Director, Industrial Relations (GMG/SEG 1)

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Development, the Director, Industrial Relations is responsible for managing the Industrial Relations functions by:

• Developing policies and policy guidelines and ensuring that adherence to;
• Undertaking research and keeping abreast of trends and developments in the field;
• Ensuring that the development of strategies and programmes are designed to maintain good Labour Relations between management, staff and trade unions/staff association;
• Providing leadership by participating as a member of the negotiating team dealing with Collective Bargaining and other Industrial Relations matters; 
• Acting as the Ministry’s Chief Advisor on Industrial Relations matters. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Exercises responsibility for the development of policy and policy guidelines;
• Represents the Ministry at meetings, seminars and conferences on Industrial Relations and related matters; 
• Writes a variety of reports, papers and briefs and submits to the Permanent Secretary or presents at meetings, seminars and workshops; 
• Participates in meetings with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service’s Industrial Relations Unit, Statutory Bodies and Agencies, in Union negotiations on behalf of staff members; 
• Provides leadership to, and participates as a member of the Negotiating Team dealing with Collective Bargaining and other Industrial Relations matters; 
• Acts as the Ministry’s Chief Advisor on Industrial Relations Matters; 
• Provides counselling to members of staff on Human Resource and Industrial Relations issues;
• Provides technical advice/guidance on Industrial Relations matters to Directors, Managers, Heads of Divisions/Department, Agencies and Statutory Bodies; 
• Reviews and makes recommendations to the Permanent Secretary, through Senior Director, HRM&D, on claim submissions and all matters relating to discipline of employees;
• Ensures the design, development and management of strategies and programmes to maintain harmonious Labour Relations between management, staff and Trade Unions/Staff Associations; 
• Represents the Ministry at Boards of Enquiry and meetings on wages, salaries and fringe benefits; 
• Collaborates in the review and justification of alternative Industrial Relations strategies to be adopted, often at short notice; participates in establishing norms and developing accurate indicators for measuring effectiveness; 
• Monitors and manages the Ministry’s Aftercare Programme. 

Technical: 

• Co-ordinates disciplinary proceedings and sees to the implementation of recommendations and findings; 
• Investigates causes of disputes and circumstances relating to work stoppages and other forms of labour unrest and devise, recommends and implements appropriate corrective action; 
• Undertakes background work and research on Industrial Relations issues and, when approved, sees to their adherence; 
• Communicates all relevant information acquired to the Ministry, in order to influence planning and decision making; 
• Interprets information for the benefit of line managers and offer consultations to the Ministry’s officials, the public and employees as requested; 
• Co-ordinates and monitors Staff Welfare Programmes; 
• Conducts interviews with employees who are involved in disputes and those with grievances;
• Investigates complaints regarding salary, working conditions; 
• Interprets Government’s policy on Industrial Relations, discipline, leave, pensions and post reclassification; 
• Prepares and issues warning letters; 
• Ensures acceptance and implementation of the Staff Orders and Government Regulations, which are designed to facilitate mutual responsibility and respect; 
• Liaises with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service on matters relating to salary, allowances, negotiations and Government Industrial Relations policies; 
• Ensures that members of staff of the Ministry and relevant Agencies and bodies are aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures and regulations of Government and the Ministry;
• Provides guidance to members of staff through counseling or refers them to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Employee Assistance Programme; 
• Provides leadership to staff through maintaining staff morale; 
• Prepares reports and Minutes for submissions to the Office of the Services Commissions, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; Disciplinary Committee Members;
• Participates as a member of the Disciplinary Committee and prepares submission on all cases to Office of the Services Commissions; 
• Costs all claims and prepares Budget for claims submitted by relevant bodies and submits to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; 
• Prepares Budget for termination and abolition of post exercise, for submission to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; 
• Negotiates salaries and fringe benefits for employees of the Ministry and relevant bodies affiliated with the Ministry; 
• Monitors and submits report on the performance of officers against whom disciplinary action was instituted; 
• Investigates and makes recommendations on matters relating to disputes, grievances, legal and medical matters; 
• Verifies, computes and submits claims for Uniform and Tailoring allowances for the relevant officers; 
• Liaises with Human Resource Managers and Heads of Department/Agencies/Statutory Agencies to obtain information and clarifications and to provide advice and recommendations;
• Functions as a team member in developments in Industrial/Labour Relations field by:
  • Maintaining a network with other organizations through Industrial Relations/Human Resource Specialists and Line Managers; 
  • Attending the relevant seminars. 

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 Division/Unit and recommends transfer, promotions, termination and leave in accordance with the established Human Resource policies and procedures; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division/Unit are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals. 

Other: 

• Attends meeting at the Ministry of Labour for the grant of Work Permit approvals; Performs other related duties from time to time as instructed by the Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Development. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Methodical 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 
• Managing partners 
• Managing the client interface 
• Excellent leadership skills 
• Good analytical and decision-making skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 

Technical: 

• Excellent knowledge of the Grievance Process 
• Excellent knowledge of the Industrial Relations policies 
• Excellent knowledge of the Jamaican Labour Laws 
• Excellent negotiating skills 
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) in Business Administration, Public Administration or Human Resource Management; 
• Successful completion of recognized training in Industrial Relations; 
• Three (3) years’ working experience in the field of Industrial Relations. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

• Exposure to highly confidential and sensitive information; 
• Expected to demonstrate high level of integrity and professionalism; 
• Critical deadlines to meet; 
• Islandwide traveling; 
• Exposure to aggressive behaviour.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.