Competencies for NIH Employees
Competencies are the observable combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities that contribute to individual and organizational performance. Competencies are frequently grouped together to describe the key to success in a job – these groups of competencies are called competency models.
NIH has developed competency models and other competency based tools in three distinct areas:
- Core Competencies – Applies to all NIH employees in administrative positions.
- Leadership and Management Competencies – Applies to all employees GS-13 and above in administrative positions.
- Occupation-Specific Competencies – Competency models have been developed for 10 administrative occupations.
Competencies help employees strive for excellence. Employees can discuss with their supervisors which competencies they should focus on strengthening; then come to agreement on how this will be accomplished, e.g., through developmental assignments, training, etc.
Also, supervisors can use competencies as they recruit new employees by identifying applicants with the key competencies necessary for the job; in addition, superivisors can ensure that their current employees grow and develop to ensure smooth successions when employees retire or move to new jobs.
