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, they operate fully independent from the executive and legislative branches. The Bureau acts under the direct responsibility of the Ombudsman, without hierarchical subordination to ministries or political bodies, reinforcing its independent position. The Bureau is structured as a small and agile team of professionals. As Secretary-General, you occupy a central position in the organization. Reporting directly to the Ombudsman, you operate at the interface of strategy, policy, and execution. The position combines organizational leadership with advisory responsibilities on legal, administrative, and governance-related matters.
Main tasks/activities:
- 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.
More information & application
Ombudsman Sint Maarten is supported in this search by bureau crmLINK (Amsterdam NL). Read more about the vacancy, job requirements, and application procedure in this online search profile. For inquiries, kindly reach out to drs. Carla Aalse, the lead consultant of crmLINK, via carla@crmlink.nl or +31 (0) 6 5258 4679 (telephone/WhatsApp).
If you are interested in this position and you meet the job requirements, we cordially invite you to express your interest no later than Sunday, May 3, by sending a written application with motivation and a recent resume (please submit both in English), exclusively via the online form on www.crmlink.nl/ombudsman-sint-maarten.
Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.