JOB PURPOSE:
Under the general direction of the Deputy Financial Secretary – Corporate Planning and Administration Division, the Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations is responsible for the strategic management and direction of the internal and external communications, public relations and social media activities for the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MoFPS). The position supports and provides advice to the Ministers, Financial Secretary and Deputy Financial Secretaries. The Director also leads in the development and implementation of management strategies, responses to contentious media issues and the management of staff responsible for these functions throughout MoFPS.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical/Professional Responsibilities:
- Provides strategic leadership and direction to the Corporate Communications and PR Branch, enabling the provision of high quality media, public relations, communications, publications and social media;
- Leads and drives the development and delivery of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service’s media, communications and public relations strategies;
- Leads the definition, implementation and evaluation of an integrated Communication Plan for the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service that builds awareness of the organisation’s mandate and vision;
- Establishes and maintains a knowledge management system to facilitate continuity at each level of the corporate communications and public relations system;
- Oversees the development and manages the implementation of crisis communication strategies ensuring effective media management of sensitive and potentially adverse incidents;
- Counsels, advises and takes lead with the collaboration of the Financial Secretary and Executive Management Team to manage contentious and reputation issues attracting media attention;
- Oversees the establishment and maintenance of a high level corporate and public image for the MoFPS, including the use of social media to support community engagement and public branding;
- Leads the planning and development of the MoFPS’ website and social media presence to further promote the Ministry’s core functions and communicates with staff and the community;
- Identifies and assesses current issues relating to the MoFPS in the local and international media and determine appropriate and effective responses;
- Develops and implements stakeholder communications plans and media opportunities to advance the understanding and profile of MoFPS’ achievements and activities;
- Oversees the research and delivery of succinct, informative and accurate briefings, speeches, papers, correspondence and reports for the Ministers, the Financial Secretary, Deputy Financial Secretaries, and related Agencies/Departments;
- Oversees the design and production processes of organisational publications, including staff and community newsletters;
- Participates in the coordination of MoFPS’ official functions or events i.e. Ministerial/donor visits, openings, launches, etc;
- Works closely with the Ministers in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to identify opportunities to profile the Ministers involvement in the portfolio areas and coordinates the Ministers’ participation as required;
- Develops, fosters and maintains strategic working relationships with key stakeholders including media representatives, journalists, and industry representatives to inform, educate and provides support which aids the promotion of the MoFPS’ mandate;
- Oversees the development of forward media plans to assist the MoFPS maintaining a high and positive on-going community profile, including on-going media training;
- Keeps informed of developments in the corporate communications and public relations fields, government management and fiscal governance to help the Ministry operate with initiative and innovation.
Management/Administrative Responsibilities:
- Oversees the development of the Branch’s Corporate/Operational Plans, Budget and Individual Work Plans;
- Supervises preparation of reports to Deputy Financial Secretary – Corporate Services and other relevant stakeholders;
- Recommends participation of relevant Divisional Representatives at meetings,
- conferences, seminars and workshops;
- Attends Committee meetings and executes directives as necessary;
- Represents Deputy Financial Secretary – Corporate Services at meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars.
Human Resources Responsibilities
- Provides leadership 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 Branch 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.
Customer Service Responsibilities
- Establishes quality customer service principles, standards and measurements for the Branch;
- Liaises with senior stakeholders on key issues and provides expert and influential advice;
- Develops Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for all business processes;
- Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design;
- Ensures that the organisation’s systems, processes, policies and programmes respond to customer needs;
Other Responsibilities
- Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
- Excellent knowledge of the media & communication landscape
- Excellent knowledge of communication strategies and techniques
- Excellent knowledge of developing media campaigns and public relations strategies including design, implementation and evaluation against measurable business targets
- Ability to foster and maintain a good working relationship with the media
- Thorough understanding of the machinery of Government, political processes and the requirements of Ministers and other officials
- Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher
- Excellent interpersonal and team management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong customer relations skills
- Excellent planning and organizing skills
- Excellent judgment and decision making skills
- Ability to influence and motivate others
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s Degree in Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication, Public Relations or a related discipline;
- Five (5) years’ experience in a Media and communications environment, with at least three (3) years in management capacity;
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication, Public Relations or a related discipline;
- Eight (8) years’ experience in a Media and communications environment, with at least Four (4) years in management capacity.
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. May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.
We thank all applicants for the interest expressed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
