WebsiteMinistry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries
The Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to be assigned to the post of:
Director, Policy, Research, Training and Development (GMG/SEG 4)– (Not Vacant)
Job Purpose
Under the supervision of the Registrar, the Director, Policy, Research, Training and Development is responsible for:
– The supervision of developmental and capacity building activities for all regulated entities in accordance with the Department’s mandate
– Managing all applications and processes for the registration of entities
– Managing the process of research and policy development for the Department
– Managing the implementation of Training activities for the staff of the Department
– Managing and giving direction to the Training and Promotional Programmes for the Department.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administration
Approves programmes of work for the staff;
Disseminates objectives, policies, rules and regulations of the Department to the staff;
Represents the Government and the Department at conferences, congresses and meetings locally, regionally and internationally;
Hosts and acts as facilitator at Strategic Planning Sessions of Societies to review performance, discuss problems and procedures and makes decisions for future action;
Monitors and reviews work programmes to meet changing policy directives;
Reviews and approves monthly, quarterly and annual reports for circulation;
Approves data collection, analysis and management Work Plans;
Approves new or revised policies and strategies generated from data collected to enhance the development and viability of the Movements.
Technical/Professional
Participates in the formulation of the Department’s Strategic Plan and Budget;
Approves and implements the Sections’ Operational and Strategic Plans within budget;
Ensures that National and Department policies, procedures and standards are interpreted; ensures that staff and external stakeholders are advised on objectives and priorities;
Provides technical advice to Registrar and Senior Managers on registration, research, policy developmental and training programmes;
Provides technical guidance and expertise in the assessment and development of all Societies;
Reports on issues discussed at Annual General and Committee Meetings to facilitate follow-up action received from officers and relevant feedback provided;
Coordinates and implements the Department’s Training and Promotional Programmes;
Monitors the applications process under the relevant acts regulated by the Department;
Conducts analysis of the training needs of staff, volunteers and membership of the Movements;
Conducts training and evaluation of groups seeking registration;
Recommends registration of entities under the relevant acts and regulations;
Coordinates Training Programmes for the Movements;
Designs and utilizes flow charts and questionnaires to assess the quality of Internal Control procedures;
Approves and manages the Internal Controls Systems to facilitate effectiveness and efficiency within Societies;
Liaises with Directors in matters pertaining to Audit, Accounting, Regulatory and Developmental programmes;
Liaises with training organizations at the local, regional and international levels offering Scholarships and Grants to facilitate development of staff;
Approves Research and Planning modalities for implementation in respect of the needs of the Department and the Movements;
Approves draft policies and internal controls for implementation within Societies for members to present and consider;
Assists Societies in obtaining maximum viability and efficiency through analytical reviews of Internal Control and Business Plans for:
– Trends, consistencies and adherence to standards
– Operating results in the light of prevailing environment and economic conditions;
Approves the Developmental Programmes for implementation within Societies;
Provides advice to Societies on various issues impacting operations;
Develops and maintains a system of control by obtaining and checking reports from Managers, Supervisors and other internal stakeholders to determine the status of work;
Recommends investigations into any known suspected incidences of fraud, defalcation and mismanagement and establish culpability where possible to protect the savings and investments of members within Societies;
Undertakes Lectures and hold Tutorials on management issues for staff of the Department, Managers, employees and volunteers of the Movements;
Attends Annual Special or General Members Meetings, as well as Committee of Management Meetings of Co-operative, Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies, in an instructive and advisory capacity, on matters concerning management parliamentary procedures, meeting protocols and compliance with the requisite acts, regulations and rules of these Societies;
Analyzes social and economic factors to facilitate sustained development of Societies;
Develops and disseminates information for public consumption which enhances the image of the Department and the Movements;
Attends retreats and planning sessions of Societies to assist Boards with development of Operational Plans, Strategic Programmes and Budgets;
Monitors the development and implementation of the Department’s ISO Programme;
Reviews and approves changes to the ISO Procedures under the control of the Section;
Reviews and approves reports or request on feasibility studies geared towards diversification and/or expansion of Societies into viable economic ventures and socially acceptable vehicles;
Receives Charities and Registered Charitable Organization (RCO) status;
Advises applicants of rejection under the Charities Act;
Advises the Registrar on all matters related to research, training and development of Department’s staff, entities regulated by the Department as well as groups seeking registration under the relevant acts.
Human Resource
Issues the necessary directives to staff to ensure adequate performance;
Provides guidance to staff through coaching, mentoring and training, as well as providing assistance and support;
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 Section 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;
Identifies and addresses the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Section;
Designs and promotes programme for career growth of the staff within the Department;
Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and communication to the Section’s and Organizational goals;
Implements programmes and processes to facilitate staff awareness and adherence to the policies, procedures and regulations of the Department, Ministry and Public Service Staff Orders;
Performs other related functions assigned from time to time by the Registrar.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core
Good oral and written communication skills
Good organizing, planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Strong customer and quality focus skills
Goal/results oriented
Good interpersonal, leadership and people management skills
Methodical
Ability to work in a team
Ability to use initiative
Strategic vision
Strong integrity
Good analytical thinking skills
Compliance
Good change management skills
Excellent use of technology
Excellent social and technical skills
Functional/Technical
Knowledge of the acts and regulations that the Department is mandated to oversee
Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
Sound knowledge of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies Principles
Proficient in relevant software applications
Knowledge of Project Management
High level of skill in planning, management and training
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
Master’s Degree in Management Studies, Public Administration, Teachers Diploma/VTDI Certificate or related discipline;
Two (2) years’ experience in a similar capacity;
OR
First Degree in Management Studies or related discipline;
Teachers Diploma/VTDI Certificate or related discipline;
Five (5) years’ experience in the field of Project Management and in addition three (3) years’ experience in Training Methodologies.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
Unfavourable working conditions at times;
Will be required to work on weekends;
Will be required to work outside the normal working hours in completing the work programme;
Will be required to travel island-wide to various Co-operative Societies, Charitable Organizations, Friendly Societies, Industrial and Provident Societies, Agriculture Loans Societies and Approved Organizations, Groups and another institution and internationally on occasions;
Must possess a valid Driver’s Licence and a reliable motor vehicle.
