Registrar of Lands

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement exemplary processing of registration of land title, ensuring that applications and registration are processed and executed in accordance with the law and to agreed performance targets.
2. Carry out the duties, functions and responsibilities of the post of Registrar of Lands as stipulated in the Registered Land Ordinance, Stamp Duties Ordinance and any other applicable legislation.
3. Establish annual Business Plan for the Land Registry’s with performance indicators to guide the operations of the department.
4. Lead, direct, guide, supervise, mentor and motivate the staff of the Land Registry ensuring that work is conducted efficiently, transparently and in accordance with the Department’s goals and objectives.
5. Develop, oversee, monitor and evaluate, and report on the implementation of policies, procedures and standards for real property conveyancing and land title registration. 
6. Plan, implement, deliver and report on the Registry’s work programmes and projects, including budgeting, monitoring and evaluation of inputs and outputs.
7. Provide policy and professional advice to the Commissioner of Lands on matters relating to real property conveyancing and land title registration and matters related to the functions and responsibilities of the Registrar of Lands including recommendation for legal or procedural change, and matters incidental thereto.
8. Communicate proactively, in writing, electronically and verbally with colleagues, staff, and clients of the Land Registry to enable management transparency and the sharing of knowledge and information.
9. Contribute positively and proactively to the business and management culture of the Land Division working collectively with the senior management team.
10. Liaise with other agencies, nationally and internationally, including senior government officials, on relevant matters relating to real property conveyancing and land title registration.
11. Perform all the functions, duties and responsibilities of a senior manager including, but not limited to, decision-making, team-working, recruitment, staff performance appraisals, and proper Divisional management and administration.
12. Adhere to all Public Service codes, rules and regulations

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Creates and maintains a work environment that promotes commitment to tasks, motivation and productivity 
• Participates in selection of staff for the Registry
• Ensures the conduct of performance reviews
• Ensures relevant information is communicated to staff
• Ensures training and development needs are identified and steps taken to address them
• Prepares and submits reports to the Commissioner of Lands or otherwise as required

Technical/Professional Responsibilities:

• Investigates and registers dealings in land
• Investigates applications for and registers new Certificates of Title
• Maintains and services an index of caveats prohibiting the registration of dealings with lands on the Register
• Administers the registration Time Shares and Strata Titles in respect of subdivision of land into two or more strata
• Maintains a Register Book and related records to reflect the proprietorship of identifiable lands
• Certifies on behalf of the government the indefeasible ownership of land and other interests in land
• Formulates and recommends legislative amendments arising out of the operation of the Ordinances
• Formulates regulations under the Ordinances for promulgation by the Government
• Determines whether to admit of claims for payment of compensation arising out of errors of Registrar or officers in the department effecting registration
• Issues summons and examines persons interested in land to give explanations in respect of the land or any document of title related thereto
• Prepares cases for the opinion of the Attorney General or Court, as appropriate
• Formulates grounds of refusal to register instruments and appears before judges to substantiate such grounds
• Provides guidance to legal and paralegal staff in performance of technical and statutory duties.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other related duties assigned from time to time by the Commissioner of lands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications:       

• A professionally qualified Attorney-at-law licensed to practice in a British or Commonwealth jurisdiction
• A Bachelor's degree awarded from a recognized British or Commonwealth institution in law, property or estate management, land economics, surveying or other relevant field.
• Postgraduate qualification in law, property or estate management, land economics, surveying, management or related field
• Considerable and varied experience working in land administration and registration

Experience:                

• At least ten (10) years post-qualification experience in a conveyancing or title registration role, five (5) years of which must be with managerial responsibilities.

SALARY: Grade 10.1: $78,395.77 per annum plus allowances