Senior Compliance Officer (Level 7)

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Compliance (Level 9), the Senior Compliance Officer (Level 7) exercises responsibility within his/her assigned geographical zone, for a range of compliance, enforcement and related activities and procedures. The Officer also provides advice and guidance on adherence to the Fisheries Act 2018 and various fisheries related regulations, agreements, and conventions. The incumbent is also responsible for conducting compliance inspections, investigations and reviews to ensure the conservation, protection and effective management of the Natural Fisheries resources and to facilitate sustained fisheries exploration and to develop initiatives and programmes to maximize fullest potential of the Fisheries Sector. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Participates in the formulation and review of compliance standards and processes;
• Monitors the implementation of policies, programmes and projects in the assigned geographical zone and assures that work is carried out within the agreed targets and budgetary provisions; 
• Drafts compliance procedures, recommends changes to standards, procedures, work plans and guidelines to achieve desired results; 
• Provides guidance and advice to staff supervised and to internal and external stakeholders; 
• Organizes data collection and entries to ensure quality control of data. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts compliance inspections, investigations, reviews, assesses and patrols to ensure compliance with the Fisheries Act 2018 and various fisheries related regulations and makes recommendations or takes necessary action; 
• Undertakes preparatory plans and activities for various compliance and enforcement exercises and takes the necessary action to ensure safety, security, and proper use of physical resources;
• Liaises and co-ordinates with representatives of other Agencies involved in Compliance and Enforcement Programmes for example the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force and supports the development of a culture of compliance;
• Institutes controls and documents procedures; 
• Examines the licences of anglers and fishers for conformity to legislation and necessary recommendations and makes the necessary recommendations or takes required action;
• Undertakes the catching, measuring, examination of fish, assess their health and releases fish as required; 
• Conducts work on streams and riverbanks to improve and strengthen habitats;
• Provides advice about the location of fish stock and develops initiatives to strengthen culture fisheries; 
• Responds to general enquiries and complaints from the public and implements procedural changes to improve operational efficiency with respect to work in his/her assigned zone;
• Collects, compiles and analyses data and information on compliance issues and submits to inform management decisions; 
• Records and disseminates information; 
• Updates professional and technical knowledge by attending Educational Workshops and Seminars and participates in the development and conduct of Training Programmes and Workshops; 
• Prepares evidence and statements for prosecution of cases and gives expert evidence at Court Hearings and proceedings; 
• Participates in the conduct of studies, surveys and interviews to inform plans, programmes and policies for the Branch and compiles data to analyze compliance issues;
• Writes a variety of reports, briefs, notes and documents for submission to the Compliance Manager. 

Human Resource Management: 

• Allocates and schedules work, develops Work Plans, performance targets and monitors and evaluates work for adherence to standards and procedures; 
• Supervises, motivates, appraises and trains staff; 
• Provides leadership, training and guidance to direct reports and ensures that the needs of staff are identified and addressed; 
• Participates in the Orientation Programme for staff. 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit and recommends transfer, promotions, termination and leave in accordance with the established Human Resource policies and procedures; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals;
• Performs any other duties assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication 
• Excellent presentation skills 
• Excellent team building, leadership and management skills 
• Excellent influencing and people management skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good customer relations and quality focus skills 
• Excellent analytical thinking skills 
• Ability to negotiate, think strategically and solve complex problems 
• Ability to analyze and interpret information for decision making 
• Ability to act quickly, decisively and effectively in high pressure situations 

Technical: 

• Good knowledge of the Fisheries Act 2018 
• Sound knowledge of the policies and procedures of the National Fisheries Authority
• Good knowledge of the public sector laws, rules and guidelines 
• Sound knowledge of compliance and enforcements strategies and techniques
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelors’ Degree in Marine Biology/Life Sciences, Natural Sciences or equivalent qualifications;
• Training in compliance and enforcement strategies and techniques; 
• Two (2) years related experience in a comparable working environment. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Position involves extensive fieldwork, including visiting fishing beaches, fish landing sites and aquaculture farms island wide; 
• Will be required to travel locally and overseas for short periods; 
• May occasionally be exposed to situations where personal safety and security may be at risk; 
• May occasionally be required to work on weekends; 
• Exposure to hostile clientele and working in volatile communities.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.