Role Overview
The Secretary General is the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the Institute, responsible for leading the Secretariat and ensuring full implementation of the Board’s strategic direction.
This is a governance and leadership role, requiring a strong balance between operational execution, constitutional compliance, and strategic institutional development. The incumbent serves as the principal custodian of institutional records, seal, statutory compliance obligations, and professional standards.
Core Purpose
To operationalise the strategic vision of the Board by:
- Ensuring full compliance with the Constitution, Bye-Laws, and applicable legislation
- Leading and managing the Secretariat and institutional operations
- Safeguarding governance integrity, election processes, and disciplinary systems
- Driving membership growth, financial sustainability, and professional development
- Strengthening external stakeholder and regulatory relationships
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
1. Constitutional & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure 100% compliance with governing instruments and statutory requirements
- Timely execution of Board resolutions and statutory filings
2. Secretariat and Board Effectiveness
- Circulate Board minutes within 7 working days
- Maintain annual governance calendar and ensure adherence to meeting schedules
3. Membership Growth & Retention
- Achieve ≥10% annual growth in paid-up members
- Maintain ≤5% membership lapse rate
4. Financial Sustainability
- Support achievement of ≥30% annual surplus
- Ensure audit-ready financial reporting and compliance with financial controls
5. Professional Conduct & Discipline
- Ensure fair, timely, and procedurally sound disciplinary processes
- Maintain zero successful legal challenges due to procedural failure
6. Stakeholder & External Strategic Engagement
- Maintain strong engagement with regulators, government, and professional bodies
- Lead continuous professional development initiatives
Key Responsibilities
- Execute and enforce the Constitution and Bye-Laws
- Manage Board, AGM, and committee processes including elections and resolutions
- Serve as custodian of institutional seal, official records, and membership register
- Oversee disciplinary investigations and hearings in accordance with procedures
- Coordinate regional and functional committees
- Support policy development and institutional reforms
- Co-sign financial instruments in accordance with governance rules
Critical Competencies
- Strategic governance and constitutional interpretation
- Systems thinking and institutional integration
- Election and board governance management
- Legal and disciplinary process administration
- Financial oversight and compliance awareness
- Stakeholder management and political intelligence
- High ethical standards and confidentiality
- Strong executive administration and documentation discipline
Minimum Requirements
- Degree Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelors Degree in Business Administration (BBA), Public Administration, or related field
- Postgraduate qualification Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- A minimum of 12 years’ progressive experience, including senior leadership exposure in a governance, regulatory, or professional body environment. Experience as a Secretary General or equivalent executive role is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of statutory and regulatory frameworks
- Experience in board governance, compliance, or regulatory environments