Admission criteria
Applications to the program will be evaluated through a transparent, rigorous and merit-based process managed by a world-class international human resource consultancy.
Participants will undergo a three-step application process. Omani nationals who meet the following pre-requisite criteria are eligible to apply:
- Hold an undergraduate degree or above from a reputable university
- A minimum of 8-10 years managerial experience in the private sector
- English language proficiency (good spoken and written English is mandatory)
- Employed at a large, medium, or small Private sector enterprise (any business sector)
- Reports directly to the CEO (C-suite) at a large to medium enterprise OR is the CEO of a small company
- Candidates must also hold (or have held) the following responsibilities:
- Profit & Loss Account experience or responsibility
- Leadership of a core business or support function
- Are currently managing a small, medium, or large team of people
- Upholds high standards of integrity and professional ethics
- Good command of Arabic language (optional)
These criteria are applicable for the first intake of the program only.
Program fees
Applying to the National CEO Program is free. The Diwan of Royal Court will sponsor the program in full, which includes all academic fees, learning, facilitation, administration, accommodation and travel costs for out-of-country modules.
Support and sponsorship from the applicant’s company
Applicants must obtain the support of their CEO or Chairman to participate. The CEO/Chairman needs to endorse the applicant’s suitability for the program; approve time away from work to attend the six classroom-based modules; and attend program events provided specifically for the participants’ employers.
Time commitment
The program requires a considerable time commitment over the course of one-year. Participants will be required to attend a total of seven weeks of the program (equivalent to 34 days) over a period of 12 months, including four weeks of international travel – three in Switzerland and one in Singapore. Participants are also expected to complete preparation and project work between the modules.
View the Program calendar for the 1st intake (starting May 2015).
Step 1: Online application
Candidates must complete a number of personal and professional questions during Step 1 of the process.
To apply, please follow the instructions below:
- Go to the Apply now section of this website.
- Complete the application, taking care to answer all questions. This should take you no longer than 8-10 minutes.
- After answering all questions, tick the boxes at the bottom of the form to confirm that:
- The information provided is accurate.
- If selected for the program, you will commit to attending the entire seven weeks of the program, including four weeks of international travel. (The precise time commitment is 34 days over a period of one year.)
- Your CEO or Chairman supports your participation (see note below).
- Click Submit to complete Step 1 of the application process.
Note: if your application fits the program’s pre-requisite criteria, you will need to obtain and provide a Support Letter from your CEO or Chairman within four days of submitting the online application. Please see Step 2 of the process for more details.
You will receive an automated email acknowledging receipt of your application. This message will include your application reference number, which must be quoted in any future communications.
In the unlikely event that you do not receive an email acknowledgment, please contact us webmaster@ceo.om
Within 48 hours, you will be informed whether your application has met the pre-requisite criteria for the program or not. In the event that your application is successful, the email will include instructions for Step 2 of the process.
Step 2: Written essay and supporting documents
Step 2 must be completed within four days of receiving the application acceptance email and includes two requirements:
An essay (in English) – You are kindly required to submit an essay (400-750 words) that provides a brief about your background and why you should be selected to participate in this program. It should cover the below mentioned points:
a) Key professional achievements in your career
b) Brief description of your career ambitions
c) How will your participation in this program impact you at an individual/organisational level and so help you contribute to the growth of the private sector in Oman at a national level?
Supporting documents (in English) – Please provide the following three items (preferably as PDF files):
1. Your CV/resumé – including an executive summary, your personal details, educational qualifications and certifications, professional/work experience, key achievements, any similar training programs you have attended and your contact details. Your CV should be between 1-2 pages in length.
2. A scan of your valid Omani National ID card.
3. A Support Letter from your CEO or Chairman – a template that should be used for your Support Letter can be obtained by clicking here.
Please complete these steps to fulfil these requirements:
- Write (or copy/paste) your essay into the ‘Essay panel’ section of the form provided and click Continue.
- Attach the three supporting documents.
- Tick the box at the bottom of the form.
- Click Submit to complete Step 2 of the application process.
You will receive an automated email acknowledging receipt of your submission.
By April 22, 2015 you will receive an email advising if your application has been short-listed for the program or not. In the event that you were successfully nominated, the email will provide instructions for Step 3 of the process.
We are sorry but we are unable to provide individual feedback for applicants who are unsuccessful at Step Two of the Admissions Process.
Step 3: Psychometric test, first and second interviews
Candidates must complete three requirements in step 3 of the process:
Online psychometric test – We will provide a link to the online test, which should take you no more than 12-15 minutes. You must complete and submit the test within two days.
First interview – Our email will also give the time, date, and location of your interview, which will be conducted in English by an independent assessor over 90 minutes. This first interview seeks to identify your behavioural leadership capabilities in an organisational context. It will take place in the week beginning Sunday, April 26, 2015.
Within the next day, you will receive an email outlining the time, date, and location of your second interview.
Second interview – The final step of the selection process will entail a 30-minute interview with a panel of three experts that are an integral part of the program:
- An IMD Professor
- A partner of McKinsey & Company
- An independent Advisor to the National CEO Program
This second interview seeks to understand your past achievements, future aspirations, and how you may benefit from the program and contribute to your company and the national economy in the future. It will take place starting Tuesday, April 28, 2015.
Note: the interview times will not be negotiable or changeable, so please ensure that you make yourself available in Muscat during your interview period from April 26 to May 3, 2015.
Download the
Application process
