Managing Director

Job Description

Strategic Objectives of the Office of the Managing Director

 To  provide adequate and well maintained school spaces, enhanced infrastructure and quality teaching environments, and be the agency through which GOJ accesses donations from local, regional and international bodies for funding of educational structures, infrastructure and development projects; also to create and foster  partnerships with public and  private sector organizations, as well as  the Jamaican Diaspora to facilitate opportunities for funding of educational facilities, structures, infrastructure and other educational related projects.

Job Purpose

The Managing Director is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the mandate which includes driving the financial viability of NET to ensure continued investments in the Educational Sector, as well as seek to actualise the Organization’s mission and vision, and ensure accountability to its stakeholders and partners.  The Managing Director will also enhance NET’s commitment to the provision of investments in educational structure and infrastructure through the construction of adequate school spaces and infrastructure and the maintenance, refurbishing, upgrading and equipping of the facilities.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Technical/ Professional Responsibilities

1. Directs and guides the design, planning, development and implementation of business strategies related to attracting endowments, and forging partnerships which will support the Government’s/Board’s policies implementation in the educational sector.
2. Plans and directs the organizations’ operations to achieve stated/agreed targets, mission, vision targeted funding from the private sector, and public organizations locally, regionally and internationally.
3. Ensures the maintenance of standards for financial performance as it relates to growing endowments, quality, culture and legislative adherence in accordance with Board/Government policy directives.
4. Maintains and develops organizational culture, values and reputation in its markets and with staff, customers, suppliers, partners and regulatory/official bodies.  
5. Ensures on-going reviews are conducted to identify and take corrective action where organizational weaknesses are identified.
6. Undertakes management responsibilities as a Company Director in accordance with the legal and ethical standards, as referenced in the FAA Act, the PBMA and other relevant legislation.
7. Provides vision and leadership at the highest level in promoting the welfare of   the staff of   NET to ensure the achievement of the organization’s mandate, goals and objectives.
8. Directs and monitors strategy development and implementation for operational management in order to meet agreed organizational performance targets as agreed with the Board and the Ministry of Education (MOE)
9. Directs and monitors the construction, upgrading and refurbishing of school facilities and infrastructure ensuring that agreed targets are achieved and budgets maintained.
10. Establishes and maintains appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems for measuring operational effectiveness to determine the areas in need of improvement and strengthening.
11. Liaises with and have on-going meetings with the Permanent Secretary and other relevant senior managers at MOE to ensure that NET activities and projects are in line with and in accordance with Government’s strategic educational objectives for the educational sector.
12. Keeps the Board abreast of significant changes to goals, objectives and targets.
13. Ensures that NET activities and projects are integrated with and satisfies MOEs quality standards.
14. Develops and maintains systems and procedures to facilitate partnership arrangements, opportunities for the financing of projects and in ensuring satisfactory levels of ongoing collaboration.
15. Establishes and maintains effective relationships/contacts with relevant private and public sector organization and other executives to enhance and support the goals of the organization.
16.  Keeps abreast of trends in the international arena relating to Public/Private Partnerships.

Management/Professional Responsibilities:

1. Ensures the development and monitoring of Divisional plans and budgets
2. Oversees the development and review of operational policies and procedures; 
3. Ensures proper maintenance of records/files and information repositories to support the legal and operational requirements of the organization.
4. Ensures senior management staff are updated on policies, goals, objectives and operational targets
5. Ensures the preparation of timely responses to audit queries from the Auditor General or External Auditor.
6. Ensures the timely preparation of periodic and special reports
7. Manages and coordinates the analysis of overall performance of NET through establishing the timelines and process for the provision of reports, information, and data.
8. Monitors and ensures the timely preparation of technical articles, position papers, Cabinet submissions and other documents being developed to advance the work of the organization.
9. Ensures timely and comprehensive dissemination of information to staff regarding operational matters and adequate change management support as required.
10. Develops and maintains a database of information to support ongoing activities with partner agencies and institutions.

HR Responsibilities

1. Provides leadership to staff through effective objective/goal setting, delegation, communication and initiatives that fosters teamwork, a harmonious working environment and promotes collaborative work across Divisions.
2. Manages the performance of NET and its staff, including transferring skills, motivating staff through coaching and mentoring, arranging for training, setting performance targets, monitoring performance, providing feedback to staff, and initiating corrective action where necessary to improve performance.
3. Ensures that staff is informed of new and revised policies and procedures relating to the operations of the organization to ensure the continued smooth running.
4. Collaborates with the HR Manager in developing and implementing a succession planning programme to ensure continuity of skills and competencies in the organization and personal development and career advancement of employees.
5. Manages the performance of direct staff through effective knowledge transfer, coaching, target setting, performance monitoring and timely feedback; ensures agreed performance improvement initiatives are carried out within agreed timelines.
6. Monitors the recruitment and selection of staff ensuring appropriate systems are in place.
7. Conducts monthly and other ad hoc staff meetings as required Fosters teamwork, a harmonious working environment and promotes collaborative working relations
8. Conducts performance appraisals of staff  supervised for required purpose and at required intervals
9. Recommends vacation leave and approves sick and departmental leave for staff , and participates in the administration of staff benefits in keeping with established human resource policies;
10. Recommends/ administers disciplinary action in keeping with established human resource policies;
11. Fosters teamwork, a harmonious working environment and promotes collaborative working relations
12. Ensures the welfare and development needs of staff are provided for with adequate and appropriate physical resources and appropriate training to enable achievement of established targets.

Performance Standards

• Strategic, corporate and operational plans are developed and implemented according to stipulated timelines and outcomes evaluated as a basis for forward planning and policy and operational initiatives;
• Annual budgets and financial reports are prepared in the stipulated format and within agreed timeframes;
• Financial and information management systems are developed and implemented that conforms with government regulations and policies;
• Quality standards are developed and implemented that serves as benchmarks and guidelines for the efficient and effective delivery of services of the highest quality;
• Appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems are put in place to measure the operational effectiveness of NET;
• Management of NET operations are in accordance with policy, legal and regulatory guidelines, procedures and standards;
• Record keeping systems are established and maintained that supports the effective and efficient management of operations and in accordance with legal/statutory requirements;
• Infrastructural projects are completed on time and within budget;
• A programme to promote the image and presence of NET nationally and internationally is developed and operational with agreed annual targets ;
• A culture of continuous improvement and high performance is fostered across the various entities through the identification and dissemination of models of best practice and training and awareness programs;
• Effective working relationships and networks are developed and maintained with a range of internal and external stakeholders so as to facilitate partnership and awareness initiatives;
• Expenditure is within approved limits and is in accordance with relevant policy and regulatory guidelines

Required Competencies:

Core

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing and with a wide range of people
• Well-developed planning, analytical, coordinating, organizing, problem solving and leadership skills
• Ability to forge effective working relationships with a range of individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors
• Strong negotiating skills
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment in decision making
• Exhibits a passion for achieving excellence in performance outcomes
• Strategic thinker who excels at coming up with original ideas and is able to execute
• Ability to work under pressure and manage a complex and varied workload and conflicting priorities

Technical

• Knowledge of relevant Acts  and Regulations governing the operations of NET
• Knowledge of the following Acts and Regulations:
  • The Education Act and Regulations
  • The Financial Audit and Administration  Act
  • The Access to Information Act
  • PBMA
• Sound knowledge of Government procurement, contract guidelines and procedures as well as international standards
• Sound knowledge of Government financial and budgeting principles, procedures and practices
• Working knowledge of the relevant standards, codes, and regulations pertaining to construction industry
• Knowledge of the various models of public private partnership
• Knowledge of international donor agencies and funding requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration/Public Administration/ Economics/Finance/ Accounts or equivalent
• Eight (8) years’ experience leading a corporation or public entity or as a member of a senior management team
• Experience working with international donor agencies and institutions and in a building/construction environment would be distinct assets

Specific Conditions associated with the job:

• Required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences/represent the Board
• Possession of a valid Drivers’ License and a reliable motor vehicle

We thank all applicants for expressing an interest, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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