Empowering Judicial Collaboration through Inclusive, Accountable Leadership

The Pacific Islands Judicial Officers' Association (PIJOA) is governed by an Executive Council that oversees the affairs, business, and administration of the Association. The Executive Council comprises the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and eight elected committee members, all elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.

The Council is responsible for the effective management of the Association, including the appointment of the Public Officer, Executive Director, and any necessary sub-committees. Members of the Council serve one-year terms, with no office bearer permitted to hold the same position for more than two terms.

To promote regional inclusivity, the position of Vice President rotates annually among the Pacific Island countries, starting with Papua New Guinea. Additionally, to promote gender balance within the leadership, where the President is male, a female Vice President shall be elected whenever possible, following the established rotational sequence.

The current Executive Council is the inaugural Council, established by the founding working group, which will serve until the first Annual General Meeting or 31 December 2026, whichever occurs first.

The PIJOA Secretariat is managed by the Executive Director, who is appointed by the Executive Council from among the staff of the National Judicial Staff Service of Papua New Guinea. Reporting to the President and Secretary, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration of PIJOA, operating under the direction of the Executive Council.

The Executive Director also serves as the Public Officer of the Association, supports the Council and its Committees by maintaining official records and minutes, and may attend Council meetings with the Council’s consent. The Executive Council may delegate specific powers and responsibilities to the Executive Director, including financial administration duties and the implementation of the Association's policies and activities.

Additionally, the Executive Director prepares an annual report on PIJOA’s activities, ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with the Association’s objectives. The Executive Director must be ordinarily resident in Papua New Guinea, and the terms of service are determined by the Executive Council.