Principal Director, Forest Science & Technology Services (Contract) (Level 9)

Principal Director, Forest Science & Technology Services (Contract) (Level 9)

Full Description:

Technical /Professional Responsibilities

·         Oversees the design, development and update of a national forest resources database;

·         Oversees the development of required GIS products and services for internal and external customers;

·         Oversees the production of all technical and scientific outputs legislatively required;

·         Directs the design and implementation of forest inventory programmes to include boundary verification as required;

·         Oversees the monitoring and documentation of land use/land cover changes in accordance with international standards;

·         Supervises the development of appropriate technical guidance to ensure the sustainable management and development of Jamaica’s forest resources;

·         Supervises the identification of indigenous /endangered forest species to facilitate their protection, conservation and propagation as needed;

·         Supervises the monitoring and evaluation programme(s) for all technical operations is created in accordance with established standards and guidelines;

·         Develops standard operational plans and manuals with approved performance standards and guidelines for all technical operations;

·         Produces a strategic applied scientific research program reflecting the priorities of the Agency and the GOJ with annual workplans identified and implemented;

·         Coordinates the production and publishing of scientific/technical reports and papers resulting from the Agency’s research programs;

·         Represents the Agency in technical fora as directed by the CEO;

·         Coordinates the provision of technical data/information to Agency’s communications teams for the development of products and services to all stakeholders in the forestry sector;

·         Ensures the timely delivery of information, advice, products and services from the Division

·         Collaborates with technical and scientific communities on matters related to sustainable forest management and conservation; and

·         Keeps abreast of developments and changes that may have significant impact on initiatives being taken to achieve sustainable forestry development and preservation.

Management/ Administrative Responsibilities

·         Participates in the development and implementation of the Agency's Strategic, Corporate and Operational Plans.

·         Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all functions within the Forest Science and Technology Division.

·         Leads the development of Divisional and supervises the development of Branch operational plans and budgets as required to optimize the use of resources provided to meet the objectives of the Division and Agency.

·         Ensures effective integration and collaboration among constituent functions.

·         Develops and monitors divisional work plans, budgets and performance targets.

·         Ensures that objectives of the Agency and Division are clearly defined and communicated to all its members.

·         Ensures effective management of resources within approved budget allocations.

·         Coordinates the monitoring and evaluation of divisional activities to ensure achievement of objectives, targets and outcomes;

·         Coordinates the preparation and submission of periodic management, governance and statutory reports.

·         Ensures compliance with Government policies, regulations, guidelines and Agency procedures.

·         Represents the Agency at local, regional and international meetings as directed by the CEO & Conservator of Forests.

·         Oversees the monitoring and evaluation of divisional programmes and initiatives.

·         Coordinates the development and review of policies, procedures and governance instruments.

·         Leads organizational change initiatives aimed at improving governance, operational effectiveness and workforce performance with the division.

·         Provides leadership in the identification, development and execution of special projects that support the Division’s mandate.

·         Assists with the formulation of long-term strategies, objectives and policies in support of the Agency’s mandate.

·         Provides support to the CEO & Conservator of Forests in his/her role as a member of committees/boards, represents the Agency and/or the Country at meetings/conferences and other any other functions as required.

·         Provides expert advice/technical support to achieve the Agency’s and national objectives for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and the development of the forest sector in Jamaica; and

·         Performs any other related duties assigned by the CEO & Conservator of Forests.

 Human Resources Responsibilities

·         Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Agency's Human Capital Management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.

·         Lead workforce planning, succession management, talent acquisition, retention, and employee engagement initiatives to ensure the Agency attracts, develops, and retains a high-performing workforce.

·         Supports recruitment, selection, onboarding, and separation processes in accordance with established human resource policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

·         Direct the implementation and monitoring of performance management systems, ensuring that performance standards, individual work plans, and accountability measures are established, aligned with organizational objectives, and consistently achieved.

·         Provide strategic oversight of employee and industrial relations matters within the Division, including discipline, grievance handling, conflict resolution, and the administration of disciplinary actions in accordance with relevant policies, legislation, and directives.

·         Ensure compliance with public sector human resource policies, labour laws, occupational health and safety requirements, and other applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks.

·         Foster a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture that promotes professionalism, teamwork, empowerment, service excellence, and employee commitment.

·         Lead learning and organizational development initiatives by identifying training needs and facilitating leadership development, coaching, mentoring, and capacity-building programmes both within the Division and across the Agency.

·         Manage the performance, welfare, and professional development of direct reports through performance appraisal, coaching, mentoring, feedback, and the recommendation of appropriate learning and development opportunities.

·         Promote employee well-being through the implementation and support of staff welfare, occupational health and safety, and employee wellness programmes.

·         Establish and maintain effective systems, policies, and practices that support employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and the achievement of divisional and Agency objectives.

·         Ensure that managers and employees adhere to established human resource policies, procedures, standards, and best practices across the Agency.; and

·         Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications:

Academic Qualification

•        Master's degree in Forestry/Environmental Management or related fields

•        Executive and/or Senior Management Development Training;

Experience

•        Minimum of Eight (8) years progressive senior management experience in forestry/environmental/natural resource management or a related field, including at least three (3) years in government environments.

•        Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams and organisational change initiatives.

•        Exposure to governance, risk management, internal audit, or regulatory compliance functions is required.

Route to Qualification: Candidates with fifteen (15) or more years of progressive senior management experience, demonstrating strategic leadership, change management, and cross-functional governance capability, may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.

Download Job Description