The Chief Secretary is the head of the Public Service and the chief administrative and advisory officer of the RMI Government.
In addition to the other functions and powers conferred on him by law, the Chief Secretary is responsible to the Cabinet for the general direction of the work of all Departments and offices of government. The head of any Department or office is accountable for the work of that Department or office to the Chief Secretary, as well as to the Minister primarily responsible for that Department or office.
The Public Service Commission consults the President and obtains the concurrence of the Cabinet before it appoints any person to be the Chief Secretary.
First Chief Secretary was the late Oscar deBrum followed by now Ambassador to Japan Phillip Kabua and the former Chief Secretary Robert S. Muller.
Mr. Casten N. Nemra was appointed on March 20, 2007 as the 4th Chief Secretary of the Republic.