2-5-2012

SHORTLISTING FOR TOP JOBS TO PRECEDE INTERVIEWS

The selection panel responsible for recruiting the Heads of Government Departments is now preparing to finalise shortlisted applicants ahead of conducting interviews over the next three weeks. The selection panel includes the Public Service Commissioner Russell Thomas (chair), and other members approved by Cabinet including Niki Rattle, Te Aroa Tini and Nga Mataio representing the Cook Islands Workers Association. According to the Public Service Commissioner, Russell Thomas more than 60 applications were received for the 10 top jobs that include the Secretaries of Agriculture, Justice, Education, Internal Affairs, Cultural Development, Health, Transport, Infrastructure and Planning as well Chief Executive Officer with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner and Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister. “Overall I was very pleased with the high level of interest in the positions and the subsequent quality and volume of applications received.” He said that in the past week the panel had completed an induction programme taking members through the process and criteria for short listing and interviewing. Once the interviews have been completed, the Office of the Public Service Commission will report to Cabinet in early June with its recommendations. The selection panel must recommend up to three candidates to Cabinet and if a decision is made not to accept any persons recommended, the panel maybe reconvened. Once confirmed the successful candidates will officially assume their three year appointment from 1 July 2012.