Senior Director, Environment and Risk Management (GMG/SEG 5)

Job Purpose

To provide policy guidance to facilitate the effective operations of the Ministry, the National Environment and Planning Agency, the Forestry Department and the other entities which have responsibility for management of the environment; guide and oversee implementation of various international and regional environmental treaties and public education and awareness initiatives; and carry out those functions and programmes relating to ministerial responsibility under the various environment-related legislation. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Provides strategic direction for the work of the Branch; 
• Develops Strategic and Operational Work Plans and budget for the Branch; 
• Represents the Ministry on relevant national committees, meetings, conferences and seminars; 
• Prepares Cabinet Submissions and Ministry Papers to advise Cabinet and Parliament, as appropriate, on pertinent environmental issues; 
• Identifies and recommends positions of the Ministry on emerging environmental policy issues; 
• Liaises with Ministries, members of the private sector and academia, non-governmental organizations, on environmental and sustainable development issues. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Initiates legislative and regulatory proposals and prepares drafting instructions, accordingly; 
• Develops policy instruments; 
• Provides policy and technical advice to the Minister, Permanent Secretary and the Chief Technical Director, on pertinent environmental and sustainable development issues; 
• Participates and represents the Government’s position in regional and international policy fora; 
• Monitors and reviews the performance of the relevant executive agencies and statutory bodies; 
• Develops strategies and approaches for the management of the environment; 
• Initiates, formulates and reviews policy instruments for the protection of the environment; 
• Collaborates with the relevant public sector agencies in monitoring and fulfilling the country’s obligations under the applicable regional and international environmental agreements and initiatives; 
• Reviews and drafts speeches, Cabinet Submissions and Ministry Papers;
• Provides policy and technical support to NEPA, Forestry Department and the Climate Change Branch of the Ministry, in the fulfillment of their respective mandates;
• Facilitates the use of the multi-disciplinary team approach in undertaking all tasks, and facilitates and encourages stakeholder participation in the formulation of policy;
• Liaises with government ministries and agencies to achieve co-ordination and integration of government policy, and to identify and take advantage of synergies; 
• Liaises with intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization, and United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on key national and regional environmental issues; 
• Collaborates with the relevant public sector entities, including the Cabinet Office, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, non-governmental organizations and academia, on the development of policies which support sustainable development; 
• Collaborates with the National Environment and Planning Agency and other organizations in the development and implementation of public and sector-specific education and awareness programmes on environmental issues; 
• Ensures, as far as possible, that regional and international treaty obligations are included in the development of policies and legislation; 
• Prepares and makes presentations on sustainable development and highlight critical issues for attention; 
• Monitors the implementation of strategies in relation to obligations under policies and international agreements from NEPA and Forestry Department; 
• Participates in the development, implementation and assessment of technical assistance projects; 
• Monitors the impact of legislation, regulations and policies; 
• Develops material on environment-related issues for the Ministry’s website;
• Responds to Access to Information Requests related to the Branch’s portfolio areas;
• Conducts public consultations on environment and sustainable development issues;
• Reviews policy documents and comments on reports, proposals and other matters referred to the Ministry; 
• Follows up issues such as international environmental governance and the outcomes of major regional and international sustainable development conferences as Global Environment Facility (GEF) focal point, reviews project proposals, identifies opportunities for funding and provides information on the GEF; 
• Follows up on complaints and consults with regulatory agencies on trends. 

Human Resource: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary, to improve performance and/or attain established personal and/or organizational goals; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Branch and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave, in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Facilitates welfare and development of staff in the Branch; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Branch and organization’s goals; 
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a succession planning framework, in collaboration with the HRM&D Branch, through the development of procedural manuals and other duties prescribed within the framework; 
• Prepares and conducts presentations on role of the Branch for the Orientation programme;
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good presentation skills 
• Good oral and written communications skills 
• Team and results oriented 
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills 
• Good management skills 
• Integrity and professionalism  

Functional/Technical: 

• Experience with policy development, analysis and review 
• Knowledge of the legislation development process 
• Knowledge of and experience with environment and sustainable development issues
• General computer proficiency 
• Good judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent Negotiating skills 
• Knowledge and awareness of current developments and emerging issues with respect to environmental and sustainable development at the national, regional and international levels 
• Knowledge of environmental laws and treaties 
• Working knowledge of the operations of Government and the public service and non-governmental organizations 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Post Graduate Degree in Pure and Applied Sciences, Environmental Management or Science 
• Seven (7) years’ experience in a related capacity 
• Four (4) years’ experience in a management position 

Special Condition Associated with the Job

• Will be required to travel overseas occasionally to represent the Government of Jamaica at regional and international conferences and seminars 
• Work beyond usual working hours to meet close deadlines 
• No adverse working conditions 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.