Durrant Pate/Contributor

The search has started for a new president for the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), which has started advertising the vacancy in the local media.

The post is being vacated by Diane Edwards, who has been at the helm for nearly 10 years, having been appointed in September 2013. She is demitting office at the end of this month, pursuing new challenges in the new year.

Edwards is credited with doing a very good job at the investment agency, shepherding investors to the island. JAMPRO is conducting an extensive talent search for her replacement and is inviting expressions of interest and applications for the role, which is based in Kingston.  

The role provides strategic and operational leadership and resource stewardship, and management of JAMPRO’s local and international teams totaling about 100 employees. The vacant post is the face of JAMPRO, which champions the mandate to deliver investment, job growth, brand equity and customer experience targets.

Pre-requisites for the post

The president needs to have a growth mindset. The individual also needs to be a visionary and a strategic leader with a superior international business profile and network, including a track record in areas such as national development, delivering ambitious goals in FDI/LDI, incubation of new industries, export growth, policy development and execution, marketing and promotions at the national level.  

The preferred candidate’s profile should include having outstanding leadership and business acumen, as well as capabilities and behaviours to operate nimbly and in full compliance with Government of Jamaica governance guidelines for public bodies. 

The incumbent must be a compelling communicator and negotiator, who is highly organised and results-oriented, with a capacity for handling multiple stakeholders. The individual must also drive an intensive agenda, inspiring the team of professionals to create a great place to work in every JAMPRO location.

The preferred candidate will have the following qualifications and experience profile:

• Advanced degree in Economics, International Law, Marketing, Management, or equivalent qualifications;
• 10 years’ experience at a senior executive level with preference given to candidates with a track record in International Business, Investments & Export Promotions;
• Experience leading a major public body or international business in an intensive Private Sector Enterprise;
• Project management, investment and trade promotion experience;
• Experience in government procurement, business finance and information technology including digital trends.