Department of the Public Service 

VACANCY NOTICE

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER, Ministry of the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs (Department of Labour).

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

1.To provide support in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of occupational safety and health policies, programmes and processes; and undertake inspections and assessments of workplaces, to control and reduce hazards, workplace accidents/incidents and diseases, and foster safe and conducive work environments in accordance with legislative requirements and standards.

2.To manage assigned staff and resources to ensure work programmes are implemented in accordance with legislative and operational requirements and established labour practices.

3.Responds to the Labour Commissioner and liaises with line agencies, public and private sector organizations, International Labour Organization (ILO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), employers’ and employees’ representatives and key stakeholders on matters relating to work in progress.

4.Supervises Occupational Safety and Health Officer III.

DUTIES AND TASKS

1.Assists in the preparation of the work programme for the Unit in line with the Department’s strategic objectives, through strategic planning exercises, consultation with stakeholders and reviewing key evidence-based information, to enable the determination of targets, milestones and deadlines.

2.Leads and manages assigned staff through target setting, continuous dialogue, mentoring, coaching, assessment of staff performance, identifying training needs and gaps, and managing leave, to ensure effective performance management and promote employee wellbeing.                   

3.Assists in the formulation and implementation of occupational safety and health initiatives, processes and procedures for the Unit, by developing and coordinating plans, projects and schedules, delegating work assignments, preparing and reviewing relevant documentation, and making recommendations, to promote operational efficiency and effectiveness.

4.Supports the implementation of quality control measures by utilising established monitoring and evaluation frameworks, conducting site visits and safety and health inspections, assessing working conditions, environmental and physical factors, for the identification of hazards, and making recommendations to ensure compliance and to mitigate risks of injuries/accidents in the workplace.

5.Investigates reported occupational accidents or diseases by assessing accident reports, inspection requests and other relevant documentation, conducting interviews and collecting and analysing samples of potentially toxic materials, in accordance with established procedures, to determine root cause and enable corrective actions/interventions.

6.Monitors and evaluates the implementation of recommendations by conducting follow-up inspections and site visits of industrial establishments, machinery and equipment, workplace environments and practices, liaising with stakeholders and reviewing and preparing reports, to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and standards.

7.Participates in the dissemination of information on matters relating to occupational safety and health by conducting research and assisting in the development and delivery of presentations, to create public awareness of the work of the Unit and foster compliance with occupational safety and health standards.

8.Facilitates continuous learning through training, workshops and meetings by applying effective training methodologies and presentation skills to build capacity in occupational safety and health.

9.Responds to inquiries and/or complaints from internal and external customers in accordance with standard operating procedures, and maintains and issues log, to facilitate excellent service delivery and maximise customer satisfaction.

10.Supervises the development, implementation and maintenance of proficient records management systems in accordance with standard operating procedures, to ensure the retention and accessibility of data that serve the information needs of stakeholders, enable reporting obligations, and promote accountability and transparency.

11.Establishes linkages with relevant stakeholders through collaboration and networking at the local, regional and international levels, to enable information sharing, knowledge transfer and the identification of requisite resources to fulfil the mandate of the department.

12.Represents the Department on committees, conferences and meetings and the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances.

13.Prepares status reports on work plans, in accordance with standard operating procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decisionmaking and promote accountability.

14.Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.                                                                                                                                                       

CONDITIONS

1.Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office.

2.Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04 and other relevant policy documents.

3.Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Training and Development Policy for the Saint Lucia Public Service.

4. May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.

5.Required to remain current on practices and developments in occupational safety and health.

6.Required to demonstrate political acuity.

7.Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.

8.Require to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.

9.Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.

10.Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver’s license.

11.May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.

12.May be required to work in adverse weather conditions.

13.May be exposed to strenuous, dangerous or stressful conditions.

14.May be required to use personal protective equipment in the conduct of duties.

15.Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply occupational safety and           health practices, procedures, instruments and equipment including monitors, calibrators and meters.                                                                          

2.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply standard operating procedures, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04, International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and other relevant policy documents.

3.Intermediate knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and other relevant policy documents.

4.Intermediate knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.

5.Advanced analytical and conceptualisation skills.

6.Advanced interpersonal skills and demonstrates emotional intelligence.

7.Advanced oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.

8.Advanced negotiation and mediation skills.

9.Intermediate leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.

10.Intermediate organisational and project management skills.

11.Intermediate computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation programmes.

12.Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.

13.Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

14.Ability to exercise initiative and judgement in the execution of duties.

15.Ability to adapt to organisational change.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

1.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply occupational safety                  and health practices, procedures, instruments and equipment including monitors, calibrators and meters.

2.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04, International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, Public Finance Management Act, 2020 and other relevant policy documents. 

3.Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.

4.Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.

5.Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

6.Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.

7.Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.

8.Demonstrated leadership and management skills.

9.Demonstrated business process management, organisational and project management skills.

10.Demonstrated computer literacy skills.

11.Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.

12.Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

13.Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.

14.Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and judgement in the execution of duties.

15.Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.

16.Demonstrated ability to remain current on practices and developments in occupational safety and health.

17.Demonstrated political acuity.

18.Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.

19.Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1.     Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or related field of study, plus one (1) year experience in a post at Grade12; or one (1) year relevant professional experience; OR

2.     Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or related field of study, plus four (4) years’ in a post at Grade 10 or above; or four (4) years’ relevant professional experience; OR

3.     Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or related field of study, plus one (1) year experience in post at Grade 12; or one (1) year relevant professional experience.

SALARY

Salary is at the rate of EC $63,152.65 per annum (Grade 14 Step 1). 

HOW TO APPLY  

Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form and should be accompanied by certified copies of documents pertaining to qualifications, two (2) recent references and one (1) passport sized photograph along with other specified requirements.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Secretary

Public Service Commission

Sir Stanislaus James Building

The Waterfront

Castries, St. Lucia

Applications should reach the address no later than February 10, 2023.  

Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.    

Please be advised that only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews. Therefore, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview.