Public Education Officer (MCG/IE 4)

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Develop Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the overall plan for the Section;
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences, as required;
• Prepare reports and programme documents as required; 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Assists the Manager – Public Relations/Education in planning, co-ordinating and executing Public Relations activities and events to promote a positive image of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining; 
• Research complex MoAFM industry matters and drafts public education materials such as factsheets and toolkits targeting multi-stakeholder groups and the general public;
• Co-ordinates and presents public education programmes impacting the MoAFM with numerous Agencies to ensure that the functions are understood and appreciated;
• Disseminates educational information concerning MoAFM core functions to MDAs and communities; 
• Prepares and presents reports on various public education issues, as assigned or needed;
• Assists in co-ordinating activities affecting internal staff during public information, education, and community relations programs and displays; 
• Presents and facilitates classes and workshops to various schools and community groups on the roles and function of the MoAFM and its subjects; 
• Identifies and tracks trends and public education needs in the area of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to support the development of applicable education programmes and materials; 
• Assists in co-ordinating operational analysis and programme evaluation on services, programmes, and projects assigned to the Division;
• Provides input for long-range public education planning on the MoAFM core functions to establish future opportunities and challenges; 
• Assists with writing and distributing news releases announcing important Ministry information and events; 
• Responds to enquiries from the public, media and other organisations;
• Maintains professional and effective working relationships with the media, civic communities and other interest groups; 
• Liaises with the Jamaica Information Service to secure special services such as airtime, photography, multimedia projection, etc. 
• Assists in planning and executing external opinion surveys, including design & administration, as well as the collation and evaluation of feedback; 
• Uses data collection procedures to facilitate the validation of quantitative and qualitative monitoring tools to support the public education function; 
• Conducts analysis of quantitative data as well as qualitative data on all public education programme inputs, outputs and outcomes in the MoAFM and its subjects;
• Assists with the updating and maintenance of the Ministry’s online calendar of events;
• Monitors the print, electronic and news media, and develops strategies for dealing with topical issues relevant to area of responsibility; 
• Observes and reports on social, economic and political trends that might impact the ministry’s public relations strategy; 
• Keeps abreast of the new methods and developments in Public Relations, especially in the context of the Public Service and Agricultural, Fisheries and Mining Management. 

Human Resource: 

• Contributes to and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals;
• Assists with the preparation and conducts presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation and Onboarding Programme; 
• Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good oral communication skills 
• Good written communication skills 
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Good teamwork and cooperation skills 
• Good customer relations and quality focus skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good problem and decision-making skills 
• Ability to influence and motivate others 
• Integrity 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Ability to apply initiative 
• Compliance 
• Change management 

Technical: 

• 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 Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication, Education/Teaching or a related discipline; 
• Two (2) 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. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.