Latvia's State Chancellery lowers director requirements in new search

Latvia's State Chancellery is once again seeking a director, this time with substantially eased qualifications compared to the competition held in May. The move comes after the previous attempt failed to yield a suitable candidate.

Key changes include a relaxation of educational prerequisites. Previously, candidates needed a master's degree, preferably in law or management. Now, a master's degree is merely desirable, with a higher academic or professional second-level higher education being sufficient. Management experience requirements have also been lowered; while still requiring at least five years in a leading position within the last decade, the number of subordinates managed has dropped from 50 to at least 20.

Furthermore, experience in representing state interests within EU institutions and international organizations, previously mandatory, is now only a preference. Similarly, experience with financial and investment projects is no longer a requirement. The position still offers a monthly salary of 7,255 euros before taxes, and the application deadline is August 19.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs had previously stated that the initial criteria were excessively high, deterring many potential applicants. The previous director, Raivis Kronbergs, resigned in May following his detention in a corruption investigation. The State Chancellery is the central institution supporting the Latvian government's operations, providing data analysis and expert information to the Prime Minister and the cabinet.

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The criteria for the previous competition created conditions that prevented many candidates from applying.