Job Purpose
Reporting to the Director, Human Resource Management and Development, the incumbent has responsibility for managing industrial relations issues, designing and implementing social and welfare programmes to facilitate a harmonious working environment. The officer is also responsible for promoting and implementing occupational health and safety standards within the Ministry, thus fostering a safer and healthier work environment
Key Responsibilities
Administrative/Managerial:
- Contributes to the development and implementation of the Branch’s Business/Strategic and Operational Plans and Budget;
- Plans, directs and monitors the work of the Employee Relations, Occupational Health and Wellness Unit, by ensuring that direct reports’ Individual Work Plans are prepared;
- Manages the daily operations of the Unit to consistently provide a high level of service to clients;
- Prepares and submits activity/performance and other reports as directed;
- Represents the Ministry at meetings/conferences and other fora as directed;
- Provides guidance/advice to the Director, HRMD and other personnel on matters under purview;
- Administers policies and programmes, ensuring consistency, equity and the maintenance of good Human Resources practices;
- Keeps abreast of trends and changes in Employee Relations and Wellbeing and makes recommendations for their adoption, where necessary, to enhance the Branch’s Human Resource service delivery.
- Disseminates information to staff on changes in the relevant Acts, Regulations, Codes and Laws;
Technical/Professional:
- Develops, delivers and maintains a business focused employee relations strategy that meets the needs of staff and the organization;
- Designs and implements systems and procedures, as required, to deal with employee related issues in the Ministry;
- Monitors the implementation of labour relations strategies to ensure organizational compliance with relevant legislation, industrial instruments, organization and Government policy;
- Develops, maintains and co-ordinates the implementation of the following policies for the Ministry:
- Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
- Dress code
- Punctuality
- Health and Safety
- Co-ordinates welfare committee and takes lead responsibility for promoting and engaging staff to be involved in activities from which they will benefit;
- Co-ordinates the establishment of a Disciplinary Committee as required;
- Engages and works with the Director, HRM&D and other senior personnel to provide support in a range of situations, such as recruitment, planning, customer care, managing employees’ absence, performance and quality, to help the organization grow and develop;
- Identifies potential impact of workplace stresses and devices ways to mitigate same;
- Reviews current policies, practices and cultural attitudes and makes recommendations to improve/promote a harmonious working environment;
- Organises resource persons and arranges sessions to motivate staff and inform them about health and safety issues;
- Ensures the registration of new employees on Health Insurance Plan
- Liaises with representatives of Health Insurance Company on behalf of staff;
- Co-ordinates arrangements for medical examination of permanently appointed staff members;
- Ensures that arrangements for medical board examination for staff on extended sick leave are made;
- Manages the process of recognizing employees who are eligible for long service awards and recognition awards;
- Assists in the conducting of workshops and seminars to inform and teach employees about good practices at the work place;
- Develops, drives and oversees employee relations initiatives which will foster and enhance co-operation, unity and fairness within the Ministry;
- Manages the administration of the Disciplinary and Grievance processes;
- Maintains accurate records and prepares reports for appropriate action;
- Ensures that counselling is provided for staff, as required, by liaising with Public Sector Employee Assistance Programme and other relevant bodies and make referrals;
- Researches, interprets and reports on staff relations with a view to resolve any challenges;
- Prepares reports using records of actions taken on grievance, arbitration and mediation cases and related labour relation to identify problem areas;
- Provides guidance and advice as required and requested by managers and staff about the disciplinary processes, procedures and policies;
- Ensures the effective and efficient administration of benefits, inclusive of pension, compensation and leave administration;
- Ensures that employees are sensitized on Occupational Health and Safety matters, work-life balance practices, disaster management and other current issues;
- Ensures the effective co-ordination of health, welfare and social activities for the Ministry;
- Ensures that mechanisms are developed to manage Occupational Health and Safety issues and other job-related injuries that may occur;
- Contributes to the Ministry’s Disaster Management Plan;
Human Resource:
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance evaluation reports and recommends corrective action, as necessary;
- Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Ministry;
- Provides guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
- Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Branch’s goals;
- Assists with the orientation of staff;
- Participates in the development/review of Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual;
- Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Customer and quality focus
- Teamwork and co-operation
- Integrity
- Compliance
- Interpersonal skills
- Change management
- Goal/result oriented
Technical:
- Strategic vision
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving and decision making
- Impact and Influence
- Initiative
- Planning and organizing
- Leadership
- Use of technology - Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications (Microsoft Office)
- Excellent knowledge of Labour Laws and Industrial Relations practices;
- Excellent knowledge of rules, regulations and guidelines related to health and safety in Jamaica;
- Considerable knowledge of modern occupational health and safety best practices and policies
- Excellent knowledge of Public Service Regulations and Staff Orders;
- Strong consultative competencies in guiding communication approaches in support of executive leaders and business strategy;
- Ability to prioritize amongst conflicting demands and make rational decisions based on sound understanding of the facts in limited time;
- Ability to manage limited resources in order to achieve challenging output targets.
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Management Studies, Labour & Employment Relations or similar discipline
- Professional courses/training in Employee Relations and/or Industrial Relations
- Minimum of four (4) years’ working experience and track record in Planning and Delivery of Employee and Industrial Relations Initiatives, two (2) of which should be in a supervisory position
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- May be required to work beyond regular working hours.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
