Competition for the position of ARMA head: only one candidate remains after the testing phase — what is known
26 March 12:39
Only one candidate remains in the competition for the position of head of the National Agency for Asset Tracing and Management (ARMA) following the second stage of selection. The remaining candidates failed to meet the minimum score on the general aptitude test.
This was reported by the selection committee following the evaluation of the candidates, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
How many candidates remain in the competition
Thirteen candidates took the test, but only one of them scored the required number of points to advance to the next stage. By decision of the commission, Viktor Dubovyk, who is currently the Director General of the Directorate for Legal Policy at the Office of the President, has been admitted to the next stage of selection.
The minimum passing score was 107 points. Dubovyk scored 135 points, while the other participants scored lower.
One of the candidates did not show up for the test.
What stages have the candidates already completed?
Prior to this, all participants successfully passed a test on knowledge of legislation. The second stage involved an assessment of general abilities, which included:
- logical reasoning tasks;
- math questions;
- verbal tests;
- analytical thinking tasks.
It was this stage that proved decisive for most candidates.
Who is Viktor Dubovyk
Viktor Dubovyk has legal experience and works in public administration.
Key facts about the candidate:
- Since 2024 — Director General of the Directorate for Legal Policy in the Office of the President;
- From 2020 to 2024, he worked at the Ministry of Justice;
- Prior to that, he practiced law in private practice.
Why the competition results sparked debate
The test results sparked discussion among members of the selection committee.
In particular, an international expert proposed revising the testing criteria to increase competition. However, the majority of the commission members opposed changing the rules during a procedure that had already begun.
The ARMA Law does not set a minimum number of candidates required to continue the competition, so following a vote, five out of six committee members supported Dubovyk’s advancement to the next stage.
He will have to complete a practical assignment on knowledge of the law, an integrity check, a special background check, and a final interview.
The commission set a deadline for other participants to appeal the test results by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026.
What’s Next in the Competition
The candidate still has several selection stages ahead:
- a practical task;
- integrity check;
- special screening;
- final interview.
How the ARMA Chair is Appointed
In accordance with the law:
- the head of ARMA is appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers;
- the term of office is 5 years;
- the commission must submit no more than two candidates to the government;
- the government has 10 days to make the appointment.
Why the competition is important
ARMA is responsible for managing seized assets in criminal proceedings, so the selection of the agency’s head is of great importance to Ukraine’s anti-corruption system.
After the second stage of the competition for the position of ARMA head, only one candidate remains. The final decision on the appointment will depend on the results of the subsequent selection stages and the government’s decision.
The previous ARMA head, Olena Duma, resigned on July 30, 2025.
In June, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law on the restructuring of ARMA, which introduced a new procedure for selecting leadership.
