Tessie Eria Lambourne, appointed as Secretary to the Cabinet of Kiribati by President Taneti Maamau in August 2016, holds the highest civil service position in the country. With a career spanning since 1991, she has served in various senior roles, including Secretary for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, as well as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Tessie’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from the University of Auckland and a Master’s degree in International Law and Politics from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Her ascent to such senior positions exemplifies the inclusion of women in leadership roles and their vital contribution to democracy and governance in Kiribati.