pääsihteeri

Pääsihteeri is a Finnish title that denotes the chief secretary or secretary-general, the highest administrative position within many organizations, associations, and unions. The term is used to describe the head of the secretariat and, in international contexts, corresponds to the role of secretary-general. The word combines pää- meaning chief or main and sihteeri meaning secretary.

In Finnish institutions, the duties of a pääsihteeri typically include leading the secretariat, planning and coordinating day-to-day operations, implementing decisions of the governing body, managing staff and finances, and overseeing communications. The role also involves representing the organization externally to members, partners, and authorities, and often serving as a primary liaison between the board or general assembly and the staff.

The exact scope and authority of a pääsihteeri vary by organization and are defined in statutes or charters. In some contexts the position is primarily administrative and executive, while in others it approaches the functions of a chief executive or CEO. The term is thus flexible and context-dependent, distinguishing the top administrative leader from other directors or managers who operate under the secretariat.

In international usage, the Finnish term is used as a translation for roles such as the United Nations Secretary-General (YK:n pääsihteeri). Overall, pääsihteeri serves as a traditional designation for the highest-ranking administrator responsible for coordinating operations, implementing policy, and representing the organization.