d) Is not re-appointed following the end of the respective term of office. 2. In the event of cessation of functions, the Administrator shall be replaced as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 90 days from the date of cessation of functions of the previous Administrator. 3. Upon proposal by the Minister, the Council of Ministers may remove or suspend an Administrator prior to the expiry of his or her term of office if that person: a) Has committed a serious breach of the terms of his or her appointment, of the present Decree-Law or of any other applicable law of Timor-Leste; b) Fails to perform his or her functions and duties for a significant period of time; or c) Becomes subsequently not eligible pursuant to paragraph 4 of Article 7. 4. Any decision to remove or suspend an Administrator shall be made only after such Administrator has been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the matter. 5. An Administrator may resign from office upon providing 90 days written advance notice to the Minister. 6. A regulatory decision by the Authority shall not be invalid by reason only of: a) A defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment or removal of an Administrator; or b) Cessation of functions by an Administrator. Article 12 Employment of staff and hiring of consultants 1. The Authority may employ such staff and engage such consultants as it deems fit and necessary to ensure it has sufficient legal, economic, technical and other resources to perform its functions and responsibilities and exercise its powers pursuant to the present Decree-Law. 2. The contractual conditions of employment shall be agreed upon between the Authority and each employee within the limits of the Civil Code and the Labor Code, and with due observance of the administrative and financial autonomy of the Authority. 3. The staff and consultants of the Authority shall not be considered to be civil servants for the purposes of the Statute of the Civil Service.