OFFICE OF THE SERVICES COMMISSIONS

(Central Government)
30 National Heroes Circle
Kingston 4
Jamaica
Telephone: 922-8600
Fax: 924-9764
E-mail: communications@osc.gov.jm
Website: www.osc.gov.jm

CIRCULAR No. 192

OSC Ref. C. 485818

27th August, 2015

Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers are asked to invite
applications from suitably qualified officers in their Ministries/Departments/Agencies to fill the following
posts in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries:
1. Legal Officer (JLG/LO 2) salary range $1,821,200 - $2,164,835 per annum and any
allowance(s) attached to the post.
2. Assistant Human Resource Officer 1 (GMG/AM 2), salary range $750,866 - $892,544
per annum and any allowance(s) attached to the post.
1.

Legal Officer (JLG/LO 2)

Job Purpose
Under the general direction of the Senior Legal Officer, the incumbent serves as Legal Counsel for the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, its agencies, projects and statutory bodies in support of their
strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Prepares the Ministry's legislation programme report.
Provides legal advice to ministerial divisions/departments, as required.
Prepares Monthly Status reports on the operation of the Unit.
Replies to legal correspondence, as required.
Prepares contract and other legal documents, as required.
Drafts Memoranda of Understanding in various subject matters dealing with the Ministrys policies.
Assists with the preparation of Cabinet and Legislation Committee Submissions.
Attends meetings, as required.
Assists with the preparation of Drafting Instructions.
Assists with the review of legislation administered by the Ministry, its departments, agencies and
statutory bodies.
Assists in managing legal issues to completion or satisfaction.
Assists with the preparation of technical briefs for the Minister, as required.
Preparing Solicitors Instructions and liaising with the Attorney Generals Chambers to assist in
finding solutions for legal problems affecting the Ministry.
Providing advice to managerial staff regarding Contracts of Employment of various personnel
within the Ministry and its Agencies.
Technical/Professional
Provides guidance on legal and quasi-legal issues to ministerial divisions/departments.
Drafts legal documents for the Ministry, its agencies, statutory bodies and projects.
Prepares drafting instructions for relevant Acts and Regulations, as required.
Conducts legal research, as required.
Verifies the accuracy of the Ministry's contractual relations with agencies and individuals.
Gives legal opinions through the Senior Legal Officer to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries,
Permanent Secretary, Directors and Managers, on related laws.
Interviews Witnesses.
Drafts Witness Statements.
2/

-2Liaises with the Attorney General's Chambers and the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect
of suits, which affect the Ministry's portfolio operations.
Prepares Cabinet Submissions.
Liaises with the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel in relation to drafting various Acts and
Regulations which fall under the Ministrys purview.
Drafts affidavits for the review and approval of the Attorney General in relation to suits connected
with the Ministry.
Attends Court to provide support and instructions to the Attorney Generals Chambers or the
Director of Public Prosecution, as required.
Attends meetings of the Legislation Committee, as required.
Provides leadership to staff of the Unit, through delegation and communication.
Performs any other duties assigned, from time to time, by the Senior Legal Officer.
Required Skills/Competencies
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and problem solving skills
Ability to work in teams
Good time management skills
Ability to work under pressure and to meet set deadlines
Ability to exercise sound judgement
Ability to use initiative
Knowledge of the legal framework of Government
Sound knowledge of the Ministrys policies and procedures
Good research and analytical skills
Sound knowledge of conveyancing, probate, company law, intellectual property and other aspects
of the law
Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
Familiarity with the legislative process and the Ministrys role in the process
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
An Attorney-at-Law licensed to practice in the Courts of Jamaica
A Bachelor of Laws Degree
Certificate in Legal Education
2. Assistant Human Resource Officer 1 (GMG/AM 2)
Job Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Resource Officer (staffing), the Assistant Human
Resource Officer is responsible for assisting with the Human Resource Management activities to
ensure that the Ministry is adequately provided with qualified, skilled and competent human resource in
order to meet the Ministrys strategic goals and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Records and acknowledges all applications.
Sorts and makes contact with job applicant to fill vacant position.
Monitors the completion of application forms.
Prepares status reports for job applicants who are interviewed.
Issues meeting reminders to members of the panel.
Assists with conducting background checks for successful applicants.
Administers tests to applicants for employment in Secretarial Group and other groups.
Prepares letters resulting from the decisions of the Services Commissions/Interviewing panel for
the signature of the Senior Human Resource Officers.
Maintains employment/appointment books to ensure officers are appointed, promoted within the
stipulated timeframe.
Requests Performance Evaluation Reports, Probation Reports so that officers are appointed,
confirmed in their positions and paid increment.
Assists with the preparation of letters of temporary appointment, promotion and acting
assignment.
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Liaises with the Human Resource Information Manager to verify vacancies and officers
recommended for acting appointment.
Responds to job applicants concerning available vacancies, reviews recruitment documents for
completeness and accuracy.
Performs any other related duties assigned by the Human Resource Officer or the Senior
Human Resource Officer.
Required Skills/Competencies
Good oral and written communication skills
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality
Ability to use initiative
Good customer relations skills
Ability to work in a team
Sound knowledge of principles and practices of human resource administration.
Knowledge of the operations of Government/knowledge of the Ministrys policies and
procedures.
Proficient in the use of relevant computer applications
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
Diploma/Certificate in Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Management
Studies, Personnel Administration
At least three (3) years experience in Human Resource Management
Applications accompanied by rsums should be submitted no later than Thursday,
10th September, 2015 to:
Senior Director
Human Resource Management and Development Division
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6.
Email: hrm@moa.gov.jm
Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted.
Please ensure that a copy of this circular is placed at a strategic position on the Notice Board of
the Ministry/Department/Agency and brought to the attention of all eligible officers.