Affairs Officer, Mr. David Anson, Government's Senior Personnel Officer, told The Royal Gazette .

The application deadline was October 2 and the position, which pays between $64,319 and $68,729, is expected to be filled in about two and a half months.

In accordance with Government policy any qualified Bermudian will be given priority when the Public Service Commission makes its selection, said Mr.

Anson.

The position was previously filled by Ms Sue Davis and operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Ms Davis recently told The Mid-Ocean News she took early retirement to pursue an opportunity she "cannot resist''.

"I will be spending a lot of time overseas,'' she explained.

In the post since 1978, Ms Davis said it was the diversity of interests and interactions which made the Consumer Affairs Officer most attractive: "I don't think you would find such variety in most jobs. You go from advising on the telephone to facilitating a resolution of a complaint, to developing an article for the newspaper, to advising on legislation, to counselling someone on managing their money, to running a course on consumer education, to talking to a group. It's very varied and as a result it's nothing you get bored with,'' she said.

The successful applicant will manage, develop and promote the office of Community Affairs with special emphasis on the Consumer Affairs Bureau.

Applicants must hold at least a Bachelors Degree or at least five years experience in business with additional training in counselling.