Estonia’s top civil servants include the State Secretary, secretaries general and deputy secretaries general of ministries, directors of the Government Office, director generals of agencies and inspectorates, as well as the heads of the State Shared Service Center, the Estonian Center for Defence Investments, the Emergency Response Center and the Financial Intelligence Unit. The National Archivist, the Commander of Defence and the Prosecutor General are also part of this leadership group.
These top civil servants share a commitment to taking on challenging and high-responsibility roles, contributing to policy decisions that shape Estonia’s future, engaging in international cooperation, and driving the country’s development and well-being. Every decision and action they take directly or indirectly influences the functioning of the entire state and society.
The role of a top executive demands broad expertise, a strong vision, and strategic thinking. It requires a deep sense of mission and responsibility, as the decisions made at this level have a lasting and far-reaching impact on the country’s future.
To fulfill their duties effectively, Estonia’s top civil servants must have:
- Extensive leadership experience
- Higher education
- Foreign language proficiency
- The necessary competencies outlined in the top executive competency model
In their work, top civil servants adhere to the principles of public service ethics and values. Their five-year term of office provides a structured timeframe for implementing strategic objectives while ensuring continuity in public administration.
Last updated: 07.04.2025
