A number of strategic changes have been made to the ACS since 2017 in fulfilment of a mandate given by the 7th ACS Summit of Heads of State and Government to revitalise the Association.
Amongst these was a restructuring of the management structure of the ACS Secretariat to strengthen and streamline operations for greater efficiency and optimal results and the consequent creation, within the Office of the Secretary General, of two executive positions, those of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and of Chief Executive Coordinator (CEC).
The CEC is responsible for managing the internal and external relations of the ACS- that is the relations between the ACS Members- Member States Associate Members, Observers and Social Actors -as well as the relations of the members with external parties whether States or organisations. Consistent with the Terms of Reference for this position, the CEC manages the political relations, communications and conference and protocol services of the ACS and its Secretariat, exercising oversight of meetings of the highest decision-making entities of the ACS, namely the Summit, the Ministerial Council and its Executive Board as well as the Inter-Sessional Meeting and Coordination Mechanism.
Specifically, the CEC:
Serve as the focal point for all matters related to the political environment and activities of the ACS by identifying, analysing and monitoring political developments, current trends and emerging issues which may affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues and make recommendations on possible strategies and measures to be taken;
Maintain intra-ACS dynamics and serve as central coordinator for all matters and activities related to the Secretariat and Executive Board of the Ministerial Council and the general membership, including organization and coordination of meetings of the Ministerial Council, the Executive Board of the Council, the Annual Inter-Sessional Preparatory Meeting of the Council, Summits of the Heads of State and Government, official events including interfacing with focal points and Officials as appropriate;
Develop, maintain and strengthen external ACS dynamics and serve as central coordinator for all relations with other intergovernmental organisations, both, at the regional and international levels;
Develop and maintain networks of contacts within Member States, Associate Members and within the regional and international agencies with which the Secretariat engages;
Support the Secretary General in the development and maintenance of intra ACS political dialogue, including through the proposal of strategy and policy options that take into account emerging issues, trends and challenges;
Advise the Secretary General in relation to all matters which could lead to Political Risk exposure;
Provide guidance and, as assigned, oversight regarding portfolios under the responsibility of the Secretary General notably culture, education and crosscutting issues such as the mainstreaming of gender, youth and vulnerable groups and the Sustainable Development Goals;
Supervise and oversee the Communication’s Unit’s analysis of the Secretariat’s current Communications infrastructure and ensure alignment with the Secretariat’s Strategic and Operational Objectives;
Supervise and oversee the development and establishment of the relevant Communications policies and strategies to support the organisation’s mandate;
Supervise and oversee the Secretariat’s Communications operational activities to ensure adherence with ACS’ Policies and with global best practice;
Supervise and oversee the design and implementation an effective Communications Strategy aimed at improving the ACS Brand, and improving the visibility of ACS’ external presence;
Supervise and oversee the establishment of a mandatory schedule of internal Communications training for identified staff in each ACS Unit and Office;
Together with the Chief Operating Officer, establish and negotiate a pool of suppliers who will deliver value for money (through the highest possible levels of quality, within the budgetary constraints) for all Conference and Protocol matters related to ACS Meetings and Events;
Supervise and oversee the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Conference and Protocol function;
Supervise and oversee the establishment of a mandatory schedule of internal Conference and Protocol training for identified staff in each ACS Unit and Office;
Develop and maintain a Corporate Risk Register along with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), to enhance the Governance landscape of the ACS;
Contribute to the formulation of the ACS’ Strategic Plan;
Assist the Secretary General with any other activity needed to attain the Association’s goals and objectives.
The first CEC, Ms. Tricia Barrow, was appointed in February 2024. Her office comprises:
- A Conference and Protocol Officer
- A Communications Officer
- A Research Assistant, Political Affairs and Coordination
- 2 Unit Assistants- Coordination