Competency self assessment
Name
Position
Chief Executive and Secretary for Education
Department
Ministry of Education
Purpose
The Chief Executive and Secretary for Education, Ministry of Education needs to
be skilled in the competencies identified in the position description. These
competencies have been described below. This competency self assessment will
be used to assist in the process of evaluating applicants.
State Services Commission
contact person
If at anytime during this process you have any questions, please do not hesitate
to contact:
Name: Ben Tilyard
Title: Advisor, System Capability Group
Phone: 04 495 6716
Email: ben.tilyard@ssc.govt.nz
Instructions
Please provide a maximum of three examples of projects, tasks or occasions
where you have demonstrated each of the competencies described below. For
further
information
about
these
competencies
please
contact
ce.recruitment@ssc.govt.nz.
Please return this assessment with your application.
Competency Descriptors
Strategic agility
1
The Chief Executive must, above all, be knowledgeable about the breadth of government
activities and linkages between them. Within the context of Government’s broad strategic
and economic goals s/he must be able to see ahead clearly and anticipate future
consequences and trends accurately. The Chief Executive must be able to identify what is
important and predict where problems might emerge, and consider often conflicting views
before advising the Government.

1
These skill descriptions are based on Lominger International's LEADERSHIP ARCHITECT ® Competency Sort Cards,
Copyright ©1992, 1996, 2001-2003 Lominger Limited, Inc; a subsidiary of Korn/Ferry International ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED, and are used with the express permission of Lominger International.
Competency Form
Political savvy
A key requisite of the position is to manage and be responsive to the needs of the Prime
Minister and other Ministers. This requires an ability to exercise excellent judgement in
managing the interface between the Public Service and the political office of the Prime
Minister. This judgement will be underpinned by a sound understanding of New Zealand’s
constitutional base and its conventions.
Manoeuvring through complex political situations effectively and quietly; and being
sensitive to how people and organisations function are essential competencies of this role.
The Chief Executive’s knowledge of government systems must be thorough in order to
operate effectively at this highest level in the system.

Intellectual capability
As the Chief Executive is required to advise upon and discuss complex issues with
Ministers and other chief executives, this is a crucial competency. Being recognised as
agile, bright and intellectually sharp and capable of dealing with multifaceted concepts and
complexity comfortably are key competencies. S/he must also be able to demonstrate
intellectual leadership, high analytical, conceptual and innovative thinking

Composure
Being cool under pressure and having a reputation for holding things together during tough
times are key requisites. The Chief Executive works in ambiguous environments where
problems and solutions are not readily defined. S/he must have the resolve and confidence
to successfully broker deals and agreement in challenging situations.

2
Motivating others
In order to advance the government’s strategic agenda the Chief Executive must be able to
call upon firm relationships and diverse networks across New Zealand’s cultural, economic
and social environment. S/he needs to be influential within the public and private sectors,
business and interest groups and wider national and international networks. S/he must be
able to reconcile viewpoints in contentious circumstances and build productive
relationships out of these events, irrespective of the constraints of the situation.

Integrity and trust
The Chief Executive must demonstrate the highest standards of personal, professional and
institutional behaviour. S/he must be widely trusted, being seen as a direct and honest
person who models the high standards of integrity and conduct New Zealanders expect.

3
Citizenship and
The appointee will be subject to a New Zealand Government Secret security clearance.
Security Clearance
4