Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY
Department of Environment

Terms of Reference for Executive Director (Environmental Protection Agency)

INTRODUCTION

The Environmental Protection Act, No. 11 of 1996, establishes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sets out mechanisms for its efficient functioning. Among the various functions, the Agency is required to take such steps as necessary for the effective management of the natural environment so as to ensure conservation, protection and sustainable use of its natural resources, and additionally, to establish, monitor and enforce environmental Regulations.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has identified the concept of a green economy to advance the sustainable development of the resources of the country. This concept is enshrined in the country’s national development plan, the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). The GSDS will guide Guyana's economic and sociocultural development over the next 15 years. It will ensure the sustainable utilization of the country’s vast natural potential, the creation of value-addition in the natural resources sector, the minimization of risks to sound economic development and the maximization of environmental benefits to the country as a whole.

Given the centrality of the EPA to the long-term, national development of Guyana, it is imperative that the vacant post of Executive Director which is established under the Environmental Protection Act be filled by a knowledgeable, dynamic individual with proven leadership and managerial skills in a similar capacity.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the EPA has full-time responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the EPA and shall specifically be responsible for:

• Making recommendations to the Board of Directors of the EPA on the organisation of the EPA and the formulation of policies in accordance with Act No. 11 of 1996;

• Being responsible for the implementation of policies formulated by the Board;

• Reviewing, preparing and recommending to the Board of Directors new or modified environmental policies, laws, regulations and standards for the fulfilment of EPA’s statutory mandate;

• Ensuring that the Agency fulfils its statutory mandate and all legal requirements established by or made under the Environmental Protection Act;

• Reviewing, preparing and administering the Agency’s budget;

• Identifying project opportunities and soliciting funding from outside donors;

• Preparing, in concert with the Divisional Heads, an agency work plan, and submitting same to the Board of Directors;

• Making recommendations to the Board of Directors on all matters relating to human resource management;

• Recommending issues for consideration by the Statutory Boards (e.g. decisions regarding project environmental approval to the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) and the Interagency Technical Group; and

• Reviewing and approving day-to-day operational decisions of the program areas head.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should have an earned doctorate or post-graduate degree in Environmental Science/ Policy/Management or Natural Resource Policy/ Management, Engineering or related discipline.

In addition, the Executive Director shall have proven experience in the following three areas:

1. Leadership and Management

The candidate should have at least 10 years of continuous public or private sector managerial experience. This experience should include project management, human resources management and development, financial management and administration.

The Candidate should also possess the ability to inspire, encourage and build trust and confidence in staff and partners and uphold the principles of partnership in supporting other Government Agencies.

2. Policy Development and Implementation

The candidate should have significant experience in working with diverse groups in the development and implementation of policies. Experience with development and implementation of regulatory programmes is strongly preferred.

3. Public Relations

The candidate must be comfortable working in a highly visible position. He/she should have significant experience dealing with the public and senior public and private sector officials. He/she should possess strong advocacy skills to be utilized in public speaking, media interviews and interactions. He/she should be comfortable in conversations, interactions and social settings involving political and cultural leaders at all levels.