Under the direction of the Information Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner provides strategic leadership and direction for the enterprise-wide operations of the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), with specific responsibility for the organization’s technical and administrative functions. The incumbent ensures the effective planning, coordination, and management of programmes and resources to support the achievement of the OIC’s mandate. The Deputy Commissioner performs the functions of the Information Commissioner in his or her absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and operations.
KEY OUTPUTS
- Annual budget of the entity developed and managed in alignment with strategic priorities and compliance with government regulations;
- Guidelines and best practices to support the effective conduct of investigations developed and implemented;
- Stakeholder engagement frameworks to promote collaboration and information-sharing across sectors developed and maintained;
- Expenditure managed within the approved budget and in accordance with established financial guidelines and regulations;
- Mechanisms for the receipt, handling, and resolution of complaints developed and maintained in accordance with legislative requirements;
- Customer service improvement initiatives, including the Citizen’s Charter, developed and maintained;
- Compliance standards and monitoring systems developed to ensure adherence to relevant laws, policies, and procedures;
- Legal guidance and advice provided to support decision-making and ensure compliance with statutory obligations;
- Secure information systems to support operational efficiency and data integrity developed and maintained.
Duties and Responsibilities
Management/Administrative
- Oversees the development of strategic plans of the divisions and branches under his/her direction;
- Develops the budget for the entity in keeping with established standards within the public sector;
- Contributes to the development of risk management and risk mitigation strategies and establishes appropriate risk management mechanisms based on best practices and GoJ policy guidelines;
- Develops appropriate human resource management and development policies for the entity;
- Directs the development of key performance indicators (KPIs), divisional plans, unit plans, and individual work plans;
- Assists in the preparation of reports, including Annual Reports, audited financial statements, and other reports required in the interest of transparency, accountability and good management of a public body;
Assists the Commissioner to coordinate the activities, plans and programmes of the OIC
Technical
- Provides advice to the Commissioner on matters relating to data protection and access to information;
- Directs the ongoing review of the legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks within which the OIC operates;
- Oversees the development of complaints mechanisms, including a complaints register;
- Participates in and coordinates the strategic direction of the OIC;
- Provides strategic leadership and support for the technical areas of the OIC particularly complaints, compliance and legal;
- Leads the implementation of programmes to develop the institutional capacity and human resource capabilities of the OIC;
- Leads the implementation, monitoring and ongoing review of agreements and memoranda of understanding with third-party entities for capacity-strengthening of the OIC in the areas of compliance monitoring, investigations and other technical areas of the operation of the entity;
- Provides input for the preparation of submissions for Cabinet, Parliament and regional and international fora;
- Develops information systems architecture to developed country standards to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the OIC;
Represents the Commissioner at meetings and in other fora
Human Resources
- Directs the implementation of talent acquisition, staff retention, succession planning, capacity development and other policies and strategies relating to the human resource of the entity;
- Leads the implementation of programmes for performance management and appraisal and reward for the staff of the entity;
- Provides leadership and guidance to the staff through effective planning, delegation, communication, mentorship, and coaching;
Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- Divisional, Branch and individual work plans with KPIs developed, monitored and achieved;
- Audited financial statements prepared within time to contribute to finalisation of Annual Reports;
- Quality advice provided within specified time;
- Systems and standards are developed, implemented and reviewed in a timely manner and interventions to address gaps implemented;
- Operational policies and procedures are established and accessible;
- Financial performance of the OIC satisfies all GoJ requirements and good governance standards;
- Information systems modern, robust and appropriately maintained;
- Agreements and MOUs with third parties implemented and reviewed within time and against agreed standards.
Knowledge/Skills
- Excellent mediation and negotiation skills;
- Knowledge of the laws of Jamaica and the judicial system;
- Excellent leadership and management skills;
- Excellent planning and problem-solving skills;
- Excellent organizational and communication skills;
- Excellent time-management skills;
- Good research and analytical skills;
- Knowledge of legal principles and practices;
- Ability to effectively translate ideas, concepts and information into either written or verbal form;
- Ability to evaluate information and demonstrate sound judgment in decision-making;
- Ability to write clearly and succinctly on the application of legal principles to factual situations;
- Demonstrated team-building and collaborative skills.
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Postgraduate Degree in Management Studies, Public Administration/Public Sector Management, Public Policy, Law, Information Technology, or related field;
- Postgraduate qualification and experience in Management and Administration;
- Familiarity with GoJ accountability framework including FAA Act, Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act and Procurement Act desired;
- Demonstrated knowledge of the data protection and access to information national, regional and international landscape required;
- Familiarity with Jamaica’s justice system a distinct asset;
- Minimum seven (7) years’ working experience, including at least three (3) years at the level of head or deputy/chief of operations/chief technical director/principal director in an entity of similar size and complexity;
- Experience in the areas of legal, regulatory and policy frameworks governing data protection or access to information or similar field required;
- Experience in investigative work an asset.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Irregular and unscheduled working hours;
- Regional and international travel may be required from time to time;
Agreeable office environment.
AUTHORITY- Recommends revision of legislative, regulatory provisions;
- Implements new measures and procedures to enhance the entity’s strategic and technical capabilities;
- Recommends partnerships to strengthen entity’s institutional capacity;
- Recommends leave, disciplinary measures for staff.
Applications MUST include a résumé and the names of two (2) references and should be addressed and submitted via email, no later than Monday, November 3, 2025 to:
The Human Resource Manager
Office of the Information Commissioner
The Masonic Building
45-47 Barbados Avenue
Kingston 5
Email: Click here to show mail address
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.