What do you need to be the next Gov CEO? We consulted the brochure...

Thursday 18 May 2023

The Government yesterday launched its campaign to find an Interim CEO. With the Chief Minister previously announcing a push for local candidates, could you have what it takes to step into the island's top job?

Express consulted the official brochure...

Jersey understanding "beneficial"... but not essential?

The States Employment Board said that they were searching for "an experienced senior executive to lead the island’s Public Services for an interim period of nine to 12 months" – with an "understanding of governance in a political environment" deemed as "beneficial" but "not essential."

In the 'job brochure' (because the Government CEO position is clearly too important for an ordinary job description) it is also described as "beneficial" for the candidate to have "a good understanding of Jersey’s constitutional position, economy and culture" – but no worries if you don't! This is also apparently not essential for someone wanting to lead the island.

Fancy a sabbatical?

In a video released yesterday, the Chief Minister encouraged islanders to "seriously consider if they could commit to a period of nine to 12 months whilst a permanent successor is found".

Candidates are being encouraged to apply from both the public and private sectors, with Deputy Moore explaining that the Government "would also be prepared to speak to a local employer who may think they have a candidate who would be able to take a sabbatical or a period of leave to take up this key role".

So if you'd rather spend your hard-earned sabbatical roaming the Government's Broad Street office instead of 'finding yourself' on a beautiful remote island in the Indian Ocean, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

"A role like no other"

In the job brochure's introduction, Deputy Moore describes the top job as "a role like no other"... we'll leave it to you to decide if that's positive or negative thing.

The Chief Minister is looking for "gravitas, energy, drive and determination", which sounds almost like she is on the hunt for an expensive new car, but are in fact the qualities needed by the "exceptional individual" who will lead our public service.

One of the other "requisite attributes and experience" needed by the Interim CEO is the ability to lead the "complex organisation" that is the Government of Jersey (their words, not mine).

Driving 'good' government

The ability to "drive effectual performance management and ‘good’ government at all levels" is described as "crucial", although the brochure does not clarify what "good government" actually is.

Applicants must also be "articulate and numerate" and "available to commence and continue the role within the indicated timeframes" – which seems a bit like stating the obvious, but I suppose it is important to clarify.

The brochure also confirms that if the successful candidate is not from Jersey, they will be required to live in the island for the interim role's duration.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and what is described as a "short" statement demonstrating their experience and suitability for the job.

Just two weeks left to submit your "short" statement!

Upon further inspection, this "short" statement can be up to four sides of A4 which doesn't seem particularly short, but perhaps it is compared to the length of many Government reports.

If you do want to apply, you'd better get a move on if the new "indicative timeline" for the Interim CEO recruitment process is anything to go by.

Released by the Government yesterday, the timeline says that applications will close on 1 June, shortlisting will take place on the 2 June, and final interviews will be on the 12 June.

At the end of the recruitment video, Deputy Moore says: "I really do encourage you to consider an application". Who are we to disobey our Chief Minister?

Read the recruitment brochure in full here.