Permanent Secretary

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Permanent Secretary in the Montserrat Public Service.

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Permanent Secretary in the Montserrat Public Service.

JOB PURPOSE

The Permanent Secretary has overall administrative responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Ministry and for ensuring that service and other delivery targets are met. He/she is the principal adviser to the Minister on the formulation of policies, plans and programmes. As a member of the Core Management Team, the Permanent Secretary shares the collective responsibility for the management of the Public Service and will be expected to implement cross-ministerial policies and programmes, participate in special task forces, projects and assignments relative to the overall management of the Public Service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• As Accounting Officer, ensuring that the Ministry’s budgets and strategic plans are prepared and managed in accordance with Financial Regulations and best practice
• Providing robust and objective advice to the Minister on the formulation of policy relevant to the Ministry’s operations and keeping the Minster informed on the status of projects and other activities within the Ministry
• Ensuring that policy proposals, Cabinet papers and draft legislation are prepared and submitted to enable the Ministry to achieve its objectives
• Ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of the Ministry’s policies, plans and programmes through consultation with Department Heads and relevant stakeholders so that all relevant opinions and concerns are taken into account.
• Implementing Cabinet policy decisions in respect of the Ministry, without undue delay.
• Ensuring that effective management systems, procedures and financial control systems are in place to make the most efficient and effective use of allocated resources.
• Providing leadership at Ministry level in designing and implementing changes, which will enhance and improve overall productivity and performance
• As a member of the Core Management Team, contributing to and championing changes geared towards improving Public Sector service delivery and performance.
• Serve as an Ex-Officio member on Statutory Boards under the Ministry’s portfolio
• Perform any other duties as required by the Minister or Deputy Governor in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Ministry.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

In addition to at least a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized tertiary institution with emphasis on Public Administration, Finance, Management or a related area and at least eight (8) years’ experience at management level, the successful applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential Criteria:

•   Political acuity and the ability to work at senior level, collaborating with Ministers and supporting them in their role.
•   Experience in developing and managing budgets, coordinating the development of strategic and operational plans and monitoring outcomes.
•   Strong leadership and management skills and the ability to create a strong and motivated team.
•   Ability to conceptualize complex business changes and structures and the ability to plan, articulate and implement the resulting organizational change.
•   The ability to work right and fast with a strong bias for action and the demonstrated ability to drive assignments to closure within stated deadlines.
•   Good negotiation, mediation and networking skills.
•   Good understanding of the structure of Government and the roles and responsibilities, and management accountabilities within that structure;
•   Excellent organizational, analytical and decision-making skills   Ability to work well under pressure.
•   Demonstrated ability to conform to the highest tenets of leadership.

Desirable Criteria

• Professional certification in Public Finance Management or equivalent from a recognized professional body.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be made on a contractual basis for a period of 3 years. On successful completion of contract, a gratuity at the rate of 12.5% of basic salary will be paid.