Cabinet Secretary

Role Summary

To provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Cabinet Office, ensuring the effective coordination and administration of Cabinet, the National Security Council (NSC), and the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps Council (VICCC). The role provides high-level policy, governance, and procedural advice to Cabinet and senior Government officials; facilitates effective decision-making and implementation of Government policies and priorities; and ensures compliance with established governance and Cabinet procedures. The role is also responsible for the overall management and performance of the Cabinet Office, including financial and human resource management, strategic planning, risk management, business continuity, health and safety, and the effective use and continuous improvement of systems supporting Cabinet operations.

Includes the following allowances: Entertainment, Telecommunication, Travel.

Role Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Cabinet Office to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services and support to Cabinet, the National Security Council (NSC), and the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps Council (VICCC).
2. Provide high-level policy advice, governance guidance, technical and procedural support to Cabinet, NSC, VICCC, Ministers, and senior Government officials on matters within the mandate of the Cabinet Office.
3. Review and assess Cabinet, NSC, and VICCC submissions to ensure policy coherence, legal and procedural compliance, strategic alignment, and the provision of sound analysis to support effective decision-making.
4. Coordinate and manage the business of Cabinet, NSC, and VICCC, including meetings, agendas and documentation, records, decisions, and follow-up actions, to ensure effective administrative support and continuity of Government business.
5. Monitor and report on the implementation of Cabinet decisions, Government policies, initiatives, and legislative priorities, in consultation with the Deputy Governor, Financial/Permanent Secretaries, and other relevant stakeholders, to promote accountability and timely delivery.
6. Promote adherence to Cabinet procedures, governance standards, established decision-making processes, and relevant Government policies, and monitor compliance to support consistency, transparency, and effective Cabinet operations.
7. Serve as Accounting Officer and Authorising Officer for the Cabinet Office and ensure effective financial planning, management, monitoring, and accountability of the Office’s resources in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, regulations, and Government requirements.
8. Exercise delegated authority for human resource matters and provide effective leadership of staff through workforce planning, performance management, professional development, employee relations, leave, discipline, and other personnel functions in accordance with Public Service policies and regulations.
9. Develop, implement, monitor, and review strategic and operational plans aligned with Cabinet Office and Government objectives, and oversee the timely preparation and submission of the Office’s Annual Report and other required performance reports.
10. Oversee risk management, health and safety, disaster readiness, and business continuity measures to identify and mitigate workplace and operational risks and maintain a safe, resilient, and effective working environment.
11. Oversee the governance, administration, user management, training, and continuous improvement of the Cabinet Processing Platform and other systems supporting effective Cabinet operations, information management, and decision-making.
12. Provide executive-level support and strategic assistance to Cabinet Members and senior Government officials on matters relating to governance, policy, decision-making, and other priorities requiring the expertise and support of the Cabinet Office.
13. Maintain and enhance professional competence through ongoing learning and development, including completion of a minimum of sixty (60) Essential Learning Hours annually, with a focus on leadership, governance, policy, strategic management, and public administration.
14. Perform additional duties that are reasonable, job-related, and within the scope of the position, as assigned by the Governor, Premier, and/or Deputy Governor.

Minimum Quaifications & Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Law or Public Administration or a related field
• Ten (10) years’ experience at Senior Management level

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Expert knowledge of the Constitution of the Virgin Islands, Government structure, Cabinet system, parliamentary processes, and the roles and responsibilities of the Governor, Premier, Cabinet, Ministers, and senior public officers.
• Expert knowledge of Cabinet procedures and Government decision-making processes, including the preparation, review, submission, consideration, and implementation of Cabinet papers and decisions.
• Expert knowledge of relevant Virgin Islands legislation, Acts, regulations, conventions, rules, Government policies, and administrative procedures, including those governing public administration, governance, finance, procurement, human resources, and records and information management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Public Service Management Act and Regulations, Public Service Orders/Instructions, Financial Management and Accountability framework, Procurement legislation and regulations, and applicable Government HR policies and procedures.
• Sound knowledge of corporate governance, policy development and implementation, strategic planning, risk management, business continuity, health and safety, and performance management within a public sector environment.
• Exceptional strategic leadership, management, analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, negotiation, influencing, interpersonal, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong organisational, planning, coordination, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive matters effectively.
• Strong ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive information with discretion, integrity, objectivity, and sound judgement.
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency in relevant office, information-management, and digital systems, including systems supporting Cabinet operations.