申請人於獲聘時須為香港特別行政區永久性居民，並符合下列條件：

(1) 持有由本港大學頒授的學士學位，或具備同等學歷；
(2) 在取得相關學歷後具有最少15年工作經驗，其中最少五年須在大規模公營、私營或非牟利機構出任高層行政和管理職位；
(3) 具備卓越領導才能，可有效領導約有500名人員的部門；
(4) 具備良好溝通技巧和人際關係，善於與各階層人士接觸和聯繫；
(5) 具備敏銳政治觸覺，善於識別、權衡和處理政治敏感事宜；
(6) 具備創新規劃的能力，能從策略角度提出有關資源管理的願景；以及
(7) 精通英文(如其他條件相同，同時通曉中文的申請人可獲優先考慮)。

申請人如為香港／認可司法管轄區的合資格法律執業者(大律師或律師)，或香港會計師公會會計師或資深會計師，或具備同等資格，則更為理想。申請人如具備公司秘書和公共服務運作方面的經驗，也可獲優先考慮。

Candidates must be permanent residents of the HKSAR at the time of appointment. They should have –

(1) a Bachelor’s degree from a Hong Kong university, or equivalent;
(2) at least 15 years of postgraduate work experience including at least five years holding a senior administrative and managerial position in a sizable organization in the public, private or non-profit making sectors;
(3) strong leadership skills to effectively head a department with around 500 staff;
(4) good communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to deal effectively with a wide spectrum of people;
(5) the political acumen to recognise, give appropriate weight to and manage political sensitivities adeptly;
(6) ability to plan innovatively and provide strategic vision in the management of resources; and
(7) strong command of English (all things being equal, preference would be given to candidate who is also proficient in the Chinese language).

Candidates who are a qualified legal practitioner (barrister or solicitor) in Hong Kong / recognised jurisdictions; or a certified public accountant or fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or equivalent, will be an advantage. Preference will also be given to candidates with experience in company secretarial field and the operational aspects of the delivery of service to the public.