Director of Commerce (GMG/SEG 4)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the general direction of the Principal Director, Trade, Investment and Commerce (GMG/SEG 6), the Director, Commerce (GMG/SEG 4), is responsible for designing, recommending and implementing policies, strategies, legislation and programmes that will ensure a stable, competitive and transparent commercial environment which balances the interests of domestic and regional producers, importers, retailers and consumers.

The incumbent is also to ensure that policy objectives of the Government of Jamaica are realized through effective coordination of the commerce portfolio of the Ministry. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Stable, competitive and transparent commercial environment fostered and maintained.
• Policy options and recommendations provided.
• Cabinet submissions, Notes and Ministry papers prepared and submitted.
• Stakeholders and policy groups communicated with
• Policies approved/developed/revised  
• Commercial agencies monitored
• Oversight for domestic and regional policy issues provided.
• Interests for commercial stakeholders balanced and represented.
• Key commercial policy areas managed
• Divisional programmes, plans and budget prepared and submitted
• Recommendations for legislation reform provided
• Market forecasts conducted
• Procedural manuals developed and maintained
• Project proposals created
• Projects implemented and monitored
• Steering committees established and monitored
• Policy implementation reports, position papers and negotiating briefs presented
• Reports produced
• Efficient, productive and motivated staff
• Staff needs identified and addressed
• Staff evaluated and assessed
• Effective leadership provided

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Supervises activities related to commerce unit, related projects and programmes within the Ministry.
• Verifies that the Division’s work programmes and operational plan are based on technically sound objectives and are consistent with the priority of economic development.
• Reviews the corporate and operational plans of the commerce assigned agencies and provide recommendations to the Permanent Secretary to ensure alignment with the Ministry and overall GOJ objectives.
• Sits on the Board of Directors of commerce assigned agencies and provides liaison between the Ministry and it’s agencies.
• Submits projects and operation plans for consideration.
• Prepare the Divisional Plans and contribute to the Ministry’s Strategic Business Plans
• Prepares the annual divisional budget.
• Prepares status and situational reports.
• Monitors the Division’s contribution to the Ministry’s legislation programme.
• Represents the Division’s and Ministry at meetings on administrative matters.
• Manages and monitors the timely updating of divisional procedural manual
• Manages the preparation of commerce related collateral material
• Contributes to decision making processes in the Ministry as a member of the senior management team to shape the strategic and operational direction of the Ministry
• Liaises with the directors and staff  in stakeholder ministries, agencies and department regarding programmes, legislation and other issues related to subject areas
• Keeps abreast of trends and changes in the market to ensure proper planning and policy development.
• Makes recommendations for adjustment, where necessary in the Ministry’s policy framework.
• Gives lectures, speeches and presentation on commerce related areas as required.
• Represents the Minister and/or Permanent Secretary as directed.

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Spearheads the formulation of an appropriate commercial policy and procedural framework closely with the agencies assigned to the commercial portfolio
• Designs the terms of reference and documents related to special projects, technical assistance and short term consultants.
• Provides oversight responsibility for domestic and regional policy issues, projects, programmes, legislation and agencies that impact on commercial regulation which fall within the Ministry’s portfolio.
• Balances the interests of domestic producers, importers, retailers and consumers within national laws as well as regional and multilateral trade rules.
• Manages the following key policy areas:
  • Business and trade facilitation
  • ompany and business registration;
  • Standards development and regulation;
  • Consumer protection;
  • Application of provisions under the CARICOM Revised Treaty that govern trade;
  • Motor vehicle import policy;
  • Management and monitoring the supply of selected commodities;
  • Import and export licensing;
  • Regulation of fair trade on the domestic market;
  • WTO compatible trade remedies in the event of unfair or injurious levels of imports
• Oversees the execution of commerce related projects for which the Ministry has direct responsibility
• Supervises consultants appointed under special projects and /or programmes
• Identifies indicators to measure the impact of commerce related policies and purpose adjustments based on evaluation outcomes
• Coordinates consultations with sector interests and ensure that the necessary decisions and policy recommendations are facilitated
• Researches and prepares technical position papers in the areas assigned to the commerce portfolio
• Provides technical contributions for the preparation of speeches, media release and other documents as required
• Prepares Cabinet Submission, Notes, Ministry Papers, Green Paper, etc. on policy issues.
• Monitors and make recommendation on draft legislation
• Market forecasts are conducted and incorporated in the planning process.
• Prepares negotiating briefs for agenda items falling under portfolio areas on the CARICOM Council for Trade & Economic Development (COTED) and represents the Ministry on the GOJ delegation as required
• Devises strategies to handle trade problems with CARICOM Member States, working closely with the Ministry, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
• Interfaces with local and overseas institutions with regards to commerce related initiative and issues
• Monitors developments in all bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that impact on the Ministry’s commerce portfolio
• Represents the Ministry at national, bilateral, regional and multilateral meetings dealing with commerce related issues
• Negotiates partnership agreements with private and public sector bodies regarding commerce related programmes and initiatives.
• Manages relationships with key stakeholders in managing policy interventions.

Human Resources Responsibilities

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and /or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance in attaining established personal and organizational goals
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the division and recommends transfer, promotions, termination and leave in accordance with the established human resource policies and procedures.
• In collaboration with the Human Resource Department, develops and implements a training and succession planning programme for the Division to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication ,training, mentoring and coaching
• Ensures that the welfare and developmental needs of 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’s and Ministry’s goal.
• Represents the staff at senior management and other meetings and ensures effective communication of information on their behalf.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs any other related duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the CTD/Permanent Secretary from time to time

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• To foster and maintain a stable, competitive and transparent commercial environment in keeping with local, regional and international trade policies and standards.
• Policy options and recommendations relevant to domestic and regional commerce activities provided in accordance with WTO, CARICOM, international and GOJs standards and guidelines.
• Cabinet submissions, Notes and Ministry papers prepared in keeping with GOJ procedures and standards and submitted within the agreed timeframe.
• Communication with stakeholders initiated and maintained according to the Ministry’s/GOJ standards.
• Policies approved/developed/revised in accordance with GOJ established standards and guidelines
• Commercial agencies monitored according to GOJ standards
• Oversight for domestic and regional policy issues that impacts on commercial regulations provided in accordance with GOJ standards
• Key commercial policy areas managed according to GOJ standards
• Market forecasts are conducted in accordance with GOJ standards using reliable research methodologies and within agreed timeframes
• Interests for commercial stakeholders balanced and represented at all times.
• Divisional programmes, plans and budget prepared in keeping with GOJ standards and submitted within the agreed timeframe and synchronized.
• Recommendations for legislation reform provided within the agreed timeframe.
• Procedural manuals developed and maintained according the established GOJ standards and within the agreed timeframe.
• Project proposals created according to GOJ standards and submitted within the agreed timeframe.
• Projects implemented and monitored according to GOJ policies and standards and within the agreed timeframe.
• Steering committees established and monitored according to GOJ standards.
• Policy implementation reports, position papers and negotiating briefs prepared in accordance with GOJ policies and standards and presented within the agreed timeframe and the required format.
• Reports produced and analysis conducted  in the established format and submitted within the specified timeframe
• Efficient, productive and motivated staff maintained at all times.
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed, and needs clearly identified and addressed in a timely manner
• Effective leadership provided that fosters teamwork, employee empowerment and productivity.
• Professionalism, courtesy, integrity and confidentiality demonstrated at all times

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Integrity
• Oral Communication Skills
• Written communication skills
• Leadership Skills
• People Management Skills
• Planning & Organizational Skills
• Strategic Vision
• Goal/Results Oriented
• Customer and Quality Focus
• Interpersonal & Networking Skills
• Initiative
• Time Management Skills
• Problem Solving  & Decision Making
• Use of Technology
• Managing the Client Interface
• Managing External Relationships
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Managing Partners
• Change Management
• Adaptability

Technical

• Knowledge of the operations of Government and specific Regional and International Organizations
• Knowledge of the structure and function of the import /export market place
• Knowledge of international trade and the commercial environment
• Change Management
• Excellent knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures
• Knowledge of Programme Budgeting and Financial Management
• Knowledge of trade and economic policies of Jamaica/CARICOM countries;
• Presentation Skills
• Knowledge of pricing and supplies mechanisms and related legislations
• Knowledge of Customs Act and regulations.
• Knowledge of the duty structure
• Knowledge of safeguards and antidumping measures.
• Knowledge of Statistics tools
• Knowledge of Research Methodologies
• Analytical Thinking
• Negotiation Skills

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• First degree in Public Administration, International Trade, Business Administration or other related fields.   
• Postgraduate degree in relevant field would be an asset.
• Ten (10) years’ experience in related field at a Senior Management level
• Experience and Training in Project Management would be an asset

SPECIAL CONDITION ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Typical working environment
• Local and overseas travel occasionally

AUTHORITY

• Approves reports submitted by Divisional officers for Ministerial attention
• Determines procedural guidelines for the Division within prescribed policy guidelines
• Sets parameters for projects proposals
• Recommends whether to pursue trade issues at the COTED
• Approves expenditure within assigned limits
• Recommends leave, disciplinary action,  promotion, transfers and termination in keeping with human resource policies and procedures
• Recommends training and employment of staff in the Division.