The Central Tenders Board (CTB) oversees significant government contracts, making the role of its Chairperson pivotal. The Government Contracts and Tenders Act sets high standards for this position to ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust in the procurement process. The person chosen must possess a specific blend of professional expertise and personal integrity.

The law is clear about the required qualifications. A candidate for Chairperson must be a professional with recognised expertise in law, accounting, or commerce. This requirement ensures the leader of the CTB has the technical skills to navigate complex financial documents, legal contracts, and business proposals.

Beyond professional skill, the Act places strong emphasis on the candidate's character. They must be a person of 'good character' who commands public confidence. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a legal standard. Specifically, a person is disqualified if they have a criminal record.

To institutionalise a merit-based selection, the 2024 amendments to the Act established a formal Evaluation Committee. This committee is now responsible for assessing potential candidates and recommending the most suitable individual to the Minister of Finance. The Minister's appointment power is not discretionary; it must be based on the committee's recommendation.

This structure creates a crucial check and balance, moving the selection process away from political appointment and towards a skills-based, transparent system.

The composition of the Evaluation Committee is designed to bring diverse and relevant perspectives to the selection process. It includes key figures such as:

• A representative from the Department of Finance and Treasury
• A representative from the Chamber of Commerce

This blend ensures that both public sector financial oversight and private sector commercial realities are considered when vetting candidates for the CTB's top post.

Once appointed, the Chairperson serves a term of three years. This fixed term provides stability and allows the Chairperson to oversee projects and policies with a degree of continuity.

To safeguard the impartiality of the CTB, the Act includes strict rules on conflicts of interest. The Chairperson is prohibited from holding any other public office during their tenure. Furthermore, they cannot be a sitting Member of Parliament. These disqualifications are critical for preventing political influence and ensuring the Chairperson's decisions are guided solely by the principles of fair and open procurement.

This structured approach to appointing the CTB Chairperson reinforces the integrity and professionalism expected in Vanuatu's public procurement system.