Special preferential policies and regimes for Chief Engineers and Chief Architects of Science and Technology

According to the Decree, the Chief Engineer includes the System Chief Engineer - in charge of implementing systems, strategic projects, national breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation; Project Chief Engineer - in charge of special, large-scale, interdisciplinary science - technology and innovation tasks and programs approved by the Prime Minister or prescribed by the Government.

Meanwhile, the Chief Architect includes: Ministerial-level Chief Architect - in charge of advising on the development of the architectural framework for implementing the tasks of the key strategic system on breakthroughs in science , technology, innovation and national digital transformation of the ministerial-level agency; Provincial-level Chief Architect in charge of advising on the development of the architectural framework for implementing the tasks of the key strategic system on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation of the locality; and Project Chief Architect is the person in charge of implementing the project with a science, technology and innovation component.

Chế độ, chính sách ưu đãi đặc biệt cho Tổng công trình sư, Kiến trúc sư trưởng khoa học công nghệ - Ảnh 1.

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Chief Engineer and Chief Architect must have prestige, experience and outstanding capacity.

Decree No. 231/2025/ND-CP stipulates general criteria for selecting Chief Engineers and Chief Architects, including:

Have specialized training qualifications appropriate to the job application. Priority is given to those with degrees and certificates in core technology program management, advanced technology, and those who have received national and international awards in the fields of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Desire to contribute to the socio -economic development of Vietnam, have a clear background, good ethics; healthy enough to work; dedicated to work.

Having prestige, experience, outstanding capacity, typical in the professional field suitable for the assigned tasks, having works, inventions, products of practical value suitable for the assigned field of tasks.

Ability to solve complex, interdisciplinary technical problems; handle technological crises; propose innovative solutions to accelerate project implementation within a limited time.

In case the candidate does not meet the specific criteria as prescribed but is capable of immediately meeting the requirements and professional tasks of the Chief Engineer or Chief Architect, the competent authority for selection shall decide on the selection to implement the program, project, or task and shall be responsible for that decision.

In addition to the general criteria mentioned above, the Decree stipulates specific selection criteria for: System General Engineer, Project General Engineer, Ministerial Chief Architect, Provincial Chief Architect, and Project Chief Architect.

In addition to the general criteria mentioned above, the System General Engineer must meet the following criteria:

Have at least 10 years of continuous working experience in the field of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation at the time of selection.

Ability to design, organize and coordinate large-scale, multi-component, multi-disciplinary, multi-level, innovative and high-risk programs and projects; ability to connect and build a network of domestic and international experts and scientists.

Has chaired at least 2 interdisciplinary science and technology projects and programs in the strategic system field with high impact index or at least 2 interdisciplinary science and technology products and tasks in the strategic system field that have been successfully applied, transferred, commercialized or deployed in practice.

Directly managed or coordinated large-scale, interdisciplinary, and inter-regional projects, programs, and projects in the fields of science, technology, information, finance, law, human resources, or inter-regional; programs and projects in the fields of infrastructure, core technology, and national digital transformation that have been successfully applied in practice; participated in developing or implementing digital transformation strategies, technology strategies, and national or industry technology maps.

For the selection criteria of Project Chief Architect, in addition to the general criteria, the Project Chief Architect must meet the following criteria:

Have at least 5 years of continuous working experience in the field of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation at the time of selection.

Successfully preside over the implementation of at least 01 program, task of science, technology, innovation, digital transformation with impact at the project level.

Have the capacity to deploy the overall architecture of programs and projects and organize the implementation of tasks with scientific, technological, innovation, and digital transformation components of programs and projects.

Ability to work, research, and cooperate internationally with foreign organizations in the fields of science, high technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

High level of treatment and benefits

The Chief Engineer and Chief Architect work under an off-the-job labor contract. If they are selected officials or civil servants, they will leave their old positions to focus on new tasks, this period of time is still considered continuous work.

Salary and income are agreed upon based on current benefits and assigned tasks, ensuring that they are commensurate with responsibilities and in line with market levels. Regarding bonuses, the maximum is 5 months salary if the task is completed well, and 3 months salary if the task is completed. The selected person will also receive initial support of one month's salary to stabilize housing, travel, and purchase essentials.

In addition, they are entitled to public housing policies or housing rental assistance, transportation, and working conditions according to senior expert standards. The title holder can arrange up to 10 staff to assist, and is allowed to propose budget estimates and provide funding for surveys, research, and international cooperation.

The Chief Engineer and Chief Architect and their families are entitled to health care, vacation, and annual leave. In the case of foreigners, they are exempt from visas when working in Vietnam.

In addition to material benefits, those holding the position are honored and rewarded when they receive and complete their tasks. They can be recognized and rewarded by senior leaders according to the law, and participate in major forums on science, technology, and innovation.

Decree 231 is expected to be a breakthrough step to attract and promote science and technology talents, in the context of Vietnam promoting the national innovation and digital transformation strategy. This policy not only motivates experts to contribute, but also puts them in the leading position of strategic projects, with appropriate remuneration.

The provisions of this Decree apply to Chief Engineers as prescribed in Article 53 of the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025, effective from October 1, 2025.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/che-do-chinh-sach-uu-dai-dac-biet-cho-tong-cong-trinh-su-kien-truc-su-truong-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-1972508291615407.htm