NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING AGENCY

JOB DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION

 This document is used as a management tool and specifically to enable the classification of positions and the evaluation of the performance of the post incumbent.

 This document is validated as an accurate and true description of the job as signified below:

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Employee                                                              Date

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Manager/Supervisor                                             Date

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Head of Department/Division                               Date

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Date received in Human Resource Division           Date Created/revised

Strategic Objectives of the Division/Branch:

 The Spatial Planning Division (SPD) proactively leads, guides, manages and directs spatial development within Jamaica to enable sustainable development of its resources.  The work of the Division is carried out in two Branches and a unit namely:

Local Area Planning Branch - Prepares Development Orders (DO) and Development Plans (DP).  Develops and implements strategies to continuously review regional plans and local area plans to guide decision making on the use and development of lands. Develops policy, plans, guidelines and standards to complement the implementation of the DO and DPs. Provides technical advice/assistance for planning and development proposals.

National Spatial Strategy Branch - Develops national policies / strategies on relevant sectors /issues e.g. land settlements, in consultation with internal and external partners to facilitate orderly and progressive development throughout the island. Undertakes preparation of National Atlas, National Spatial Plan and Strategy as well as National Settlement Strategy. Conduct national spatial planning studies/surveys. Identifies land requirements on a national level for various development activities. Prepare and maintain national spatial database. Coordinates the Agency’s Post Disaster Assessments.

GIS Unit - Coordinates the Agency’s GIS activities ensuring optimal use of all spatial data. Manages the agency's GIS Enterprise System and collaborates with other government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) on GIS matters.

 Job Purpose:     

The Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Agency’s GIS Operations including the development and maintenance of the GIS Enterprise System to enable optimal use of spatial data in the execution of the Agency’s mandate.

Key Outputs:

• GIS systems procedures
• Updated GIS Databases
• Technical support
• Public education and training materials
• Team members work plans and performance appraisals

Key Responsibility Areas:

1. A.   Administrative Responsibilities

1. Contributes to the preparation of the Branch’s operational plans and budget; manages the implementation of initiatives related to the areas within the span of control to achieve established objectives and targets.
2. Contributes to the documentation of operating procedures and guidelines facilitate the efficient management and delivery of service from the Branch.
3. Participates in the design and implementation of projects and the institutionalization of project outputs within the Division
4. Prepares and submits reports on the activities of the unit as required.
5. Coordinates and/or provides technical support and training to internal and external clients and staff
6. Participates in the design and delivery of public education and community outreach programmes and collaborates with relevant government agencies and NGO's on matters relating to GIS as required.
7. Represents the Branch/Sub-Division/Division/Agency at meetings and other functions as directed.

 B.   Technical/ Professional Responsibilities

1. Performs/supervises data conversion of spatial data and the capturing of data in varied formats using appropriate means.
2. Participates in the  development of computer-generated web services and GIS databases, products and applications using appropriate GIS software to meet the needs  of the client branches/divisions
3. Collaborates with the IT Branch for the testing, assessment and evaluation of GIS applications developed as well as the development of databases for GIS system design and implementation activities.
4. Supervises the management of spatial datasets ensuring activities are carried out in keeping with established policies and standards.
5. Participates in the preparation of specifications, selection and procurement of GIS software, hardware and peripherals and coordinates the implementation, operation and enhancements.

 C.   Supervisory

1. Develops annual work plans for direct reports ensuring they are fully utilized in order to deliver against agreed work programme and achievement of the Unit’s targets; monitors their performance and provides timely feedback to facilitate development of performance gaps and/or reinforcement of performance excellence; conducts performance appraisals within the guidelines provided by the HR Division.
2. Participates in the development and implementation of initiatives to promote teamwork and cooperation within the Branch and contributes to building an environment that stimulates, motivates and keeps employees and project staff engaged.
3. Provides leadership to direct reports through effective objective setting, delegation and communication and ensures they are aware of, and adhere to the Agency’s policies, procedures and regulations.

D. Other Responsibilities

The incumbent may, from time to time be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position.

Authority

The position incumbent is authorized to:

• Recommend staff leave
• Recommend GIS software, tools and other resources
• Recommend revision/changes in GIS operating polices and procedures 

Performance Standards:

• Established personal and Unit targets are consistently achieved
• The operations of the Unit are effectively managed to enable efficiency, cost savings and a productive and engaged cadre of staff
• Key outputs and deliverables are produced in keeping with established technical, professional and Agency standards.  
• Sound technical advice and guidance are consistently provided
• Confidentiality and integrity are maintained in the conduct of professional and personal business
• Direct reports work-plans and performance appraisals are completed and submitted within established timeframe.
• Direct reports are consistently satisfied with the quality and timeliness of guidance and performance feedback provided.

Internal and External Contacts 

(ii) External Contact (required for the achievement of the position's objectives)

Working Conditions

• Typical office environment
• Exposure to unsafe/unhealthy environment from site visits, investigations etc.

Required Competencies

• Experience with the editing environment in ArcGIS 9.x
• Experience with GIS data conversion and compilation.
• Experience with reading and interpreting satellite images and Remote Sensing.
• Experience with reading and interpreting hard copy maps.
• Experience with georeferencing hard copy source maps.
• Experience in handling geodatabases
• Experience in creating and publishing of web services

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography or a related field.
• Experience and knowledge in Geographic Information Systems, CAD, spatial data management, database management system (PostgreSQL, SQL server or enterprise geodatabases) and surveying.
• Three (3) years of direct working experience with Geographic Information Systems.
• Experience in remote sensing particularly in imagery and gridded data.
• Two years’ experience in a similar position.