Manager, Industrial Relations Officer (GMG/SEG 2)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Director, Employee Relations & Benefits, the Manager, Industrial Relations is responsible for managing, co-ordinating and directing the Ministry’s industrial relations cases and investigations inclusive of negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, contract administration and interpretation. The incumbent is also expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of legal compliance, applicable workplace laws, regulations, policies and procedures, to facilitate the fostering and maintenance of a harmonious industrial relations climate with staff, trade unions and staff associations. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Facilitates the fostering and maintenance of harmonious industrial relations climate within the Ministry and with trade unions and staff associations by: 
  • developing, implementing and managing of programmes and strategies designed to encourage good labour relations; 
  • co-ordinating and moderating meetings with trade unions and staff associations;
  • investigating, analysing and evaluating the causes of labour disputes, circumstances relating to work stoppages and other forms of labour unrest, and devising, recommending and implementing appropriate corrective action. 
• Advises the Permanent Secretary, through the Director, Employee Relations & Benefits, on matters relating to disciplinary matters; 
• Establishes and maintains proper grievance procedures in keeping with Government guidelines and ensures that all grievances filed by trade unions and staff associations are treated accordingly; 
• Calculates costs of claims for salary improvements submitted by trade unions/staff associations, and researches and prepares related Briefs for submission to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; 
• Represents the Ministry at meetings with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, concerning negotiations for salaries and allowances; 
• Advises the Ministry and Agencies of revised salary scales and agreements reached, and monitors the timely implementation of such agreements; 
• Represents the Ministry at meetings of the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Disputes Tribunal relating to disputes that have been referred; 
• Provides advice to the Ministry, schools management and Regional Directors regarding terms and conditions of employment of both academic and non-academic staff, and industrial relations matters in general; 
• Interprets, where necessary, information on Government’s Labour Legislation and Industrial Relations Policies; 
• Investigates matters referred to the Ministry by the Office of the Public Defender and reports findings to said Office; 
• Reviews existing and proposed Labour Legislation to ensure that the Ministry’s industrial relations practices are compatible with their provisions; 
• Performs the functions of mediator in disciplinary matters involving staff;
• Keeps abreast of current information and development trends in labour relations;
• Makes presentations at seminars/workshops on industrial relations issues;
• Assists in the implementation of industrial relations decisions in a timely manner;

Management/Administrative 

• Prepares and implements the Budget, Operational & Work Plans for the Industrial Relations Unit; 
• Monitors the implementation of revised Salary Schedules; 
• Advises and updates the Director on key areas of responsibilities, 
• Leads, prioritizes and monitors the day-to-day operation of the Unit, to ensure the effective management of operations and that goals and objectives are being met; 
• Ensures adherence to standard operating procedures and policies to maximize efficiency and work quality; 
• Plans, directs, supervises and co-ordinates work activities of subordinates and staff relating to areas of responsibility; 
• Ensures the maintenance of a database of documentation and information on industrial relations matters, electronic and paper base, to facilitate confidentiality, easy retrieval, safe custody and an audit trail; 
• Ensures that staff is aware of and adheres to the policies, procedures and regulations of the Ministry of Education, Skill, Youth and Information; 
• Identifies development programmes and makes recommendation for staff to attend such programmes; 
• Ensures that the necessary tools, equipment and furniture are identified and provided for productive work; 
• Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Director, Employee Relations and Benefits. 

Human Resource 

• Provides leadership to staff through effective objective/goal setting, delegation and communication; 
• Monitors the routine operations of the Unit and oversees and participates in the review and evaluation of the work of staff members; 
• Identifies and manages the developmental and welfare needs of staff in the Unit;
• Conducts performance appraisal of staff, as required, quarterly and annually;
• Fosters teamwork, a harmonious working environment and promotes collaborative working across Divisions/Units; 
• Ensures that training and other development needs of employees are adequately identified and addressed; 
• Promotes the building of institutional knowledge for the Unit, by ensuring that established systems and procedures are documented and disseminated; 
• Recommends vacation leave and approves sick and departmental leave for staff in the Unit, and participates in the administration of staff benefits, in keeping with established Human Resource policies; 
• Recommends disciplinary action, in keeping with established human resource policies;
• Conducts staff meetings as required; 
• Ensures that staff adhere to the policies and procedures of the Ministry and the Unit;
• Ensures that staff is provided with adequate and appropriate physical resources to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively. 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned by the Director. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good listening skills, as well as the ability to understand people's background and motives
• Ability to present information and negotiate with employees and managers from different levels 
• Strong attention to details 
• Ability to establish credibility and build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with people at all levels. 
• Ability to work well under pressure 
• Sound planning, organizing and time management skills 
• Good written and oral communication skills 
• High level of integrity, initiative and confidentiality 
• Good people management skills 
• Effective teambuilding skills 

Technical: 

• Thorough knowledge of the Staff Orders, Public Service Regulations, The Education Regulations and the Ministry of Education’s Terms and Conditions of Employment of the Non-Teaching Staff 
• Good knowledge of Labour Laws and Industrial Relations practices 
• Excellent knowledge of the Grievance Policy for the Public Sector
• Sound knowledge of the Ministries of Finance and the Public Service and Labour and Social Security guidelines 
• Knowledge of relevant Union Agreements and Tribunal awards 
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in labour relations locally and internationally
• Proficient in the use of the relevant MS applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations with at least three (3) years’ experience

OR 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public/Business Administration with specialized training in Industrial Relations 
• Five (5) years’ working experience in the related field, three (3) of which should be at the supervisory level 
• Training in Supervisory Management would be an asset 

Specific Condition Associated with the Job:

• Required to work beyond normal working hours to meet deadlines 
• Required to travel to Regional offices 
• Required to hold a valid driver’s license and own a reliable motor vehicle 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.