SECRETARY TO CABINET (Office of the Prime Minister)

The position is under the direct charge of the Prime Minister and is the administrative head of the Fijian Cabinet Office. It provides sound policy advice to the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Assistant Ministers for effective decision – making. It promotes inter-ministerial/inter-departmental coordination for implementation of the decisions and policy directions of the Fijian Cabinet. It acts as the custodian of Cabinet records. It manages ministerial emoluments and administers laws relating to former Prime Ministers’ and Presidents’ pensions, parliamentary allowances, as well as the Coat of Arms and the Fiji Flag. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensuring effective decision – making by Cabinet through the provision of sound advice to the Prime Minister, Ministers, Assistant Minister, Permanent Secretaries and Senior Government officials on policy, procedural, and administrative matters contained in the Constitution, the relevant laws, and the Cabinet Manual, through Cabinet Circulars and Cabinet Notes;

2. Ensuring that submissions to Cabinet conform to the standards and requirements as detailed in the Cabinet Manual and Cabinet Circulars through a rigorous vetting process involving research, determining compliance to national laws and policies, foreign policy, and Government’s priorities, and consultation with the Solicitor – General’s Office, the Ministry of Finance , and relevant Ministries and Departments, before advising the Prime Minister on the Cabinet Agenda for Cabinet meetings or decision by Written Opinion;

3. Managing the effective scheduling and conduct of Cabinet meetings in consultation with the Prime Minister, and accurately recording the minutes of meeting, and the decisions of Cabinet;

4. Promoting effective relationships between Cabinet and Government departments and agencies through advice and assistance in resolving difficulties or delays between Ministries and Departments on Cabinet submissions and implementation of Cabinet decisions, and undertaking training on formulating Cabinet submissions, and Cabinet processes;

5. Supporting effective implementation of Government’s priorities through the monitoring of the implementation of Cabinet Decisions and advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department on the implementation progress;

6. Ensuring compliance to the provisions of the Constitution, the President’s Pension Act No. 15 of 1994, Prime Minister’s Pensions Act No. 16 of 1994, Parliamentary Retirement Allowances Decree 1989 – Amendment Acts No. 3 and 12 of 1992 – Amendment Act No. 17 of 1994, Promissory Oaths Act, Coat of Arms of Fiji (Restriction of Use) Cap 245, and providing advice to the Prime Minister on requests made under these laws in consultation with the Solicitor – General’s Office;

7. Maintaining the highest level of secrecy and safeguarding the confidentiality of all Cabinet records ensuring no unwarranted disclosure, taking all reasonable measures to ensure preservation of past and current Cabinet records, and putting in place mechanisms to safeguard Cabinet records against loss through natural disaster, fire or any acts of terror;

8. Effectively managing changes between administrations and changes in Cabinet under existing administration through the provision of politically neutral advice to the outgoing and incoming administration on the Constitutional, policy and procedural issues of Cabinet, and assisting the incoming Prime Minister to establish the processes of the new government, as well as advising an incoming Prime Minister, as required, on the structure and organisation of Cabinet and its committees and the allocation of ministerial portfolios; and

9. Effectively managing the functioning of the Cabinet Office through regular reviews of existing policies and guidelines incorporating changes in the laws, and technological advancement, without compromising confidentiality of Cabinet information, formulation of corporate planning documents, delegation of duties, and managing the allocated budget in consultation with the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister.

Knowledge & Experience

1. 1. Must have proven experience in a leadership role with at least 10 years’ experience in this particular field or at senior management level.
2. 2. Experience in liaising with the Prime Minister, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and senior officials.
3. 3. Understanding of the 2013 Fijian Constitution and related laws.
4. 4. Understanding of the Government Machinery.

Skills & Abilities

1. 1. Ability to formulate and administer policies and initiatives related to Cabinet Office.
2. 2. Demonstrated excellent communication skills with people at all levels.
3. 3. Excellent research, analytical and writing skills.
4. 4. Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills.
5. 5. Ability to think strategically and act decisively.
6. 6. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast – paced working environment.
7. 7. Ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships with staff and stakeholders.
8. 8. Trustworthy and demonstrated ability to closely guard matters of confidentiality and neutrality in a sensitive environment.

Additional Information

Applicants for employment in the Office of the Prime Minister must be of good character, with a background that demonstrates their commitment to the Civil Service Values contained in the Fiji Constitution. Applicants must be Fijian Citizens, under the age of 60, in sound health, with a clear police record. The selected applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance as a condition of employment.

The Ministry is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraged from all eligible, qualified applicants. All applicants must address the specific knowledge, experience, skills and abilities required for the job, as this criteria will be considered in assessing the relative suitability of applicants.

Contact Information

For enquiries, please contact the Human Resources & Administration Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister on 3211825 or 3211652 or 3211297.