Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) received 11 applications for the Secretary General position and is finalising the appointment with Owen Lewis acting until a replacement is chosen.

The process of vetting and interviewing for the new Secretary General is ongoing, says CISNOC president Hugh Graham.

Graham said they were pleased to receive 11 applications for the position. 

“We anticipate the process to be completed in the coming weeks.”

Graham said the process is being coordinated by Romani Katoa, CISNOC’s senior vice president.

Once the selection process is completed, Owen Lewis, who resigned from the role in January and is currently acting on the role, will be handing over the job.

Graham said the CISNOC Board, in agreement with Lewis, had decided that he would be in an “acting Sec Gen role” until the appointment of a replacement.

He had earlier stated that Lewis would not be paid for the acting role.

The role was advertised in February after Lewis resigned from CISNOC on January 18, a day after he was confirmed as the new Secretary for Education.

According to the vacancy, CISNOC was looking for someone who is dynamic and would be a driving force behind their administrative and operational functions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) in a related field, proven experience in sports administration and organisational leadership, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of Olympic principles and the international sports landscape.