Public Relations Officer

Public Relations Officer

JOB PURPOSE

Under the general direction of the Manager, Public Relations, the Public Relations Officer is responsible for providing assistance and support to the development, implementation and evaluation of the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce (MIIC) public relations plans, programmes and strategies.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Public Relations activities and events planned and executed.
• Enquires from the public responded to.
• Communications content researched/drafted.
• Community/Public Relations fostered.
• Technical Advice and Recommendation provided.
• Annual/Quarterly/Monthly/Periodic Reports prepared.
• Individual Work Plan developed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Assists the Manager, Public Relations, in planning, coordinating, and executing Public Relations activities and events to promote a positive image of the Ministry.
• Researches and drafts speeches for senior executives in the Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce;
• Assists with writing and distributing news releases announcing important Ministry information and events.
• Responds to enquiries from the public, media and other organizations.
• Proofreads print and broadcast copy of communication for grammatical and typographical errors.
• Coordinates mass-mailings of internal and external communication materials.
• Organizes and represents the Ministry at events including Press Conferences and launches, exhibitions, open days, functions and press tours etc;
• Maintains professional and effective working relationships with the media, civic communities and other interest groups.
• Liaises with the Jamaica Information Service to secure special services such as airtime, photography, multimedia projection, etc;
• Arranges interviews with journalists and professional photo shoots for media publications and records special events.
• Assists in planning and executing external opinion surveys, including design & administration, as well as the collation and evaluation of feedback;
• Assists with the updating and maintenance of the Ministry’s online calendar of events.
• Monitors the print, electronic and news media, and develops strategies for dealing with topical issues relevant to area of responsibility.
• Maintains the MIIC electronic photographic archives.
• • Observes and reports on social, economic, and political trends that might impact the organization’s public relations strategy.
  • Keeps abreast of the new methods and developments in Public Relations, especially in the context of the Public Service.

   

  Management/Administrative Responsibilities

  • Contributes to the development of the Branch’s Strategic and Operational Plan and Budget;
  • Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Branch’s Plan; 
  • Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required; 
  • Prepares reports and project documents as required; 
  • Prepares and delivers Media & Communications related presentations as needed. 

   

  Customer Service Responsibilities

  • Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements. 
  • Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design. 
  • Ensures critical success factors are identified and meets expectations.
  • Prepares quarterly and/or annually Customer Service reports in accordance with established standards.

   

  Other Responsibilities

  • Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time.

   

  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

  • Public Relations activities and events are planned and executed efficiently and effectively and with maximum impact.
  • Public Relations documents are evidence-based, accurate and produced in agreed timeframes.
  • Tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and professionalism are exhibited in interacting with the public and media.
  • Positive community relations are fostered through public relations programmes, including involvement in community initiatives.
  • Image of the Ministry is promoted and enhanced.
  • Technical advice and recommendations provided are sound and supported by qualitative/quantitative data.
  • Work plans conform to established procedures and implemented accorded to establish rules.
  • Reports are evidence-based and submitted in a timely manner.
  • Confidentiality, integrity and professionalism displayed in the delivery of duties and interaction with staff.
  1. 1.       AUTHORITY
  • Recommends improvements to the public relations processes.

  REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

  Core

  • Excellent interpersonal and team management skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong customer relations skills
  • Excellent planning and organizing skills
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making skills
  • Ability to influence and motivate others
  • Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

   

     Technical

  • Good oral and written communications skills
  • Good research, analytical and storytelling skills
  • Knowledge of grammar usage and editorial style guidelines
  • Ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while balancing competing priorities and managing multiple assignments
  • Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher 

   

  MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication, or a related discipline.
  • Two (2) years’ experience in a Public Relations/Media and communications environment.

   

  SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

  • Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software. 
  • The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions.
  • May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.