Job Responsibilities
I have reached the mandatory retirment age for this position. It
is one of the top positions in Government which entails advising
the Minister on all matters concerning the Ministry.
Confidentiality and security is extremely important for the job.
The major job reponsiblities include managing, administering,
planning and directing activities and finances of the Ministry
while monitoring and implementing government policy, laws, rules
and regulations 80%. Advise on the preparation of the budget
and implement same; manage the expenditure and by law
accountable for the Ministry's finances; manage the Ministry's
human resources; recommends and review potential policy,
legislation, offers advice on current policy; investigates
matters of concern, provide service to the general public,
advise on projects, negotiate contracts, recommend action where
necessary, advise on interpretation and implemation of policy
decisions , acts and regulations; represent the Government as a
Director on Boards, and represent the Ministry on Committees;
represents Government at Conferences and seminars, locally ,
regionally and internationally.
|
Job Requirements
The qualifications for the position is a masters degree and
experience in the Civil Service. It is internal to the
organisation since one must be capable of understanding the
finacial systems, legislation and the network of the civil
service which is somewhat different from the private sector.
One is expected to continue to upgrade one's knowledge and to be
in a position to be involved and advise on all pertinent matters.
|
Uppers
I liked the interaction with a number of different people. I learnt a lot and
increased my knowledge and experience in a number of areas. The job is very
interesting, though the responsiblity is heavy. It can be stressful especially
if your suggestions are not considered and things go wrong. Dealing with
political matters are not easy, one has to be able to do what is correct
according to the law, yet understand the politics of the situation and be able to
deal with it in a manner to satisfy the majority. Researching debating matters,
sharing skills and experiences, teaching and training others and seeing staff
promoted and doing well, travelling and seeing the projects completed
satisfactorily. Generally the best part is satisfaction of work well done.
Travelling on business
|
Downers
The worst part of the job is when one intercounters a Minister
that does not communicate what the Cabinet expects from him/her
but expects that you should have whatever information is needed
readily available and advise accordingly. Staff members who are
tardy with their work, do not spend time researching matters
properly, does not consider advice that can help, work sloopy
not timely. In generel inefficiencies in the system and the
ammont of time spent trying to get some staff members to have a
look at their work ethics.
|
Lifestyle
Hours of work are supposed to be 8 but as the boss at that level hours of work
could be very long 12 or more hours. One has to attend meetings, cocktails ,
luncheons, dinners both at the highest and lowest levels. The Minister being a
politican has to attend fuctions for his constutients and may need a speech
prepared and you may have to be there to advise and explain on some policy
matter. At the other end a dignitary, maybe a Prime Minister or President may be
visitng the country and you may have to be involved in the meetings , dinners on
the other hand you may be sent to represent your country and have to be able to
interact with such persons.
Dress code proper business wear, suitable for the occasion.
|
Compensation
Basic salary about $100,000 anually, entertainment, travelling,,
pension, car loan, other allowances depending on the situation.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
One cannot apply for this positon. In the Government this
position is reached after moving up the internal ladder and
being recommended. The Ministry of the Civil service recommends,
but the Prime Minister and the other Ministers must make the
decision whether the person recommended is someone they would
wish to work with, in the sense can the person do the job,is the
person confidental, security minded, can they relate to this
person, can the person travel at short notice, is the person
known for giving sound advise is the person efficient, dresses
appropiately and such like.
|
|
