Director Property Management

The Director Property Management is in the Property and Real Estate Services Division of the Ministry of Public Administration. This Division has a mandate to provide office space and residential accommodation for Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) is charged with the task of partnering with other Government Ministries and Agencies to improve the quality of service provided to all citizens. The MPA is continually improving the way work is done in the Public Service so that government services can be brought closer to all citizens.

The MPA is seeking to fill the position of Director Property Management in the Property and Real Estate Services Division. This Division has a mandate to provide office space and residential accommodation in accordance with statutory, policy and user requirements for Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The Director will manage and direct the activities of the Division, including lease/rental; state-owned property management; acquisition and sales; property development; and financial functions of the Division, to ensure adherence to all policies under these areas.

Some key duties and responsibilities:

1. Lead the development of strategic plans, policies, procedures and systems for the work of the Division and oversee their implementation.
2. Plan and direct the work of the Division and formulates and implement appropriate training and development plans for staff.
3. Supervise, mentor and develop subordinate staff with respect to role and responsibilities, productivity and performance.
4. Develop an effective financial strategy, including budgeting, cost control, forecasted revenues and expenditures and revenue improvement strategies.
5. Manage the Division’s budget and oversee the preparation of the Annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.
6. Oversee the process of property identification for lease/rental by the State.
7. Examine building plans and blueprints and consuls with staff to determine/assess the extent of the clients’ property/building needs.
8. Lead and/or conduct negotiations on behalf of the State for the lease/rental of properties, and the acquisition of Government properties.
9. Lead regular engagement with stakeholders (Commissioner of State Lands, Commissioner of Valuations, Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Ministry of Works and Transport, and other agencies such as MTS, UDECOTT and NIPDEC).
10. Oversee the development of state-owned properties to optimise cost, time and performance.
11. Oversee the process of property acquisition; and the disposal of Government property in accordance with relevant legislation and/or policies.
12. Ensure the maintenance, janitorial and security arrangements for specified Government properties are effectively implemented.
13. Ensure that complaints made by tenants and other clients/stakeholders are investigated and resolved.
14. Oversee the management of the Property Management Information System (PMIS) and other relevant information systems.
15. Ensure that all expenses for Government properties are recorded.
16. Coordinate the legal framework for the assignment, lease, sale/disposal, acquisition, eviction and retrieval of Government properties under the purview of the Division.
17. Prepares Notes for Cabinet, reports, briefs, statistics, responses to Parliamentary Committees, and responses to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Development Planning, Land Management or Estate Management or a related discipline (with courses in areas such as Building Technology/Construction, Office Design/Layout, and Building Services and Maintenance).
2. Post Graduate qualifications in Project Management or Business Administration.
3. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a supervisory capacity.
4. A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in a property management environment.
5. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in negotiations.

Some Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Some knowledge of policy formulation, strategic planning, and project management.
2. Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies governing land and real property.
3. A good understanding of conveyancing law and contract law.
4. Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of real estate and property management.
5. Some knowledge of building design, the construction of buildings and the design and layout of offices/facilities.
6. Knowledge of survey/cadastral plans, engineering plans, blueprints, title documents and lease agreements.
7. Considerable knowledge in public sector principles, practices and procedures including public sector procurement procedures.
8. Some knowledge of budget preparation in accordance with the Financial Regulations.
9. Ability to lead the development of and/or develop/formulate strategic plans, policies, guidelines, procedures, and processes and oversee their implementation.
10. Ability to effectively manage, supervise, and motivate staff, evaluate performance, and provide training for the development of staff.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and clients.