Public Relations Officer

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Director Public Relations, the incumbent creates, organizes, implements and monitors Public Relations and Communications initiatives for the Authority. Responsibility is also exercised for promoting the Authority’s policies, programmes, services and activities to enrich its image. 

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Manager, Public Relations on the design, development and execution of the Authority’s public relations, public education, promotional and outreach programmes;
• Develops networking arrangements and linkages with the media, representatives of the fisheries communities and associations, Private and Public Sector; 
• Interprets policies, policy guidelines and procedural decisions and ensures that regulations are properly applied; 
• Investigates complaints and monitors operations generally and recommends to the Manager, proposed changes to work programmes or makes necessary changes, as required;
• Implements the Authority’s Public Education Programmes, utilizing the mass media and public fora to foster greater understanding and public awareness of the Ministry’s objectives and policies;
• Develops communication initiatives for radio, television and print media in consultation with the Jamaica Information Agencies; 
• Prepares and disseminates information to the media, Public and Private organizations and the general public; 
• Develops and disseminates the NFA’s periodicals and other publications; 
• Develops and implements effective communication strategies to sensitize staff about policy decisions, activities and developments within the Ministry; 
• Organizes press briefings and conferences and other special events on behalf of the Ministry;
• Prepares speeches for various focal persons; 
• Participates in the development of the Authority’s communications policy; 
• Participates in the development and implementation of the Authority’s Public Relations Programme; 
• Assists with formulation and implementation of public education programmes for the Authority;
• Participates in the planning and organizing of major events hosted by the Authority;
• Conducts research and writes scripts for production of videos of the NFA’s programmes and events;
• Writes media advisories and assists with arrangements for media coverage of sector/Agency related events; 
• Conducts research and writes scripts for radio programmes for NFA’s achievements and developments within the Fisheries Sector; 
• Assists with arrangements for the hosting of news conferences and media tours;
• Assists with the production of radio programmes for the Authority; 
• Writes briefs for CEO and team for Radio/TV interviews to discuss the Authority’s achievements;
• Interviews NFA officials and fisheries stakeholders on a regular basis, to facilitate the production of news stories for the print and electronic media; 
• Provides updates for the audio and video clips segment of the NFA’s Website;
• Responds to emailed requests to the PR Unit for information on fisheries related issues;
• Assists with writing and editing of the Authority’s Annual Report; 
• Promotes adherence to the Authority’s policies, regulations and standards; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time assigned by the Manager. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Strong oral and written communication skills; 
• Good interpersonal and people management skills; 
• Sound knowledge of research methods and data analyses; 
• Strong innovative skills; 
• Strong analytical, problem solving and organizing skills; 
• Strong planning and decision-making skills; 
• Ability to work with a team; 
• Ability to think creatively and work independently; 
• Ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement; 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications and preventative aids. 

Technical: 

• Good knowledge of the Fisheries Act 2018 and related legislation, policies and guidelines;
• Excellent knowledge of public relations and communications strategies, approaches, tools and methodologies; 
• Sound knowledge of Government’s communication policies and protocols; 
• Knowledge of the challenges and issues facing the Fisheries Sector; 
• Knowledge of the local media landscape. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications, Journalism or equivalent qualification;
• Specialized training in Public Relations and Communication; 
• Two (2) years’ experience in a comparable working environment. 

OR 

• Associate Degree in Mass Communications, Journalism or equivalent qualification;
• Specialized training in Public Relations and Communication; 
• Four (4) years’ experience in a comparable working environment. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work outside of normal working hours, including weekends and public holidays; 
• The working environment may be stressful at times.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted