undersecretary is a high-ranking official, typically in a government department, who serves directly under and assists a principal secretary or cabinet minister. The term can also be used in other organizations and has specific meanings in different political systems, such as the United Nations.
- Government official: In most governments, an undersecretary is an administrator who is immediately subordinate to a head of a government department or cabinet member. They often manage significant portfolios within a department and are appointed to high-level positions.
- United Nations: In the UN, an Under-Secretary-General is the third-highest rank and is held by the heads of UN entities or high-level envoys.
- United States: Within the U.S. federal government, an Under Secretary is a civilian official at a high rank, below the Deputy Secretary and above an Assistant Secretary. They are appointed by the President with Senate consent.
- Other contexts: The title can also be used in other organizational settings, with the specific meaning depending on the organization’s structure.
