Senior Director, MSME

Under the general direction of the Chief Technical Director (GMG/CTD 1), the Senior Director, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (GMG/SEG 5) coordinates, manages and leads the development of a strategic and comprehensive framework and programme for the development of the MSME sector.

Under the general direction of the Chief Technical Director (GMG/CTD 1), the Senior Director, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (GMG/SEG 5) coordinates, manages and leads the development of a strategic and comprehensive framework and programme for the development of the MSME sector.

Responsibility is exercised for the design, development, coordination, implementation and monitoring of a cohesive MSME policy and planning framework with effective policies, policy guidelines, policy review, plans, strategies, legislation, projects and programmes to create an enabling business environment for the growth and development of the MSMES.

The post provides specialist advice to the Hon. Minister, MIIC, Permanent Secretary and Chief Technical Director on all matters of MSME policy and the operation and development of the MSME sector. There is the requirement to formulate technical papers, cabinet submissions and notes, documents and other information as requested and to represent the ministry at negotiations, strategic discussions, meetings, seminars, conferences at local, regional and international fora as required.

• Policy and planning framework established and developed.
• Effective policy and planning documents developed, implemented and reviewed as required.
• Divisional programmes, projects, plans and budgets.
• Approved and documented policies, procedures and policy guidelines.
• Industry monitoring and reporting framework established and reviewed as required.
• Specialist and technical advice, papers and recommendations provided promptly and to a high standard.
• Monitoring systems established for assigned agencies.
• Cabinet Submissions, Cabinet Notes, position papers and negotiating briefs, Briefs and Ministry papers produced.
• Strategic operational and technical work plans, business plans and project proposals developed, implemented and monitored.
• Technical analyses and recommendations, feasibility studies, projects, programmes and various initiatives developed and implemented.
• Consultancies and professional services assessed and approved.
• Legislative Reform in the MSME portfolio.
• Procedural manuals developed and maintained.
• Efficient, motivated, productive, skilled and competent divisional team in place.
• Steering committees, working teams, consultations, negotiations, effective and successful coordinated seminars, meetings and workshops.
• Communications and working relationships with stakeholders strengthened and maintained and advice and guidance readily available.
• High quality service provided.
• Effective leadership/participation as required on inter-Ministerial and intra Ministerial sector policy.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

            Management and Administrative Responsibilities

• Establishes priorities, develops long range plans and provides the overall vision and leadership in guiding staff.
• Creates the policy, planning management and research framework necessary to promote the use of best practices and the incorporation of the cutting-edge trends and developments to support and grow the MSME sector in a structured and deliberate fashion.
• Develops policy guidelines and plans to accelerate the efficiency and effectiveness of the Division and provides the strategic environment for the achievement of the Division's objectives and targets.
• Develops and presents for approval, technical reports, feasibility and other studies, plans, budgets, projects, programmes to enhance and strengthen the MSME sector.
• Leads the development and oversees the implementation of the divisional, strategic and operational planning and budgeting processes and ensures that effective monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to facilitate implementation.
• As a member of the Board of Directors of agencies within MIIC, provides liaison between MIIC and those agencies.
• Liaises with a range of stakeholders including heads of private and public sector organizations, staff in stakeholder ministries, agencies and departments regarding projects, programmes, legislation and other issues.
• Leads on the activities related to MSME related projects and programmes.
• Monitors the Division's contribution to the Ministry's legislation programme.
• Oversees the timely updating of the Divisional procedural manual.
• Develops and maintains appropriate partnerships with officials of local, regional and international organizations and represents the ministry at local, regional and international meetings, conferences, seminars and other fora.
• Formulates and presents speeches, papers, documents and information as requested.
• Trains, motivates and leads a highly efficient and effective MSME team.

             Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Keeps abreast of best practices and developments in local and foreign markets to guide the development of new industries.
• Continuously scans the internal and external environment to identify opportunities and initiatives and coordinates the formulation of policies and planning instruments to effectively address the needs of the MSME sector to ensure policy coherence.
• Liaises with the Hon. Minister, PS, CTD on the development and implementation of policies and leads the conceptualization, planning, development and implementation of an appropriate commercial policy and procedural framework, related MSME policies, plans, projects, programmes and maintains a system of monitoring, review and revision.
• Guides the rigorous analyses of MSME policies and programmes and facilitates stakeholders' input into the policy development process through various fora.
• Designs and implements linkage programmes with other sectors of the economy and negotiates partnership agreements with private and public sector bodies regarding MSME related programmes and initiatives.
• Oversees the development of research, technical papers, feasibility studies, speeches and releases, Cabinet Submissions and Briefs and manages the development of methodologies, strategies, proposals and programmes to enhance the sector.
• Develops and manages relationships, consultations, policy interventions and collaborative programmes with key private stakeholders and partners and with local and international agencies and encourages mechanisms that promote wide participation in the decision-making process to facilitate participation and gain consensus.
• Provides technical advice on MSME policy and related issues and ensures the development, implementation and maintenance of a communication and information system that facilitates transparent, timely and accessible communication with key stakeholders across the sector and the general public.
• Develops terms of reference, project framework and related background data for special projects, programmes, technical assistance and short-term consultancies and manages project staff and consultants.
• Supervises the Consultant under the MSME Policy Project and oversees the execution and implementation of the MSME policy.
• Oversees the development of project proposals and represents the Ministry at national, bilateral and multilateral meetings dealing with MSME.
• Participates in negotiations with international agencies for funding and other partnership arrangements. Ensures that the reporting requirements of all stakeholders/partners are met.
• Oversees the development of systems and structures designed to strengthen networking and provides support to the assigned agencies.
• Supervises the development of Cabinet Submissions, Notes and papers and submits to the Cabinet Office within the required format and prescribed timeframe.
• Leads the preparation and execution of the corporate operational and strategic business plans.
• Leads on trade concerns of the MSME sector and deals with related high-level negotiations and discussions.
• Negotiates partnership agreements with private and public sector bodies.
• Maintains ongoing interface with local and overseas institutions, coordinates consultancies with sector interests and ensures that the necessary discussions and policy recommendations are formulated.
• Represents the Ministry at national, regional and multilateral meetings dealing with MSME related issues.
• Reviews complaints, letters and reports submitted to the Division, investigates as required and takes appropriate action.

 HUMAN RESOURCES RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides guidance to staff through coaching, mentoring, training and development initiatives.
• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and /or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance in attaining established personal and organizational goals
• Participates in the recruitment of project staff and line staff for the division
• Recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave for line staff in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.
• In collaboration with the Human Resource Department, develops and implements a succession planning programme for the Division to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the division
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching
• Ensures that the welfare and development needs of staff in the division are clearly identified and addressed.
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Ministry’s goals.
• Represents the staff at senior management and other meetings and ensures effective communication of information on their behalf.

 OTHER

• Keeps abreast of trends and changes in the market to ensure proper planning and policy development. Makes recommendations for adjustment, where necessary in the Ministry’s policy framework.
• Researches, Formulates and presents speeches, lectures, presentations at conferences, seminars, workshops and other fora.
• Represents the Minister and/or Permanent Secretary as directed.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the Permanent Secretary from time to time

 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Strategic direction of the MSME Division is aligned to Government's overall policies, objectives and that the vision, mission and objectives are clear and articulated to staff, other stakeholders and the general public.
• Advice to the Hon. Minister, PS, CTD is based on well researched facts and provided within agreed timeframes.
• Policy recommendations are well researched, results focused and support the strategic objectives of the Government of Jamaica.
• Approved policies are implemented within agreed timeframes, in accordance with implementation plan and expected results achieved.
• Established divisional and personal targets are achieved.
• Confidentiality, integrity, performance and decorum are displayed.
• Strategic, operational and financial plans are documented, completed within established timeframe and synchronized.
• Performance standards are realistic and achievable.
• All operating guidelines, policies and procedures are documented and current.
• Market forecasts are conducted in a timely manner and incorporated in the planning process.
• Cost effective, appropriate and timely responses are provided to resolve technical and operational problems.
• Satisfactory resolution of disputes/issues involving agencies and external stakeholders.
• High ethical standards are maintained in all areas of conduct.
• Reports are accurate and submitted within established time frame.
• Projects are successfully implemented.

 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

• Cabinet submissions & Cabinet notes reflecting the ministry’s policy position within government timelines and the agreed timeframe
• Technical papers and analyses of policy matters are prepared promptly, proactively and address all major issues in keeping with agreed timelines
• National, regional and international industrial trend analysis prepared within agreed timelines.
• Quality standards are consistently in keeping with agreed timeframe.
• Strategic plans developed and implemented efficiently and effectively.
• Operational plans successfully implemented and budgets efficiently managed within agreed timelines.
• Staff members are competent and motivated to achieve performance objectives and targets.
• Confidentiality and integrity are exercised.

 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

 Technical 

• Excellent leadership, management and negotiating skills to lead senior professionals and technocrats.
• Excellent communication, negotiating and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent presentation, oral and written communication skills.
• Sound personal and professional integrity.
• Excellent conceptual and listening skills and the ability to interact credibly and comfortably with all levels.
• Sound analytical, strategic thinking.
• Knowledge of international trade and the local, regional and global MSME conditions and environment.
• The ability to multi task and prioritize amongst conflicting demands, solve business problems and make rational decisions based on sound understanding of the facts.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and to exercise sound judgement and conviction of purpose in unfavourable/unpopular situations.

 Core 

• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Strong Leadership skills.
• Teambuilding skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Commercial management skills.

 MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Management, Public Administration, International Trade, Business Administration, International Business, Public Sector Management or other related discipline.
• Twelve to Fifteen (12-15) years working experience, five (5) of which should be at a senior management level.
• Experience and training in project management would be an asset.
• Experience formulating policy documents.
• Practical experience in the private sector would be an asset.

 SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

Typical office environment, no adverse working conditions, willingness to travel both locally and internationally. May occasionally be required to work late and on weekends.

  AUTHORITY

• Approve reports submitted by directors and other members of staff.
• Determines procedural guidelines and prescribed policy guidelines for the Division.
• Sets parameters for projects proposals.
• Approves expenditure within assigned limits.
• Recommends leave, disciplinary action and promotion in keeping with human resource policies and procedures.
• Recommends employment of staff in Division.