CUSTOMER PORTAL

PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD (PUB) — KIRIBATI

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

This position is open to Kiribati nationals only.

The Public Utilities Board (PUB) is a State-Owned Enterprise responsible for the generation, distribution and retail of electricity; the treatment, distribution and retail of potable water; and the collection, treatment and disposal of sewerage across South Tarawa, serving a population of over 68,000 people. PUB is a well-established utility with a number of large-scale energy, water and sanitation projects under development and implementation.

The Board now invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced Kiribati nationals for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer provides overall executive leadership and strategic direction for PUB. The CEO leads the executive team of General Managers across power engineering, water engineering, engineering planning and compliance, renewable energy, finance and corporate services, and is accountable for the safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable delivery of PUB’s power, water and wastewater services.

The CEO drives PUB’s utility reform program, oversees major donor-supported infrastructure projects, and ensures the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability, operational performance and regulatory compliance.

Key Elements of the Position

  • Provide executive leadership and set the strategic direction of PUB, delivering the objectives of the Statement of Intent (SOI).
  • Lead, develop and hold accountable the executive team of General Managers and the wider workforce.
  • Ensure the safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity, water and sanitation services to South Tarawa.
  • Drive utility reform, change management and continuous improvement across the organisation.
  • Oversee the planning, financing and delivery of major capital works and donor-funded infrastructure projects.
  • Champion renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
  • Ensure sound financial management, budgeting, reporting and commercial performance.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with the Board, Government, donors, regulators, staff and the community.
  • Embed a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and policies.

Key Requirements

  • Applicants must be Kiribati nationals.
  • A tertiary qualification in engineering, business, management, finance, economics or a related field; a postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
  • Substantial senior executive leadership experience, ideally within a utility, infrastructure, or commercial / State-Owned Enterprise environment.
  • A proven record of leading organisational reform, change management and performance improvement.
  • Strong financial management, commercial acumen and governance experience.
  • Experience overseeing major capital projects and donor-funded programs.
  • Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
  • High-level strategic thinking, sound judgement, integrity and professionalism.
  • A demonstrated commitment to safety leadership and to staff development.
  • An understanding of the Kiribati or Pacific operating context is an advantage.

Appointment

The position is offered on a performance-based fixed-term contract of [three (3) years], renewable subject to performance. Remuneration will be commensurate with the seniority of the role and the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. Full terms and conditions are set out in the position description.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email [ceo@pub.com.ki] to request the application forms and the detailed position description. Completed applications, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the contact details of three referees, should be submitted to the same address.

Closing date: 19 September 2026

 

This position is open to Kiribati nationals only. PUB is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.