Director, Employee Relations, Occupational Health and Safety GMG/SEG 3 (Band 9)

Salary Range: $5,198,035 - $6,990,779 per annum

JOB PURPOSE

Under the general direction of the Director, Human Resource Management and Development, the Director, Employee Relations, Occupational Health and Safety is responsible for developing and implementing employee relations, occupational health and safety policies and welfare strategies which are designed to motivate staff to meet the Ministry’s strategic needs. The Director is also responsible for the management of discipline and grievance and is required to foster and promote a harmonious industrial relations climate, while enabling employees to be productive, healthy and safe. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS 

Management/Administration Responsibilities 

• Participates in the preparation and monitoring of the Division’s operational plan and budget, ensuring that the work of the Division is carried out according to agreed plans and targets;
• Participates in the development/review and implementation of Human Resource Policies/Plans;
• Develops an Employee Welfare plan and budget for the Ministry;
• Provides advice, guidance and interpretation on and of government policies and guidelines available to the Ministry and its agencies;
• Leads and directs the operations and staff of the Employee Relations and Welfare Section, developing appropriate work programmes/projects/meeting to achieve the objectives of the HRMD Division;
• Provides support for all Human Resource policies and programmes within the Ministry by participating in formal and informal training programmes particularly for delegated functions;
• Prepares and submits reports, position papers, and other documents as required;
• Attends meetings and represents the Division/Ministry at conferences, seminars and other fora as required.

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Provides advice to the Permanent Secretary and other Senior Directors through the Director, Human Resource Management and Development on industrial relations, benefits, pensions and staff welfare issues; and provides direction in the revision of employee welfare programmes;
• Develops and coordinates the implementation of the disciplinary policy;
• Administers and monitors compliance of the disciplinary policy;
• Coordinates the establishment of a Disciplinary Committee;
• Develops and coordinates the implementation of the Code of Conduct/Dress Code; 
• Administers and monitors compliance of the Code of Conduct/Dress Code;
• Manages the grievance and disciplinary processes of the Ministry ensuring consistency and fairness; facilitates the effective management of conflict by promoting the balancing of diverse interests and abilities of employees with the needs and goals of the organisation;
• Develops Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies for the Ministry and promotes positive attitudes towards employee health, safety and wellbeing at work;
• Recommends strategies which will promote a healthy and proactive employee relations climate;
• Develops and maintains an employee relations strategy that will foster and enhance cooperation, unity and fairness within the Ministry;
• Designs and implements systems and procedures as required to deal with employee related issues;
• Coordinates the establishment of a Welfare Committee and monitors all staff welfare programmes;
• Identifies factors that may affect staff wellbeing and productivity and devises ways to mitigate same;
• Reviews current policies, practices and cultural attitudes to promote a harmonious working environment;
• Provides guidance and advice as required by managers and staff about the disciplinary processes, procedures and policies;
• Manages the maintenance of Period of Service Records;
• Manages the pension administration processes and the maintenance of the Public Employees’ Pension Administration System (PEPAS);
• Prepares submissions to the Human Resource Executive Committee (HREC);
• Develops and implements a programme for staff separated or likely to be separated as a result of retirement and the Government of Jamaica modernisation programme;
• Investigates matters affecting staff and makes recommendations in relation to the following:-
  o Employee Relation
  o Health and Safety
  o Welfare and Wellbeing
• Coordinates in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Unit, sensitisation sessions to inform staff about health and good practices at the work place;
• Offers information and provides counselling support to staff;
• Liaises with the Public Sector Employee Assistance Programme and other relevant bodies and make referrals;
• Keeps abreast of current and emerging employee relations trends and best practices and utilises them for continuous improvement of the overall human capital development within the Ministry.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

Technical

• Excellent knowledge of the Labour Laws of Jamaica, the Public Service Regulations, Staff Orders for the Public Service, Delegations of functions and other Government of Jamaica policies and procedures
• Good mediation/negotiations/conflict resolution skills
• Good Customer and Quality Focus
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer applications and systems

Core

• Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Analytical Skills
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Initiative
• Planning and Organising
• Integrity
• Interpersonal Skills

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Management Studies or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution
• Training in Industrial Relations and Conflict Management
• Training in Occupational Health and Wellbeing
• Training in Events Management/Planning
• Training in Supervisory Management/Human Resource Management
• At least five (5) years’ experience in human resource management preferable within the public sector

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Tuesday, July 9, 2024 to: 

Director, Human Resource Management and Development Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport 

4-6 Trafalgar Road
Kingston 5 

We thank all applicants for their expressions of interest, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.