Manager, Public Relations/Education (MCG/IE 5)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the leadership and direction of the Director – Corporate Communications, Public Relations/Education (MCG/IE 6), the Manager – Public Relations/Education (MCG/IE 5) is responsible for the development and management of public relations and education programmes, which generate interest and awareness in the core functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining. The incumbent will work closely with the Director, Corporate Communication, PR/Education and other managers in the Division to create a fully joined up approach to all MoAFM’s communications and public interface strategies. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Public Relations and Education Plans and Programmes developed, implemented and evaluated 
• Enquiries from the public responded to 
• Communication Content Researched/written/edited/produced
• Community/Public Relations fostered 
• Public Education Activities planned and executed 
• Positive Image of the MoAFM promoted 
• Technical Advice and Recommendation Provided 
• Annual/Quarterly/Monthly/Periodic Reports prepared 
• Staff Coaching and Appraisal conducted 
• Individual Work plan developed 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Participates in the strategic planning of Corporate Communications, PR/Education initiatives, ensuring clear evaluation frameworks are set to measure the impact 
• Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the overall plan for the section 
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required
• Prepares reports and programme documents as required 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Contributes significantly to the development and delivery of the MoAFM’s Public Relations and Education strategies
• Develops and implements strategic public relations and education plans, programmes and projects to inform the public, to increase public understanding, and to obtain support and cooperation from the Public 
• Collaborates with the Manager – Public Relations (Events & Protocol Services) in updating and maintaining the MoAFM’s calendar of events and connected matters 
• Develops public education and information materials, presentations and displays – including contributing to the MoAFM’s newsletters, FAQs, fact sheets, media/new media outreach and website content 
• Facilitates resolution of complex issues by build strategic relationships with stakeholders and develops consensus 
• Organizes and participates at community outreach activities to educate the broader community about the MoAFM functions and programmes
• Researches, writes and edits speeches for the Ministers, PS, CTDs and other senior executives for MoAFM events and various speaking engagements, including high impact internal and external audiences 
• Writes and distributes news releases and announces important MoAFM information and events 
• Manages media relations, including queries, press releases, interviews and placement of stories, press conferences and events for the MoAFM and its various divisions on the local, national and international levels 
• Arranges interviews with journalists and professional photo shoots for media publications and records special events 
• Organizes and represents the MoAFM at events including press conferences and launches, exhibitions, open days, functions and press tours etc
• Liaises with the Jamaica Information Service to secure special services such as airtime, photography, multimedia projection, etc 
• Attends ministerial and executives speaking engagements on a regular basis and provides feedback to the Director, Corporate Communications, PR /Education 
• Ensures that all remarks and other public statements prepared for the Ministers, PS, CTDs, and other senior executives are accurate and aligns with the ethos of the Ministry 
• Manages the organisation’s Public Relations buying budgets and operations
• Produces special stories, feature articles and general information to the media upon request 
• Contributes in the planning and executing of external opinion surveys, including design & administration, as well as the collation and evaluation of feedback 
• Monitors the print, electronic and news media, and develops strategies for dealing with topical issues relevant to area of responsibility 
• Designs data collection procedures to facilitate the validation of quantitative and qualitative monitoring tools to support the Public Relation and education functions 
• Develops and maintains professional and effective working relationships with the media, civic communities and other interest groups to provide on-going information on the MoAFM’s activities and accomplishments 
• Keeps informed of developments in the Public Relations fields, and Government management to aid the MoAFM operating with initiative and innovation 

Human Resources Responsibilities 

• Provides management and guidance through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring, coaching and discipline
• Evaluates and monitors the performance of staff in the Branch and implements appropriate strategies 
• Coordinates the development of individual work plans and recommends performance targets for the staff assigned 
• Participates in the recruitment and training of staff of the Branch
• Recommends training, promotion and approves leave in accordance with established Human Resource Policies and Procedures 
• Identifies skills/competencies gaps and contributes to the development and succession planning for the division to ensure adequate staff capacity
• Monitors the performance of staff and facilitates the timely and accurate completion of the staff annual performance appraisals and other periodic reviews 
• Ensures the well - being of staff supervised 
• Effect disciplinary measures in keeping with established guidelines/practices

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Public Relations and Education plans and programmes are executed efficiently and effectively and with maximum impact 
• Enquires from the public are responded to within the agreed standards and timelines 
• Communication material designed are relevant, timely, and support the MoAFM’s initiatives 
• Community/public relations fostered by a display of tact, diplomacy, sensitivity and professionalism 
• Image of the MoAFM promoted by development of strategies in keeping with agreed guidelines 
• Technical advice and recommendations provided are sound and supported by qualitative/quantitative data 
• Work plans conform to established procedures and implemented accorded to establish rules 
• Reports are evidence-based and submitted in a timely manner
• Staff Coaching and Appraisal conducted in accordance with agreed people management principles and agreed timeframes 
• Confidentiality, integrity and professionalism displayed in the delivery of duties and interaction with staff 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Excellent Oral Communication skills 
• Excellent Written Communication and Presentation skills 
• Good Planning and Organizing skills 
• Good Leadership and People Management skills 
• Good Analytical Thinking skills 
• Excellent Problem-Solving and Decision-Making skills 
• Excellent Customer and Quality Focus skills
• Excellent Interpersonal skills 
• Excellent Teamwork and Cooperation skills 
• Ability to manage the client interface and external partnerships
• Of strong integrity 
• Ability to apply initiative 
• Compliance 
• Good Change Management skills 

Technical 

• Good knowledge of Public Relations and Education principles and practices
• Ability to foster and maintain a good working relationship with the media
• Good understanding of the machinery of Government, political processes and the requirements of Ministers and other officials 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other programme applications (PowerPoint and Publisher) appropriate to assigned responsibilities
• A strong sense of trust and a high level of confidentiality and integrity
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills with ability to consult and provide advice to all levels of the organization 
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as a team member to achieve goals 
• Strong organizational and time management skills with an ability to prioritize and manage workload, meet deadlines and adapt to changing circumstances 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication or a related discipline; 
• Four (4) years’ experience in a Public Relations/Media and Communications environment.

SPECIAL 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. Will be required to travel locally and internationally to attend conferences, seminars and meetings. 

AUTHORITY

• Drafts and reviews speeches and press releases 
• Recommends improvements to the Public Relations and Education strategy/plans 
• Recommends staff appointments, promotion, recruitment, disciplinary action, leave and general welfare issues 
• Recommends relevant training and development programmes for direct reports to enhance knowledge and performance 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.