Commonwealth Secretariat

The Commonwealth Secretariat is headed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General who is appointed by Heads of Government for a maximum of two four-year terms.

The two Deputy Secretaries-General and one Assistant Secretary-General - who serve for a maximum of two three-year terms – support the Secretary-General in the management and executive direction of the Secretariat.

Structure

The Secretariat has 13 divisions and units which carry out programmes based on mandates set by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial summit (CHOGM). The responsibility for delivering these programmes rests with specific divisions and units. The Secretariat currently employs around 275 full time staff from around three quarters of its 54 member states.

Organisational Structure 2011

Mission Statement

We work as a trusted partner for all Commonwealth people as:

• a force for peace, democracy, equality and good governance;
• a catalyst for global consensus-building;
• a source of assistance for sustainable development and poverty eradication

Divisions

• Communications and Public Affairs
• Corporate Services
• Economic Affairs
• Governance and Institutional Development
• Human Resources
• Human Rights
• Legal and Constitutional Affairs
• Political Affairs
• Special Advisory Services
• Secretary-General's Office
• Strategic Planning and Evaluation
• Social Transformation Programmes
• Youth Affairs