This study examined the leadership and managerial competency levels of junior-level civil servants as a basis for designing a structured executive development program. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, data were gathered from junior executives at the Civil Service Institute through a validated researcher-made questionnaire. The study assessed leadership skills, managerial competencies, learning needs, job attitudes, and performance qualities using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including weighted mean, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, were employed to analyze the data.
Findings revealed that junior executives demonstrated a moderate level of leadership skills across analytical decision-making, communication, delegation, and time management domains. Similarly, managerial competencies ranged from average to low average, particularly in delegation, communication, collaboration, and project management. Results further showed that demographic variables such as age, sex, years of service, and educational attainment had no significant effect on leadership or managerial competencies. However, a strong and significant positive relationship (r = 0.80, p < 0.05) was found between leadership skills and managerial competencies, indicating that improvements in leadership capabilities are associated with better managerial performance.
The study also identified key challenges, particularly in communication, collaboration, and delegation. Based on these findings, a structured leadership development program titled “LEADER & IGNITE” was proposed to address competency gaps through training, mentoring, and experiential learning. The study concludes that targeted, competency-based interventions are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of junior civil servants and strengthening public sector leadership pipelines.