Director General

Director General

The Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPEM) is seeking to fill the position of Director General.

The ODPEM is the National Disaster Organization responsible for disaster management in Jamaica. It is charged with the responsibility to advance disaster preparedness and emergency management measures by facilitating and coordinating the development and implementation of integrated disaster management systems, instituting measures as may be necessary for mitigating disasters and taking action to reduce the impact of disasters and emergencies on the Jamaican population and its economy. The organization operates the National Emergency Operations Center and plays a coordinating role in the execution of emergency response and relief operations in major disaster events. 

The Director General (DG) provides strategic leadership in managing the operations of ODPEM consistent with government policy priorities and its mandate to advance disaster preparedness consistent with Government policy priorities and its mandate to advance disaster preparedness and emergency management measures nationally. Critical to the functions of the position are its role:

• As advisor to the government on disaster management.
• To coordinate the general policy of the government relating to the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from, emergency situations and disasters.
• To establish, maintain and manage mutual assistance and cooperation agreements and arrangements within and outside of Jamaica

The DG is an ex officio member of the Board of Management and serves as Secretary to the National Disaster Risk Management (NDRMC).

The successful candidate will ensure that:

• ODPEM’s Strategic direction, policies and programs are consistent with the mandate, national policy priorities and direction are reviewed in a timely manner to meet the corporate objectives at all times.
• Corporate and personal targets and objectives are consistently met.
• Directions provided to the organization’s general business objectives are consistent and demonstrate knowledge of the business
• Sound leadership is demonstrated in all areas of responsibility
• Recommendations/advice provided to the Board of Management, the NDRMC, the parent Ministry and direct reports are consistent, sound and reliable.
• Employee engagement and satisfaction rates are maintained in the established range
• ODPEM’s corporate image among its partners, stakeholders, business associates and the general public is at all times maintained at a positive level
• Professionalism and integrity are consistently demonstrated in personal and business affairs.

Required competences:

• Strategic Leadership
• Goal driven results and accountability
• People Leadership
• Building sustainable relationships
• Effective communications skills

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Business Administration at Master’s level
• Knowledge of the PBMA, and FAA acts
• Knowledge of disaster management or related level is an asset
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in an executive leadership position in the public or private sector