Director, Criminal, Civil & Family Law (JLG/LO 5)

Job Purpose

The Director Criminal Civil and Family Law is accountable for the provision of expert legal policy advice and analysis as it relates to criminal, civil and family law matters for the development and implementation of non legislative, legislative, regulatory or programme proposals on highly complex, major issues and files of national and international scope impacting justice matters. 

Key Outputs:

• Evidence based, integrated legal policy analysis, policies and programmes developed
• Expert legal advice provided 
• Cabinet Submissions, Cabinet notes, Cabinet Status report, Ministry Papers prepared
• Justice Policy Impact assessment conducted 
• Justice Policy, legislative and regulatory proposals prepared 
• Comments provided on policy-related documents 
• Implementation of policies monitored 
• Policy research briefs reviewed and developed 
• Policy instruments developed 

Key Responsibility Areas:

Technical: 

• Oversees legal policy analyses and applies a policy development cycle to formulate recommendations for the justice sector on behalf of the Ministry of Justice; 
• Provides strategic legal policy advice and development for the Criminal Civil and Family Law sector on major and highly complex issues including files of national and international scope; 
• Advises senior management on emerging trends with regards to the Criminal Civil and Family Law policy matters and their impacts; 
• Prepares policy papers, submissions, briefs and correspondence for senior management, Permanent Secretary and Ministers. 
• Builds relationships and works in partnership with the Ministry of Justice Units/Divisions/Departments and other governmental organizations to build a strategically and coherent policy approach to justice matters to help achieve the government’s priorities for the justice sector; 
• Develops and leads engagement strategies to involve consultation with the public in open policy development processes ensuring the public is included in all phases of the policy development cycle; develops, promotes and implements innovative consultation tools and processes; 
• Develops and implements knowledge management strategies and processes to ensure consistent capture of intellectual capital to support evidence-based policy making; 
• Coaches and mentors’ colleagues, Policy Analysts paralegal and administrative support staff;
• Leads policy projects and teams; 
• Chairs working committees; 
• Provides input to annual planning and budget meetings for the Division. 

Human Resource/Administrative: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance evaluations and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals;
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division and recommends transfers, promotion, termination, and leave in accordance with established human resource management policies and procedures; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Ensures the welfare and development needs of the staff in the Division are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division and Ministry’s goals. 

Performance Standards:

• Strategic policy advice provided is sound 
• Key deliverables are produced within in an agreed timeframe to required standards
• Policy recommendations will lead to organizational improvements 
• Policy papers, submissions, briefs and correspondence prepared within in an agreed timeframe to required standards 
• A team approach is adopted with Unit Staff 
• Reports are comprehensive and submitted within established timeframe 
• Engagement strategies are developed within agreed timeframe 
• Knowledge management strategies and processes are developed within agreed timeframe
• Confidentiality and integrity are exercised 
• Welfare of staff is clearly identified and addressed 
• Staff is competent and productive 
• High Ethical standards are maintained in the conduct of professional and personal business

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies 

• Adaptability 
• Compliance 
• Customer and Quality Focus 
• Initiative 
• Integrity 
• Interpersonal 
• Oral Communication 
• Team Work & Cooperation 
• Time Management 
• Written Communication 

Technical/Functional Competencies 

• Accountability 
• Analytical thinking 
• Attention to Detail 
• Coaching and Mentoring 
• Fiscal Management 
• Goal/Results Oriented 
• Government Risk and Control 
• Leadership 
• Methodical 
• Planning and Organising 
• Policy Development 
• Presentation and Reporting 
• Problem Solving and Decision-making 
• Resilience 
• Stress Tolerance 
• Strategic Vision 
• Tact 
• Technical Skills 
• Use and Application of Technology 

Key Competencies

• Analyzing and synthesizing information to understand issues, identify options, and support sound (evidence based) decision making.
• Understanding and using the workings, structure, climate and culture of the organization to achieve results
• Seeking and building alliances that further government objectives and benefit Jamaicans
• Create, maintain, enhance and share intellectual capital across the Ministry in support of Ministry’s or Justice sector objectives; employ methods to gather intelligence, encourage open exchange of information and use quality evidence to influence action
• The ability to design and implement strategies which maximize employees’ potential, fosters high ethical standards and a healthy work climate for employees.
• Understanding and processing complex information and exercising sound judgment, considering the situation, the issues, the key players, and levels of government involved. Proposing course of action that further the objectives, priorities and vision of the department and the Government of Jamaica.
• Developing and inspiring commitment to a vision of success; supporting, promoting and ensuring alignment with the Ministry’s vision and values.
• Understanding and using relevant legislation, policies, procedures and/or standards in performing one’s work.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Specific knowledge (however acquired) required to start: 

• Policy Development 

Qualifications and Experience 

• Bachelor of Laws Degree 
• Legal Education Certificate 
• At last three (3) years of experience in a managerial capacity 
• At least five (5) years of experience providing advice and recommendations to senior management
• At least (5) years should be in the provision of legal advice in the Public Sector 
• Certification in policy development. 

Continuous Professional Development 

• Attend relevant training on emerging trends and practices within the field. 
• Network within the profession and relevant associationsto keep abreast with the industry. 

Authority:

• Recommends new strategic planning policy initiatives 
• Recommends appointments, promotions and disciplinary action in keeping with human resource policies and procedures 
• Recommends employment of staff leave, disciplinary action and promotion of direct reports according to established policies 

Specific Conditions associated with the job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software.
• The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. 
• May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.

The Ministry of Justice thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.