The decree outlines the criteria, selection process, working relationships, management regulations, and performance evaluation systems for both chief engineers and chief architects.

According to the general criteria, a chief engineer must possess a relevant academic background. Priority will be given to individuals with degrees or certifications in core or advanced technologies, or those who have received national or international awards.

In addition, candidates must have strong reputations, extensive experience, and exceptional capabilities in their field. They must demonstrate the ability to solve complex interdisciplinary technical problems and propose innovative, breakthrough solutions that accelerate project implementation within tight timelines.

A chief systems engineer must have at least 10 years of continuous experience in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. They should be capable of designing, organizing, and coordinating large-scale, multi-component, interdisciplinary, and multi-tier programs or projects.

They must have led at least two interdisciplinary science and technology programs or projects in strategic systems with high impact indicators, or have created and transferred at least two interdisciplinary science and technology products within such fields.

In terms of compensation, the Central Steering Committee's Standing Body will consider the candidate's current salary and income level to negotiate a fair and commensurate employment package.

Bonuses will include up to five months’ salary if the engineer performs excellently during the evaluation year, or up to three months’ salary for satisfactory performance.

Additionally, they will receive an initial one-month salary as support for relocation, housing, and essential personal needs.

They will also be provided with government housing (or rental support if housing is unavailable), transportation, and working conditions equivalent to those offered to Tier 3 senior experts.

The chief systems engineer may select up to ten members for their support team and propose their salaries and benefits.

They are also entitled to benefits such as housing, transportation, working conditions, health care, family employment and education support, and various rewards.

If the chief systems engineer is a foreign national and wishes to remain after completing their assignment, they will be prioritized for Vietnamese citizenship. If they are a government employee, civil servant, or public official, they may be considered for promotion to a higher position.

For project-based chief engineers, the same general criteria apply. They must also have at least 10 years of continuous experience in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and must demonstrate the ability to design and coordinate large-scale, interdisciplinary, multi-component programs with high risk and innovation potential. They must also be capable of building expert networks at both national and international levels.

These engineers must have led at least one large interdisciplinary science and technology project or have created and successfully transferred at least one product in strategic system fields that has been commercialized or successfully applied in practice.

Heads of agencies responsible for project implementation will review the candidate’s salary and income history to negotiate their compensation. Bonuses, initial relocation support, commendations, healthcare, annual leave, and family policies are similar to those offered to chief systems engineers.

For chief architects at the ministerial level, in addition to general criteria, candidates must have at least seven years of continuous experience in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

They must have successfully led or played a key role in at least one program or mission with sector-wide impact, and have participated in drafting or advising on policies related to science, technology, innovation, or digital transformation.

They must also be capable of building and coordinating technology roadmaps, comprehensive project architecture, and managing high-risk, innovative programs.

At the provincial level, chief architects must also meet the general requirements and have at least seven years of continuous experience in the relevant fields. They must have led or been a principal participant in at least one successful local program or mission in science, technology, innovation, or digital transformation, and contributed to policy development or consultation in these areas.

They must be able to develop and coordinate technological roadmaps and comprehensive program architecture and lead the implementation of highly innovative and high-risk projects.

The government’s decree also outlines the salary, bonus, and benefits policies for both ministerial and provincial-level chief architects.

Tran Thuong