Director, Employee Relations, Health, Safety and Wellbeing (GMG/SEG 3)

Summary

Reporting to the Director, Human Resource Management and Development, the Director, Employee Relations, Health, Safety and Wellbeing 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. 💰$5,198,035 - $6,990,779 per annum

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;

• Other:

  • • 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 Skills

• Core:

  • • Good oral and written communication skills
  • • Customer and quality focus
  • • Teamwork and co-operation
  • • Integrity
  • • Compliance
  • • Good interpersonal skills
  • • Strategic vision
  • • Analytical thinking
  • • Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • • Impact and Influence
  • • Ability to use own initiative
  • • Good planning and organizing skills
  • • Goal/result oriented
  • • Good leadership skills
  • • Change management

• Technical:

  • • 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

Qualifications

• • First Degree in Human Resource Management, Management Studies, Labour and Employment Relations or similar discipline;
• • Professional courses/training in employee relations and/or industrial relations;
• • Four (4) years’ experience and track record in planning and delivery of employee and industrial relations initiatives, two (2) of which should be in a supervisory position.

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Condition Associated with the Job:

  • • May be required to work beyond regular working hours.

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Thursday, 20th March, 2025 to: The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport PCJ Building, 36 Trafalgar Road Kingston 10 ✉️ Email: hr@mtw.gov.jm ℹ️ Subject: Director, Employee Relations, Health, Safety and Wellbeing (GMG/SEG 3) ⚠️ Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applications should include the names and positions of two (2) senior persons who can provide a character and work-related reference. Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

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