line with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) with a focus on clinical competency and expertise and combating Non-Communicable Diseases.” “In Transport the emphasis is on the development and implementation of a civil aviation and air transport policy and plan and a maritime and sea transport policy and plan aligned to the NSDP. Development of a 10 year National Transport Plan plotting a path for efficient, affordable and sustainable shipping and airline services is also being sought.” “Clearly applicants will need to be of a very high calibre, with strong and demonstrated leadership abilities, and who possess comprehensive skills and a forward looking vision for the future of our country and the Cook Islands public service.” The application form can be downloaded from the OPSC website www.psc.gov.ck and must be fully completed and received prior to 4:00pm, Monday 16 April 2012 with a covering letter, indicating the skills and qualities candidates bring to the position and a copy of their CV.