Chief Executive Officer – Planning and Development Authority
Job Description
Position Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reports To: Board of Directors of the Planning and Development Authority
Location: Planning and Development Authority, Grenada
1. Purpose of the Role
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Planning and Development Authority (PDA) is responsible for determining, formulating and implementing policies and guidelines in accordance with the Act. S/he will oversee the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the Authority. The CEO will ensure that the PDA fulfills its mandate to approve construction projects, ensuring compliance with local laws, building codes, environmental regulations, and alignment with community needs. The CEO will serve as the primary liaison between the PDA and external stakeholders, including government entities, developers, and the public.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Leadership and Strategic Direction:
● Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of the PDAs goals and objectives.
● Develop and implement short and long-term strategies to improve the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of the planning and development process.
● Ensure the Authority’s activities align with national development plans and sustainable growth goals.
2.2 Operational Management:
● Oversee the day-to-day operations of the PDA, ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with the Act, regulations, and Authority policies.
● Manage the Authority’s budget, ensuring the efficient and responsible allocation of resources to meet operational needs.
● Ensure the timely and thorough review of development applications, ensuring that all projects comply with local planning regulations, environmental standards, and community requirements.
2.3 Project Approvals and Compliance:
● Lead the review and approval process for all construction and development projects, ensuring that they meet building codes, laws, and environmental regulations.
● Ensure that developers and project owners adhere to all necessary regulatory approvals before, during, and after project implementation.
● Promote sustainable development practices and environmental conservation through the project approval process.
● The CEO shall be responsible to the Authority, for the administration including taking disciplinary actions under the regulations and for operating the system of planning for which the Act provides.
● Shall institute, complete, maintain and keep under review, a study of the matters pertinent to planning and the use and development of land in Grenada.
● Shall prepare or cause to be prepared, development plans.
● The CEO and the Executive Secretary shall sign and issue all development permits and other documents authorized by the Authority. Furthermore, the CEO shall ensure that the organization leadership is cohesive with all the key internal and external components of development and stakeholders.
2.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:
● Serve as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including government ministries, local authorities, developers, and community organizations.
● Represent the PDA in meetings, conferences, and public forums, providing updates and promoting the Authority’s work and objectives.
● Ensure that public consultations and community needs assessments are integrated into the planning and development processes.
● Foster a strong relationship with local and regional government entities, ensuring a collaborative approach to development issues.
2.5 Policy and Regulatory Oversight:
● Develop, implement, and update policies and procedures related to planning, development, and environmental standards.
● Advise the Board of Directors on emerging trends, policy changes, and regulatory updates that may affect the Authority’s mandate.
● Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the planning and development sector, including national laws and international best practices.
2.6 Staff Management and Development:
● Provide leadership and direction to the staff of the PDA, promoting a positive and productive work environment.
● Ensure that all staff are adequately trained and equipped to carry out their duties effectively.
● Oversee the performance management system to evaluate staff progress, provide feedback, and ensure a professional work environment
2.7 Reporting and Accountability:
● Report regularly to the Board of Directors on the Authority’s activities, project progress, and financial status.
● Provide periodic reports to the government and the public on the Authority’s performance, project approvals, and key strategic initiatives.
● Maintain transparency in the PDA’s operations and ensure that the decision-making process is well-documented and publicly accessible when appropriate.
3. Qualifications, Skills, Attributes, Competencies and Knowledge
3.1 Required Qualifications:
● A Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
Candidates with an MBA, MPA, or other professional degrees should have a minimum of 10 years of practical experience in construction, architecture, civil engineering, or physical development.
● Minimum of 8 years of executive/senior leadership experience in a public sector or regulatory environment, focusing on planning, development, or environmental management.
● In-depth knowledge of planning regulations, building codes, zoning laws, and environmental laws applicable in Grenada and the Caribbean.
● Architecture, building designs, building engineering, and/or 8 years’ minimum experience as a professional in an area of the aforementioned physical planning sectors is required, along with a demonstrable understanding of physical and land development.
3.2 Required Skills and Competencies:
● Strong leadership and decision-making skills with a proven track record of managing teams and projects effectively.
● Excellent understanding of the Act as well as sustainable development principles and environmental regulations.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, developers, and the public.
● Ability to analyze complex issues and make strategic recommendations to achieve the Authority’s goals.
● High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in carrying out responsibilities.
● Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
● Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly with senior leadership and Boards.
● Skillful and experienced in strategic planning, resource allocation, and project management.
● Analytical skills with the ability to foresee issues, develop constructive solutions, and provide decisive recommendations.
● Ability to work independently and react quickly in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
● Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and deadlines.
● Full working knowledge of the Authority’s Management System.
● Excellent knowledge of business and financial management.
● Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
● Excellent knowledge of leading change in a dynamic environment.
4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The following performance indicators will be used to assess the effectiveness of the CEO:
● Compliance Rate: Achieving 90% compliance with all approved projects in adherence to local regulations and environmental standards.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Successful organization of 4 public consultations or community outreach programs per year, with positive feedback from stakeholders.
● Staff Development: Employee satisfaction and professional development, with 50% of staff participating in training and skill-building programs annually.
● Financial Management: Effective budget management, with the PDA operating within budget and achieving financial sustainability.
● Efficiency of Project Approvals: Timeliness and quality of project reviews, with a target approval rate of 90% in processing of applications within the established timelines.
5. Working Relationships
Internal Relationships:
● Board of Directors: Report to and collaborate with the Board to develop and implement the strategic direction of the PDA.
● Represent the Authority at conventions, seminars, international conferences and other official occasions, promoting good public relations.
● Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors regarding all aspects of the operations of the Authority.
● PDA Staff: Lead and support the staff of the PDA, ensuring effective communication and alignment with organizational goals.
External Relationships:
● Government Ministries: Liaise with relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of the Environment, to ensure alignment of PDA activities with national development goals.
● Collaborate with other SOBs and SOEs, such as NAWASA, GSWMA, HAG, as well as others.
● Developers and the Private Sector: Engage with developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other construction professionals to ensure that projects comply with regulations and meet community needs.
● Community Stakeholders: Consult with local communities and organizations to incorporate their feedback into planning processes.
● Environmental and Regulatory Bodies: Collaborate with national and regional environmental organizations to ensure that development is sustainable and compliant with the Act.
6. Accountability and Reporting
The CEO will report directly to the Board of Directors of the Planning and Development Authority. The CEO is accountable for ensuring the effective management of the Authority’s operations, meeting project approval timelines, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining the Authority’s reputation as a transparent and efficient statutory body.
7. Working Conditions
● The CEO will be based at the Planning and Development Authority office in Grenada but may be required to travel within the Caribbean as part of the role.
● The position may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or engage with stakeholders.
This TOR document serves as a guide to the duties, responsibilities, and expectations for the CEO of the PDA. It is intended to ensure that the CEO’s role is aligned with the Act, strategic goals of the Authority and compliant development. This TOR is intended to outline key responsibilities and expectations but is by no means exhaustive of all duties that may be required in the role.
Application Process: The authority will be accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews before the final closing date. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Only electronic applications with a signature will be considered.
Deadline: April 30, 2025
This is a fixed-term contract for a period of 2 years.
Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.
