Collective Bargaining / Industrial Relations Specialist / Advisor

Job Description

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Position Title: Collective Bargaining / Industrial Relations Specialist/ Advisor
Jurisdiction: Grenada
Duration: 6 months (Retainer Contract, with the option to renew)
Location: Hybrid (Onsite & Remote)

1. Background & Purpose
An entity in Grenada is seeking the services of an experienced Industrial Relations and Collective Bargaining Specialist on a retainer basis. The Specialist/Advisor will provide strategic, legal, and technical guidance in the negotiation and implementation of collective agreements, help manage relationships with trade unions, and strengthen institutional capacity in industrial relations.

This engagement aims to support the entity in maintaining industrial harmony, navigating legal and fiscal constraints, and fostering mutually beneficial labour relations through informed negotiation and dispute resolution practices.

2. Objectives
● Provide high-level advisory and negotiation services to support collective bargaining processes.
● Ensure all agreements and practices are compliant with Grenadian labour laws and international standards.
● Guide the statutory body in managing labour relations within financial and policy constraints.
● Build institutional knowledge and capacity in labour law, negotiation strategy, and grievance management.

3. Scope of Work / Key Duties & Responsibilities
While on retainer, the Specialist/Advisor may be called upon to undertake the following:

1. Negotiation Strategy Development:
○ Design a clear negotiation roadmap based on legal review, precedent, union demands, and financial/fiscal limitations.
○ Conduct benchmarking and costing of proposals; assess potential economic and operational impacts.

2. Lead or Support Negotiations:
○ Represent or advise the entity in collective bargaining processes, covering wages, benefits, classifications, leave, performance management, grievance procedures, and related terms.
○ Facilitate discussions, bridge interests between parties, and help achieve consensus.

3. Drafting and Legal Review:
○ Prepare, review, and refine collective agreement documents and related correspondence.
○ Ensure legal compliance, enforceability, and clarity of terms.

4. Dispute Resolution and Representation:
○ Support or lead in managing grievances, disputes, and appeals.
○ Participate in mediations or conciliations as needed, working with external legal counsel, mediators, or arbitrators.

5. Legal and Policy Advisory:
○ Provide interpretation of labour laws, advise on compliance and regulatory matters, and ensure adherence to obligations under relevant legislation and agreements.

6. Capacity Building:
○ Deliver tailored training or briefings to the Board of Directors and its subcommittees on labour law, negotiation techniques, and dispute management.

7. Implementation Oversight:
○ Monitor and guide the application of collective agreements to ensure alignment with legal terms and internal policies.
○ Recommend compliance mechanisms or adjustments if needed.

8. Reporting and Governance Support:
○ Submit written reports, briefings, and strategy updates to the Board of Directors and its respective subcommittees, highlighting status, emerging issues, and recommendations.

9. Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate will possess:

● 7–10 years of progressive experience in industrial relations, collective bargaining, and labour law, preferably in the Caribbean.
● In-depth knowledge of Grenadian labour legislation and international labour standards.
● Proven ability to represent employers in negotiations and dispute resolution processes.
● Strong legal drafting and review skills related to collective agreements.
● Good analytical skills, including the ability to cost out proposals and assess financial/fiscal implications.
● Strong communication and facilitation skills; able to bridge interests between management and unions.
● Strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and diplomacy, with the ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments.
● Experience delivering training or briefings to boards or high-level governance structures.
● High degree of discretion, independence, and professionalism.

Relevant academic qualifications may include (but are not limited to):
● Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD).
● Master’s in Industrial Relations or Labour Studies.
● Master’s in Public Administration (with HR/negotiation focus)
● MA/BA in Human Resource Management or Conflict Resolution

10. Deliverables / Performance Indicators
Deliverables under this retainer may include:

● A written negotiation strategy, with legal, financial, and operational analysis.
● Draft and/or finalized collective agreement(s) or related documentation.
● Status and briefing reports to the Board of Directors and subcommittees.
● An implementation and compliance plan for executed agreements.
● At least one training or sensitization session for the Board on negotiation and labour relations.
● Support in effective dispute resolution and grievance handling.

11. Reporting & Working Relationships
● Reports to: The Board of Directors and its subcommittees as applicable.
● Works closely with:
○ Ministry of Labour and other relevant governmental bodies
○ External legal counsel, mediators, and arbitrators
○ Legal / Compliance unit and Finance department (for costing and analysis)
○ Union representatives and worker bodies

12. Contract Terms & Conditions

● Type of Contract: Retainer-based, with services provided as needed at the request of the statutory body.
● Duration: Six (6) months from date of commencement, with the option to renew.
● Work Mode: Hybrid – remote, with availability for in-person engagements when required.
● Work Hours: As needed, with flexibility to meet negotiation timelines, respond to urgent matters, and support key events.
● Confidentiality: The Specialist is required to maintain confidentiality regarding all negotiations, internal analyses, and related documents.

13. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:
● Cover Letter detailing relevant experience, proposed availability, and motivation.
● Curriculum Vitae (CV)
● Methodology and Approach (1–3 pages) outlining how you would fulfill the scope of work, manage stakeholder relations, and ensure strategic compliance.
● Sample(s) of Relevant Past Work (e.g., redacted negotiation strategy, agreement, or legal analysis).
● Professional References (At least two, with contact details).
● Fee Proposal (Retainer fee and/or hourly rate, including assumptions and terms).

14. Evaluation Criteria for Selection

Proposals will be evaluated based on:
● Relevant experience (40%)
● Methodology and approach (5%)
● Qualifications (40%)
● Cost/Value for money (5%)

15. We reserve the right to invite shortlisted candidates for an interview or clarification meeting. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The selected practitioner will be required to maintain strict confidentiality and professional independence.

Deadline for submission: November 7th, 2025