Secretary-General Ombudsman Sint Maarten
The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten was created by national ordinance as an independent and impartial institution tasked with safeguarding good governance and protecting citizens against improper government conduct. As a High Council of State, the Ombudsman operates fully independent from the executive and legislative branches.
For the Bureau of the Ombudsman, we are looking for a Secretary-General.
The Office operates within the unique context of Sint Maarten as a small island state, where governance, administration, and societal dynamics are closely interconnected. In this environment, relationships, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to local dynamics play an important role in the effective functioning of public institutions. The Ombudsman therefore operates in a setting where formal structures and informal networks interact, requiring a high degree of awareness of the societal and administrative context.
About the position – Secretary-General
The Bureau is structured as a small and agile team of professionals. At its core is the Ombudsman, who is supported by the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General is responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination, and overall performance of the Bureau, operating under the authority of the Ombudsman.
Tasks:
- Organizational leadership and operations
Ensure the effective day-to-day functioning of the Bureau, safeguarding continuity, quality, and efficiency. Coordinate activities across the organization, set priorities, and monitor performance and results. - Financial management and governance
Oversee the preparation and execution of budgets, financial administration, and reporting. Strengthen financial processes and ensure transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. - Strategic and policy advisory
Advise the Ombudsman on strategic, legal, and governance-related issues. Contribute to the development of policy, multi-year plans, and institutional positioning, and support legislative processes where relevant. - Stakeholder engagement
Maintain and develop effective relationships with stakeholders across government and beyond. Operate with sensitivity within the political-administrative environment and contribute to constructive cooperation while safeguarding independence. - Organizational development
Initiate and guide improvements in structures, processes, and ways of working. Contribute to the further professionalization and future readiness of the Bureau, including anticipated growth and expansion of responsibilities.
Desired knowledge and experience a.o.:
- Academic level (preferably in law), complemented by relevant professional experience
- Sound understanding of public administration and governance processes
- Affinity with, and preferably experience in, the Caribbean context and understanding of Sint Maarten’s societal and administrative environment
- Experience with financial management, budgeting, and reporting
- Knowledge of constitutional, administrative, and civil law
- Proven leadership and organizational capabilities
- Excellent command of English and Dutch.
For the full search profile and more information about the procedure, click here.
