The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining (MAFM) and is Jamaica’s chief agricultural extension advisory and rural development agency. It is national in scope and its mandate is executed through the strategic deployment of its cadre of managerial, technical and support personnel across its island-wide network of service centres in order to bring the service closer to the farming community.

The Authority is seeking qualified candidates to fill the positions of:

1. Data Protection Officer (GMG/SEG 2)
2. Senior Legal Officer / Company Secretary (JLG/LO 3)

Data Protection Officer (GMG/SEG 2)

Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Data Protection Officer (DPO) is responsible for the development, implementation of data protection policies, conduct data protection impact assessments, monitoring and reporting on compliance in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act (2020). The DPO will play a pivotal role in safeguarding personal data and ensuring the Authority’s compliance with data protection laws and regulations. Additionally, the DPO will serve as the primary point of contact for data subjects and supervisory authorities regarding data protection matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and implements a comprehensive Data Privacy Governance Framework and strategies to effectively manage and use of personal data in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
• Develop, implement and maintain data protection policies, procedures and guidelines that align with relevant data protection laws and regulations.
• Monitor and ensure the Authority’s compliance with the Data Protection Act.
• Conduct regular data protection impact assessments to identify and mitigate privacy risks associated with data processing activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for data subjects, Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), and internal stakeholders regarding their rights, obligations and responsibilities as it relates to data protection matters.
• Collaborate with ICT team to ensure the security and confidentiality of personal data through technical and organizational measures.
• Conduct training and awareness programs to educate employees about data protection best practices.
• Monitor and maintain records of data processing activities, data protection incidents, and related documentation.
• Oversee the response to data protection incidents, including the reporting of breaches to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) and affected data subjects.
• Keep abreast of changes in data protection laws and regulations and ensure the Authority’s policies and practices remain up-to-date.
• Notify the Authority of any contravention of the data protection standards or any provisions of the Data Protection Act.
• Ensures the timely collection of data, analysis and reporting of data on key performance measures and maintain a robust system to address and respond to queries and complaints.
• Act as the primary contact point for the Office of the Information Commissioner on issues relating to the processing of data, and to consult, where appropriate, with regard to any other matter.
• Attends and participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required.
• Ensure independence and objectivity in carrying out the role of the DPO whilst reporting directly to the highest management level within the organization.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Pressured working conditions with numerous critical deadlines
• Will be required to work long hours, after work and on weekends and public holidays when the need arises
• May be required to travel locally and overseas.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

 Core:

• Excellent critical reasoning, quantitative and qualitative analysis skills
• Strong environmental scanning, analysis and interpretive skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• Integrity/Ethics
• Ability to use own initiative and judgment
• Knowledge of government policies and procedures

Professional/Technical Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of the data protection law and practices
• Proficiency in the use of the relevant computer applications
• Expert knowledge of audit techniques and practices
• Sound knowledge of applicable laws, policies, regulation and procedures
• Knowledge of Data Breach Response
• Knowledge of Project Management

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Compliance, Computer Science, Audit or equivalent qualification from recognized Tertiary Institution (preferred)
• Demonstrable experience or knowledge and/or in depth understanding of Data Privacy legislation (in particular GDPR)
• One (1) Data Protection and/or Privacy Certification such as CIPP, CIPT, ISEB etc. (preferred) or Certification in Information Security
• At least three (3) years of experience in data protection compliance or related field
• Proficiency with software for preparing reports and presentations

Please submit your Applications and Resumes’ by Friday, June 21, 2024 to:

 Senior Director – Human Resource Management & Administration

 Rural Agricultural Development Authority

 Hope Gardens

 KINGSTON 6 

Or email:  jobs@rada.gov.jm 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Senior Legal Officer / Company Secretary (JLG/LO 3)

• Under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the incumbent is responsible for:
• Planning and executing the general legal activities of the Authority 
• Providing administrative and secretarial support to the Board, 
• Maintaining the official seal and all official documents such as Acts/Regulations, Minutes of all Board and Committee meetings and  Annual reports.
• Providing advice on all legal matters and corporate governance

 KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

 Legal Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, amend and interpret Contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, Lease, Policies, Regulations and other legal documents to be entered by RADA.
• Examines and comments on bills emanating from government ministries which may be related to agricultural production and rural development issues.
• Coordinates with the office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and the Attorney General’s Office in the preparation of new laws and regulations relating to the Authority
• Instructs the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to ensure that the policies of the Authority are represented in Bills
• Provides legal advice on international conventions relevant to the Authority
• Prepares all Cabinet Submissions seeking approval for the enactment of laws
• Drafts necessary amendments to existing laws related to the regulatory framework and administration of the Authority
• Attends meetings of the legislation committee and sittings of the House of Representative at which Bills relevant to the Authority are being considered
• Prepare written opinion, correspondences and briefs for meeting and conducts legal review of documentation in support thereof
• Attend meetings, tribunal, courts for hearing and /or case management
• Participate in disciplinary matters related to RADA staff.

Corporate Governance Responsibilities

• Organizes meetings of the Board and committees; prepares notices and agenda, prepares venue and takes care of general housekeeping.
• Attends meetings of the Board and its committees; records proceedings, prepares resolutions, produces and distributes minutes to board/committee members.
• Circulate Board decisions which require action and monitors implementation thereof.
• Keeps Directors abreast of all communications and directives from the Chairman.
• Coordinates publication of the Authority’s Annual Report and other major reports.
• Develops and implements an operating manual for the Board of Directors; provides orientation for new directors to the Board and serves as a primary contact for directors.
• Participates in the development of a performance evaluation framework for Board and Committee members.
• Develops and promulgates the adoption of corporate governance standards and policies for the Authority to include Board, Committees, Executive Management Functions.
• Maintains a system for the control and safe custody of all permanent records, documents and reports of the Board as well as specified official company records.
• Coordinates the disbursement of payments and other benefits to directors and keeps appropriate records.
• Prepares briefs for the instruction of the Chairman of the Board to enable his effectiveness in addressing various meetings/matters.
• Provides relevant persons/agencies with information and assistance with respect to Board activities, procedures and its records.
• Maintains custody and governs use of corporate seals.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Excellent knowledge of Government regulations, policies and procedures
• Good knowledge of the regulations, policies and procedures of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority
• Working knowledge of International Conventions relevant to the Authority’s activities
• Sound knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica 
• Knowledge of Public Sector Management
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relations skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B.)
• Certificate in Legal Education
• Five (5) years experience in private or public sector three (3) of which must be at senior management level
• Board Secretariat experience would be an asset

Please submit your Applications and Resumes’ by Friday, June 21, 2024 to 

Senior Director – Human Resource Management & Administration

 Rural Agricultural Development Authority

 Hope Gardens 

KINGSTON 6 

Or email:  jobs@rada.gov.jm

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted