Job Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the CEO & Conservator of Forests, the Principal Director Forest Science and Technical has overall responsibility for the development and management of the Applied Forest Science programs and execution of Forest Technical Services of the Agency. The incumbent directs all activities related to the design and execution of the necessary research (field and laboratory), the analysis of the resultant data and the generation of useful information, methods and processes for use by the Agency in support of the sustainable management of its forest resources and the development and expansion of the forestry sector in Jamaica.
The incumbent ensures that the Division operates in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Government of Jamaica policies, corporate governance principles, and international best practices while fostering a high-performance culture, safeguarding organizational integrity, managing institutional risk, and strengthening accountability and transparency across the Agency.
The incumbent provides human resource management and administrative management for the leadership of the units within the division, offers a strategic and integrative view of the Agency, and drives institutional change, collaboration, and seamless cohesion between these units and their internal stakeholders. While the Principal Director provides technical advice/support, administrative direction and human resource management for the leadership of the Branches/Units within the Division, he/she does not substitute the professional or technical judgement exercised by the leadership within them.
Key Outputs
- Standard Operational Manuals and Procedures with clear service/performance standards developed, implemented and revised as necessary;
- Corporate Governance Framework developed, implemented, monitored, reviewed and updated (to include but not limited to corporate policies, procedures and governance manuals). Financial, administrative and performance management and monitoring systems implemented;
- Performance, Financial and Statutory Reports produced;
- Compliance monitoring systems developed and maintained with the required reports produced within agreed timelines.
- Workforce Planning and Succession Plans established and implemented.
- Performance Management and Appraisal Systems effectively coordinated and monitored.
- Staff engagement, wellness and capacity-building initiatives implemented.
- Investigations, reviews and governance assessments coordinated and completed.
- Strategic and operational alignment achieved within the Division and Agency-wide.
- Human resource management and administrative management provided for the leadership of each constituent unit.
- Collaboration, communication, and institutional cohesion between the constituent units and their internal stakeholders strengthened.
- Consolidated budget for the Forest Science and Technology portfolio developed, technology needs and tools identified and resources allocated efficiently.
- Advice and briefing notes prepared for the Chief Executive Officer on governance, risk, compliance, and organisational development matters.
- Institutional change initiatives across the governance units led and monitored.
- Appropriate delegation of budgetary and performance management responsibilities agreed and clearly articulated.
- Appropriate Memorandum of Understanding/co-management agreements between FD and partners developed and/or implemented.
- Forest Management Plans Developed and Implementation supported for all Forest Estates.
- Revenue Generation Opportunities Identified and Implemented.
- Forest Estates identified, boundaries verified and protection requested.
- Development and Implementation of Applied Scientific Research program with annual outputs to improve Agency/Forest Sector efficiency.
- Jamaica forest resource’s sustainable management programme developed; and Technical and scientific reports/papers/articles on forest science developed.
Key Responsibility Areas:
Technical/Professional Responsibilities
- Oversees the design, development and update of a national forest resources database;
- Oversees the development of required GIS products and services for internal and external customers;
- Oversees the production of all technical and scientific outputs legislatively required;
- Directs the design and implementation of forest inventory programmes to include boundary verification as required;
- Oversees the monitoring and documentation of land use/land cover changes in accordance with international standards;
- Supervises the development of appropriate technical guidance to ensure the sustainable management and development of Jamaica’s forest resources;
- Supervises the identification of indigenous /endangered forest species to facilitate their protection, conservation and propagation as needed;
- Supervises the monitoring and evaluation programme(s) for all technical operations is created in accordance with established standards and guidelines;
- Develops standard operational plans and manuals with approved performance standards and guidelines for all technical operations;
- Produces a strategic applied scientific research program reflecting the priorities of the Agency and the GOJ with annual workplans identified and implemented;
- Coordinates the production and publishing of scientific/technical reports and papers resulting from the Agency’s research programs;
- Represents the Agency in technical fora as directed by the CEO;
- Coordinates the provision of technical data/information to Agency’s communications teams for the development of products and services to all stakeholders in the forestry sector;
- Ensures the timely delivery of information, advice, products and services from the Division
- Collaborates with technical and scientific communities on matters related to sustainable forest management and conservation; and
- Keeps abreast of developments and changes that may have significant impact on initiatives being taken to achieve sustainable forestry development and preservation.
Management/Administrative Responsibilities
- Participates in the development and implementation of the Agency's Strategic, Corporate and Operational Plans.
- Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all functions within the Forest Science and Technology Division.
- Leads the development of Divisional and supervises the development of Branch operational plans and budgets as required to optimize the use of resources provided to meet the objectives of the Division and Agency.
- Ensures effective integration and collaboration among constituent functions.
- Develops and monitors divisional work plans, budgets and performance targets.
- Ensures that objectives of the Agency and Division are clearly defined and communicated to all its members.
- Ensures effective management of resources within approved budget allocations.
- Coordinates the monitoring and evaluation of divisional activities to ensure achievement of objectives, targets and outcomes;
- Coordinates the preparation and submission of periodic management, governance and statutory reports.
- Ensures compliance with Government policies, regulations, guidelines and Agency procedures.
- Represents the Agency at local, regional and international meetings as directed by the CEO & Conservator of Forests.
- Oversees the monitoring and evaluation of divisional programmes and initiatives.
- Coordinates the development and review of policies, procedures and governance instruments.
- Leads organizational change initiatives aimed at improving governance, operational effectiveness and workforce performance with the division.
- Provides leadership in the identification, development and execution of special projects that support the Division’s mandate.
- Assists with the formulation of long-term strategies, objectives and policies in support of the Agency’s mandate.
- Provides support to the CEO & Conservator of Forests in his/her role as a member of committees/boards, represents the Agency and/or the Country at meetings/conferences and other any other functions as required.
- Provides expert advice/technical support to achieve the Agency’s and national objectives for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and the development of the forest sector in Jamaica; and
- Performs any other related duties assigned by the CEO & Conservator of Forests.
Human Resources Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Agency's Human Capital Management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities. Lead workforce planning, succession management, talent acquisition, retention, and employee engagement initiatives to ensure the Agency attracts, develops, and retains a high-performing workforce.
- Supports recruitment, selection, onboarding, and separation processes in accordance with established human resource policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Direct the implementation and monitoring of performance management systems, ensuring that performance standards, individual work plans, and accountability measures are established, aligned with organizational objectives, and consistently achieved.
- Provide strategic oversight of employee and industrial relations matters within the Division, including discipline, grievance handling, conflict resolution, and the administration of disciplinary actions in accordance with relevant policies, legislation, and directives.
- Ensure compliance with public sector human resource policies, labour laws, occupational health and safety requirements, and other applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture that promotes professionalism, teamwork, empowerment, service excellence, and employee commitment.
- Lead learning and organizational development initiatives by identifying training needs and facilitating leadership development, coaching, mentoring, and capacity-building programmes both within the Division and across the Agency.
- Manage the performance, welfare, and professional development of direct reports through performance appraisal, coaching, mentoring, feedback, and the recommendation of appropriate learning and development opportunities.
- Promote employee well-being through the implementation and support of staff welfare, occupational health and safety, and employee wellness programmes.
- Establish and maintain effective systems, policies, and practices that support employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and the achievement of divisional and Agency objectives.
- Ensure that managers and employees adhere to established human resource policies, procedures, standards, and best practices across the Agency.; and
- Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Performance Standards:
- Complete and accurate reports and position papers prepared in keeping with agreed schedule and/or as requested;
- Performance reports submitted by agreed deadline in keeping with established standard;
- Budgets, Corporate and operational plans developed and implemented within the established guidelines and timeframes;
- Forest Estates have current Forest Management Plans to ensure sustainable use;
- New Forest Estates identified and catalogued in support of designation as protected/managed in keeping with the development/conservation needs of Jamaica;
- Performance Standards set and enforced with clear and focused direction for all divisional staff;
- Staff are growing(capacities), competent and productive;
- Welfare of staff is clearly identified and addressed; and
- Division is efficient, effective and timely in all it roles, responsibilities and activities.
Required Competencies:
The post-holder will be able to demonstrate;
- Excellent analytical, interpretation and judgement skills.
- Excellent strategic thinking, leadership and management skills.
- Ability to work efficiently, effectively and harmoniously with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent time, resource and people management skills to ensure quality and timely outputs.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including ability to present difficult issues and positions with brevity and clarity.
- Professional and personal integrity, responsibility and accountability.
- Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles and practices.
- Excellent knowledge of public sector regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Sound understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks.
- Knowledge of applicable legislation and practices relating to employment, governance, privacy and public administration.
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Strong customer and service orientation.
- Ability to lead organizational change and transformation initiatives.
- Proficiency in the use of relevant information, communication tools and relevant technologies.
- Knowledge of the budgeting, procurement procedures, financial administration and audit acts.
- An ability to analyse and interpret financial and other corporate information for decision making.
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of corporate functions and their potential strategic contribution.; and
- Flexibility and creativity in planning and resources management to ensure achievement of targets and outcomes.
Minimum Required Education and Experience
Academic Qualification
- Master's degree in Forestry/Environmental Management or related fields
- Executive and/or Senior Management Development Training;
Experience
- Minimum of Eight (8) years progressive senior management experience in forestry/environmental/natural resource management or a related field, including at least three (3) years in government environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams and organisational change initiatives.
- Exposure to governance, risk management, internal audit, or regulatory compliance functions is required.
- Route to Qualification: Candidates with fifteen (15) or more years of progressive senior management experience, demonstrating strategic leadership, change management, and cross-functional governance capability, may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.
Authority
- Approve and recommend matters relating to staffing, leave, training, discipline and performance management in accordance with established policies.
- Authorize actions and decisions within delegated authority.
- Recommend policy, governance and organizational improvement initiatives to Executive Management.
- Provide administrative direction and human resource management to the heads of Branches/Units within the Division.
- Incur expenses within agreed budgetary limits for the Forest Science and Technology portfolio.
- Recommend and, where appropriate, initiate administrative or disciplinary action in respect of direct reports, in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.
Special conditions associated with the job:
- Work is primarily conducted in an office setting outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software.
- May be required to work beyond normal working hours to meet deadlines or attend to urgent matters.
- May be required to travel to attend meetings, workshops, and conferences relevant to the portfolio.
- May be required to work in forests and related settings on occasions, to include the need to hike/walk reasonable distances over challenging terrain.
AUTHORITY TO:
- Incur expenses within agreed budgetary limits;
- Act on behalf of the Conservator when so directed;
- Authorise payments in accordance with stipulations from the Accounts Section and FAA Instructions;
- Recommends leave, disciplinary action and promotion of direct reports according to established human resources policy.
