CHIEF PUBLIC EDUCATION & PROTOCOL OFFICER – Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: CHIEF PUBLIC EDUCATION & PROTOCOL OFFICER (On Contract)

Department: Communication and Information

Unit: Public Education and Protocol

Reports Directly To: Communications & Information Manager

Reports Indirectly To: Registrar & Marshal

Directly Supervises:  Protocol & Information Officer, Public Education &

Communications Officer II, Public Education &

Communications Officer I, Customer Services Officer

Position Objective:
Works closely with Communications & Information Manager to develop, implement, direct, and evaluate the CCJ’s public education and communications strategies and programmes including stakeholder engagement, media relations, digital content and brand and reputation management.
To plan, direct and coordinate diplomatic relations between the Court, its Judges, senior managers and the RJLSC and national, regional and international agencies in accordance with the Court’s Protocol Guidelines.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Supervisory

• Participates in strategic planning and goal setting for the Unit in collaboration with the Communications and Information Manager.
• Oversees the work of the supervised staff and provides guidance, supervision and coaching as necessary to achieve desired results; and conduct performance reviews.
• Identifies and recommends training and development needs of supervised staff and provides ongoing coaching and mentoring.
• Prepares and administers a biennial budget for the Unit.
• Conducts regular group and individual meetings with the Unit’s staff to promote open communication, including timely sharing of relevant information and review of the Unit’s performance, for the efficient operations  of the unit.

• Represents the CCJ at local and international fora, and on various committees, as required.

Public Education and Corporate Communications

• Supports the strategic implementation of mass media and communications theories, practices and research planning.
• Assists with all aspects of strategic communications, brand management, reputation management and relationship management.
• Assists with media monitoring, social marketing theory and practice, communications strategies and implementation and behavioural sciences.
• Participates in conducting evidence-based research activities to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Corporate Communications and client service provided and recommends necessary changes.
• Prepares and/or reviews and edits speeches, public statements and other documents for the President, Judges and Senior officials.
• Assists with writing, designing and overseeing the production of the annual reports, information brochures, pamphlets, articles and flyers as well as the procedure documents for the Unit.
• Participates in preparing and executing programmes and events geared toward informing the public about the Court.
• Assists in planning and coordinating seminars, workshops, and events at a local, regional and international level.
• Supervises the maintenance of databases of stakeholder groups.
• Assists with the updating of the content of the CCJ website.

Protocol Services

• Provides advice on the observance and practice of diplomatic protocol.
• Supervises protocol services and supports where necessary in-person protocol and other arrangements for the President, Heads of Judiciaries, judges, Commissioners of the RJLSC and Senior Court officials.
• Works with the Communications and Information Manager to ensure diplomatic relations are effectively maintained with government agencies, including Ministries of Foreign Affairs in member states of CARICOM.
• Supervises and facilitates diplomatic relationships and communication with CARICOM agencies and affiliates, diplomatic missions and governments.
• Serves as the Court’s liaison with High Commissions, embassies, missions, other diplomatic and governmental agencies on behalf of the Court and the RJLSC and their staff.
• Prepares relevant documents to guide the organization on the observance and practice of diplomatic protocol and diplomacy.
• Supervises sensitization workshops, tours and training seminars on Court and international protocol.
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• Represents the interest of non-nationals and nationals of Trinidad and Tobago in the interface with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Security of Trinidad and Tobago and other agencies, such as banks, schools and other service providers of the Court and/or Commission.
• Works with the Human Resources and other Departments to ensure that all the necessary documentation and systems are in place to receive new Judges and staff members from countries outside the Seat of the Court.

Other

• Maintains an acute awareness of the local, regional and international political and legal climates and events.
• Serves on committees as required
• Performs any other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of the principles and practices of general, ceremonial and judicial protocol and procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of diplomacy and international relations and business etiquette.
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communications research, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media.
• Knowledge of media issues, social marketing theory and practice, communications strategies and implementation and behavioural sciences.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public education, stakeholder engagement, branding and other communication methods.
• Some knowledge of regional judicial systems and judicial administration.
• Some knowledge of the organizational structure of CARICOM.
• Some knowledge of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, rebranding the Caribbean Community to include the proposed CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Sound negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability on the production of informational material.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Suite of programmes, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the ability to learn new software applications.
• Ability to build trust, credibility and establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and all levels of staff, judicial and administrative officers, legal practitioners, representatives of and external stakeholders including government agencies, judiciaries, private agencies and the public throughout the CARICOM region.
• Ability to effectively implement and administer strategic and business plans.
• Ability to handle crises diplomatically and effectively.
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• Ability to regularly work extended hours.
• Ability to efficiently manage time, multi-task and function effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to work in a team, and demonstrate the highest level of professional integrity, respect and diplomacy for colleagues and others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Internal Relations:
Liaises with:

• President and Judges
• RJLSC
• Administrative support to Judges
• All Departments and Unit Managers/Heads
• Projects Personnel

External Relations:
Liaises with:

• Government including State and regional agencies
• High Commissions, Embassies and Missions
• Guests of the Court including foreign dignitaries
• Media
• Schools and Educational Institutions
• Suppliers and Contractors
• General public

Minimum Education and Experience:

• First Degree in Political Sciences or International Relations or International Affairs
• A Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Media and Communications or related discipline.
• Six (6) years’ experience at a supervisory position in international relations, foreign service or diplomatic environment and communication, preferably in the judiciary.
• Verbal and written fluency in at least one foreign language will be an asset – Dutch, Spanish or French.
• Project Management Certificate would be an asset.

Salary Band :7

Base Salary US$3,420.05 (Free of Tax)