Post of Equal Opportunities Commission Chairperson open for applications

     The post of the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is open for applications from tomorrow (October 12).

     The advertisement for the post, which sets out details of requirements for potential candidates, will be published in newspapers tomorrow. Applicants should be Hong Kong permanent residents and have:

(a) a good general education;

(b) a strong commitment to promoting equal opportunities and building an inclusive, barrier-free and harmonious society;

(c) at least 15 years of relevant experience in public administration, professional practice or private sector management at a senior level; experience in leading and managing a sizable public or private organisation would be an advantage;

(d) clear vision, impeccable integrity, good leadership qualities particularly in steering a diverse governing board, management skills, mature personality;

(e) a solid track record in public or community service in Hong Kong; and

(f) strong language and communication skills, including good command of Chinese and English.

     All applications should be submitted to Korn/Ferry International (HK) Limited (15/F, St George's Building, 2 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong), the agency for this recruitment exercise, by November 2.  

     The term of office of the incumbent EOC Chairperson, Professor Alfred Chan, will expire on April 10, 2019. Under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, the appointment authority for the EOC Chairperson rests with the Chief Executive. A Selection Board will recommend the most suitable candidate to the Chief Executive for appointment. The Board is chaired by Mr Bernard Chan, and its members comprise Dr Lam Ching Choi, Ms Shalini Mahtani, Professor Daniel Shek, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs.

     The EOC is an independent statutory body established under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. Its functions include working towards the elimination of discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity and harmony, working towards elimination of harassment and vilification, handling complaints, assisting persons aggrieved by discrimination by way of conciliation and other assistance, and issuing and revising codes of practice, under the four existing anti-discrimination ordinances in the areas of sex, disability, family status and race.