Under Section 6

• (2)of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484), the Chief Justice is the head of the Judiciary and is charged with the administration of the Judiciary. The JA is responsible for providing strategic and executive support to the Chief Justice in the administration of the Judiciary. At all times, the priority of the Judiciary Administration is in supporting and furthering the interests of the Judiciary, and ensuring the effective administration of justice in Hong Kong.

More specifically, the JA is responsible to the Chief Justice for the following areas –

• (1)Safeguarding the institutional independence of the Judiciary in the administration of justice in the HKSAR;
• (2)Advising the Chief Justice in all aspects of work relating to the administration of the Judiciary;
• (3)As the head of the Judiciary Administration to –
• (a)ensure that proper support is provided to the judges and judicial officers in the administration of justice;
• (b)effect the proper administration and management of all the offices and units under the Judiciary Administration, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the Judiciary, including the smooth operation of judicial proceedings at all levels of courts;
• (c)develop policies, procedures and practices to enhance the quality and efficiency in the administration of justice;
• (d)ensure there is optimal management of resources, including financial, personnel and accommodation, in support of the effective administration of the Judiciary;
• (e)maintain and develop appropriate and effective communications between the Judiciary and all its stakeholders, including the community;
• (f)maintain and develop exchanges between the Hong Kong Judiciary and its counterparts in other jurisdictions;
• (4)Acting as the key liaison person in dealing with the executive and legislative branches of the Government; and
• (5)Serving as the Secretary to the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission, which is the statutory body responsible for making recommendations to the Chief Executive on judicial appointments and matters related thereto.

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

• (1)a bachelor’s degree from a Hong Kong university, or equivalent. (A legal degree is not essential. Possession of experience and a good understanding of the operation of the judicial and legal system in Hong Kong will be an advantage);
• (2)a strong command of English and Chinese;
• (3)experience of holding a senior administrative and managerial position in a sizeable organisation in the public, private or non-profit making sectors; and
• (4)a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (Degree / Professional Grades) (“BLNST”).

Candidates should be assessed and selected on their suitability for appointment with reference to the following capabilities expected of the Judiciary Administrator ("JA") –

• (1)As the most senior administrator who supports the Chief Justice in the administration of the Judiciary, the JA must have a thorough understanding of the concept of rule of law and judicial independence as guaranteed under the Basic Law. He/She should also have good understanding of administration of justice and clear commitment towards serving the public. Specifically, he/she should be capable of overseeing the full range of court operations (including use of technology) at different levels in support of judges in performing their judicial duties, handling human resources and financial management in the Judiciary, as well as mastering the interface between the Judiciary and its key stakeholders (in particular the executive and legislative branches of the Government) and that with its counterparts in other jurisdictions;
• (2)As a key adviser to the Chief Justice on the administration of the Judiciary, the JA must be an individual with high integrity, and should possess strong analytical skills, sound judgement and foresight;
• (3)As the head of the Judiciary Administration, the JA should possess considerable management experience and solid administrative skills, and the ability to plan strategically and innovatively, and to execute initiatives and plans as directed by the Chief Justice; and
• (4)As a key administrative personnel in the Judiciary, the JA must be capable of working collaboratively with both the judges and judicial officers as well as the staff. This includes the possession of good composure, communication, inter-personal and leadership skills.