Top executives in civil service

Top-level executives in the civil service are some of the most important resources available to the Estonian civil services. Their leadership qualities, abilities to be role models and capabilities are the keys to the success of every organisation.

Estonia has nearly 100 top executives in the civil service who work as a team towards achieving the strategic objectives of our country. They are united in their desire to do a challenging and important job, participate in the decision-making processes that shape the future of Estonia, and contribute to international cooperation and the development of Estonia.

The top executives in the civil service include the Secretaries General and Deputy-Secretaries General of ministries, Directors of the Government Office, Directors-General of public offices and inspectorates, Director-General of the Emergency Centre, Director-General of the Centre for Defence Investment, Head of the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit, State Archivist, Commander of the Defence Forces and Prosecutor General.

Candidates for top civil service positions must have the management experience, qualifications and proficiency in foreign languages required to perform their duties as well as the competences defined in the Estonian top civil service competency model.

Mees puud hööveldamas
Competency framework

The competency framework of Estonian Top Civil Service consists of six competences, described through influential and non-influential activities.

The Top Civil Service Excellence Centre of the Government Office:

  • Organises the recruitment and selection of top executives in the civil service
  • Organises the work of the selection board of top executives in the civil service
  • Organises the performance assessment of top executives in the civil service
  • Advises top executives on their self-development and organises relevant activities
  • Maintains records on candidates for top civil service

Last updated: 28.10.2022