What's happening in the public sector? Our Senior Recruitment Consultant, Dave Wish, was kind enough to answer a few questions about what he's been seeing in the public sector recently. You can contact Dave for a chat on 04 915 1476 or email him at dave@thejohnsongroup.co.nz.

What changes and challenges are you seeing in the public sector right now?

The major challenge is a state of ‘not knowing’ – the majority of CEs have offered-up savings to Government and are relying on their Ministers, some of whom are very inexperienced to ‘fight their corner’ for funding levels, with apparently mixed success.

This is obviously doing nothing to redress the unsettling effect of the ‘headlines’ across the public sector, particularly below the tier 3 management levels.

In a lot of organisations we are finding that despite the economies offered, the reality is that with specific project funding, overall budgets will be similar to last year.

Of course the public sector won’t have any degree of certainty until the budgeting process starts – which is fortunately now imminent.

In the meantime the public sector needs to be seen to be ‘doing the right things’ – but how many are for their future success?

What kinds of skills are currently in demand, and which ones do you foresee will be in demand in the future?

Throughout the public sector we are increasingly being told that there is an ongoing requirement for ‘stars’, particularly at the Senior and Principal Advisor level.

Regulatory skills, Inter-Agency negotiation skills and a high degree of Multiple Stakeholder engagement and management skills are in demand and, as always, professionals that can deliver robust policy and have leadership skills are a sought-after commodity.

Additionally, with strong and increasing mandates to deliver, indications are strong that Economists/Econometrists, Regulatory and Compliance professionals, Evaluators and experienced Programme and Project Managers will be key areas of demand.

What interesting new projects are coming up in the public sector?

We are fortunate, through our public sector relationships, to be aware of some very exciting programmes of work and new mandates across some interesting areas of the public sector. Changes in regulatory and compliance frameworks and the Governments focus on efficiency of delivery will also create strong opportunity for high calibre people at all levels.

New projects are various and the Super-City, whilst potentially having a huge impact across many areas of the public sector, and not just Auckland, is the ‘tip of the iceberg’ in what will be a challenging, exciting and rewarding 3 years

What do you think the biggest public sector news of the week has been, in relation to jobseekers and managers?

The biggest news of the week is – don’t just read the news!

When you ‘drill down’ behind the headlines and are able to engage with public sector managers, the picture is very different and whilst change is taking place and there is no longer any room for complacency – opportunities not only do, but will continue to exist across the public sector.

What question would you like to ask potential candidates right now?

In the current climate there can be a natural ‘risk-aversion’ in making a career move – what do you think is the key factor, above all else, that will allay your fears and concerns?

What question would you like to ask managers?

There is a move within the public sector to reduce costs and be ‘seen to be doing the right things’. This has reduced contractor/interim numbers and opportunities in certain areas in the short term. Where do you perceive the areas of Contract opportunities will be over the next 6 months?