Director, Export

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Trade Administrator/CEO, the Director, Export is required to provide leadership, direction, and resource stewardship to the organization’s export promotion and facilitation initiatives. This position entails multifaceted responsibilities aimed at driving strategic initiatives, providing policy recommendations, and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders to advance Jamaica's export agenda. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring the verification and re-verification process to ensure that exporters are apprised of their eligibility under the various Trade Agreements/Arrangements. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Product Analysis reviewed and processed based on rules of origin and within guarantee standard of time. 
• Site visits schedule prepared and conducted. 
• Certificates of Origin are issued in accordance with trade agreements/arrangements.
• Standard Operating Procedures for the Export Department are developed and updated.
• Annual Work Plan prepared and submitted 
• Budget developed and implemented. 
• Monthly and quarterly reports completed and submitted in a timely manner. 
• Presentations prepared and delivered 
• Reports submitted relating to the identification, assessment and analyses of trends from statistical data related to the exportation of various commodities. 
• Timely processing, approval and issuance of all licenses, certifications and re-certifications
• Management of the milk powder regime 
• Management of the sugar regime 
• Updated listing of certified exporters and relevant stakeholders 
• Verification and reverification schedule developed. 
• Performance Appraisals conducted for all employees within the department within the requisite timeframe. 
• Represent TBL in meetings and negotiations 
• Reports submitted regarding findings from enforcement measures implemented.
• Advisories issued to respective stakeholders. 
• Promote and educate exporters and the general public on Export Jamaica, Export Academy and Trade Agreements. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Management/Administrative 

• Provide leadership and guidance to the Export team on the promotion and monitoring performance of Export Jamaica, Export Academy and Trade Agreements/Arrangements. 
• Devise and implement a marketing and promotional plan for Export Jamaica, Export Academy and Trade Agreements/Arrangements.
• Oversee the preparation of the department annual budget for approval by the Trade Administrator/CEO. 
• Lead and empower the team within the department to collectively deliver thoughtful, well-defined strategies to maximize the timely processing of all applications and documentations to be approved, certified and re-certified both manually and electronically. 
• Undertake outreach activities; participate in the development of training workshops, seminars etc.; participates in and makes presentations on trade agreements/arrangements. 
• Develop and implement export strategies that align with the terms and benefits of existing and new trade agreements/arrangements. 
• Directly target potential exporters to encourage or Increase exports activities under the various trade agreements/arrangements. 
• Lead, plan, coordinate and drive the verification/re-verification process and advise exporters of their eligibility under the various Trade Agreements/ Arrangements within the required timeframe. Develop and maintain credible working relationships with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce; The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; Jamaica Customs Agency; JAMPRO; Jamaica Exporters Association; Jamaica Manufacturers Association and other related ministries & agencies. 
• Develop strategic alliances with local and regional agencies with a view to develop opportunities in the area of export. 
• Ensure that all systems and procedures are carried out and administered in accordance with TBL’s quality management system. 
• Maintain appropriate data and information links with other public sector agencies to access information that will assist the processing and decision-making activities of the Unit. Prepare monthly status and other ad-hoc reports as required for submission to Board, Trade Administrator/CEO and other stakeholders. 
• ISO requirements to be monitored, maintained, reviewed and updated. 

Technical/Professional 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Export Unit. 
• Participate in trade negotiations as it pertains to Rules of Origin criteria, market access requirements. 
• Oversee the preparation of Letters of Origin where no trade agreements/arrangements exist.
• Ensure that Certificates of Origin for Jamaican products are issued in accordance with the terms of the various preferential trade agreements/arrangement. 
• Ensure the timely preparation of letters of origin. 
• Participate in established Technical Working Groups dealing with trade matters.
• Keep abreast of changes to any trade agreement/arrangements and advise the respective manufacturers/exporters of such changes. 
• Keep abreast of all relevant export law and procedures, tariffs and import duties, licenses and restrictions. 
• Give policy advice and insight to supporting Ministries and Agencies as it relates to Rules of Origin, Certification and Verification Procedures and Trade Facilitation.
• Ensure compliance with trade agreements/arrangements, national legislation/policies, internal procedures. 
• Maintain a system that speedily and efficiently validates Certificates of Origin and analyse Product Analysis. 
• Manage and evaluate any and all amendments to regulations and legislations for export activities and ensure appropriate implementation. 
• Periodically conduct an audit on all Certificates of Origin approved to ensure conformance with Rules of Origin criteria, Government of Jamaica (GoJ’s) guidelines and internal policies and procedures. 
• Implement appropriate measures to resolve all internal/ external compliance issues or breaches resulting from findings associated with audit or investigations conducted. 
• Ensure verification and re-verification of products takes place in a timely manner
• Liaise closely with the Trade Facilitation Secretariat within the Parent Ministry to aid in ensuring the implementation of Trade Facilitation reforms managed by the Trade Board Limited (TBL), particularly concerning the enhancement or improvement of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT). 
• Conduct analysis of statistical reports submitted by Manager of Export relating to the identification, assessment and analyses of information pertaining to the importation of various commodities and provide written report to the Trade Administrator/CEO. 
• Review and approve reports prepared by the Manager of Export Certification and Trade Agreements as is required by PIOJ and STATIN, containing statistical data regarding the categories of items (as well as value and quantity) for which TBL issues both import and export permits. 
• Provide technical support to the Trade Administrator/Chief Executive Officer in the area of rules of origin, product analysis, tariff, sugar and milk powder regime and safeguards. 
• Represent TBL at national and international forums. 
• Provide consistent, high-quality, customer-responsive support to TBL clients. 

Human Resource Management 

• Monitors and evaluates the performances of the direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary, to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals. 
• Participates in the recruitment of technical staff for the Agency and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures. 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, coaching, mentoring and training. 
• Establish and maintain a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the organization goals. 
• Coordinates the development of individual work plans and recommends performance targets for the staff assigned.

Other Responsibilities 

• Executes any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Trade Administrator/CEO.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Annual Work Plan and Budget are produced and delivered on time. 
• Policies and procedures implemented in accordance with established standards.
• Monthly, quarterly reports generated are substantial, error free and submitted on time.
• Technical advice and recommendations provided are sound and supported by appropriate data.
• All licenses, certifications and re-certifications are processed and approved within the requisite timeframe. 
• Direct reports effectively coached, mentored and evaluated. 
• Listing of exporters are effectively maintained 
• Routine audit of applications to ensure conformance with trade agreements/arrangements.
• Compliance issues or breaches resulting from audit or investigations conducted effectively addressed. 
• Documentations requiring approval are completed in a timely manner. 
• Performance appraisals are completed within the required timeframe. 
• Disciplinary matters are addressed in a timely manner. 
• Verification and reverification visit conducted 
• Quality Management system maintained. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

CORE COMPETENCIES 

• Excellent verbal and written communication. Effective public speaking is essential. Excellent negotiation and diplomacy skills. 
• Excellent research and analytical skills. 
• Strong leadership skills. 
• Ability to analyse and interpret changes in the economic, political and social environment. Ability to effectively plan and organise in a complex environment with competing priorities. Ability to manage change initiatives. 
• Sound strategic management skills 
• Excellent team player. 
• Critical and strategic thinker 
• Ability to nurture an environment where initiative is valued and encouraged
• Strong customer orientation. 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications. 
• High level of solution oriented/problem solving/decision making skills 
• Integrity and ethics exercised in the performance of duties 

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES 

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of multilateral and regional trade agreements and arrangements. 
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of trade policies of Jamaica. 
• Knowledge and understanding of the operations of the GOJ policy and procedural framework. 
• Practical understanding of commercial trade practices and trade terms. 
• Highly skilled at interpreting policies, procedures, analyzing complex problems and adopting effective course of action. 
• Possess a general knowledge of the operations of Government rules, regulations and procedures. 
• Highly skilled at prioritizing amongst conflicting demands and in making rational decisions based on sound understanding of the facts in limited time 
• Highly efficient in conducting statistical analysis 
• Good project management skills 
• Strong Operational Management skills 
• Sound knowledge in Economics 
• Strong analytical skills 
• Sound knowledge of: 
• The Trade Act (1955), 
• Trade Policy Administration, 
• Trading Mechanisms and Trade Agreements 
• Domestic, regional and international trade rules and regulations

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• M.Sc., International Relations, Economics, Statistics/ Data Analytics, Business Administration or any other related field in trade from a recognized tertiary institution. 
• Five (5) years’ demonstrated competence and experience in international trade, analysis and negotiations. 

OR 

• BSc., International Relations, Economics, Statistics/ Data Analytics, Business Administration or any other related field in trade from a recognized tertiary institution. 
• Seven (7) years’ demonstrated competence and experience in international trade, analysis and negotiations. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines. 
• High level of risk 
• Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.
• Ability to travel overseas and locally on work related business. 
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimum supervision. 
• Typical office environment, no adverse working condition 

AUTHORITY

• Sign documents and certificates on behalf of the Trade Administrator/CEO 
• Access financial/accounting records 
• Determine training and development needs in conjunction with the Human Resource Department
• Recommends/approves vacation leave 
• Recommends disciplinary action