Bekendmakingen

TERMS OF REFERENCE – CONSULTANT (Human Resources)

1. CONTEXT
   The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) is a regional Inter-Governmental organisation that was established by virtue of the Convention establishing the Association of Caribbean States done in Cartagena de Indias in July 1994. Article III of the Convention defines the organisation as one of “consultation, cooperation and concerted action” whose purpose is “to identify and promote the implementation of policies and programmes”. The organisation’s work is focussed on – cooperation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable tourism, trade, transport and external economic relations, and the protection of the Caribbean Sea. The ACS has 25 Member States, 10 Associate Members, 6 Founding Observers and 29 Observer Countries.
   ACS engages external consultants to provide services to fulfil its mandate vis-à-vis its Member States and Associate Members. As a result, the ACS is seeking to engage a Human Resource Consultant to provide support to the Office of the Chief Operating Officer in accordance with the functions referred herein.
2. OBJECTIVE
   To provide professional Human Resources support to the Secretariat, ensuring continuity, compliance, and timely handling of all HR matters across recruitment, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and general HR operations.
3. REPORTING STRUCTURE
   The Consultant will report to the Chief Operating Officer.
4. DELIVERABLES
5. Coordinate all recruitment activities, including scheduling interviews, preparing documents, communicating with candidates, and supporting hiring logistics.
6. Prepare vacancy notices and arrange shortlisting and interview processes in a timely manner.
7. Conduct reference checks and prepare interview and selection documentation for approval.
8. Coordinate the onboarding process for new staff by preparing required documents, arranging insurance enrolment, coordinating systems access, and ensuring all internal setup is completed.
9. Serve as the first point of contact for employee queries and concerns regarding HR matters and assist with resolving issues before escalation.
10. Manage grievances and propose Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR).
11. Maintain up-to-date personnel files & employee records, ensuring all documents are properly filed and stored in accordance with the ACS’ records management policies.
12. Perform a leadership role with respect to the development, coordination, and implementation of the ACS’ Culture Plan. This will include (but it is not limited to) – gathering staff input (which include “negative culture drivers”), identifying improvement areas (which include “positive culture drivers”), innovating practical activities to transition staff from partially engaged employees to fully engaged employees, AND coordinating organisation-wide “value-added” initiatives (such as promoting teamwork, espousing the ACS’ core values, and nurturing mindsets which progressively build a “sustainably positive” workplace environment).
13. Monitor contract dates, probation periods, and performance deadlines to ensure timely issuance and renewal of contracts.
14. Prepare, update, and track HR documents such as letters, memos, forms, and reports.
15. Process staff insurance matters, including additions, removals, claims assistance, policy updates, and employee guidance.
16. Supervise administrative support staff (Receptionist, Janitorial Services) and coordinate their daily duties to ensure smooth office operations. Maintain leave records, verify supporting documents, and prepare monthly leave and attendance reports.
17. Provide routine guidance to staff and supervisors on HR procedures and administrative requirements.
18. Liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on work permits, residency status, and immigration requirements for international personnel.
19. Assist in organising staff wellbeing, engagement, and workplace initiatives.
20. Support the application of the Staff Manual by ensuring forms, templates, and procedures are followed consistently.
21. Assist with updates to the Staff Manual and HR procedures to reflect current practices.
22. Assist in coordinating probationary reviews and contribute to initiatives which will improve the effectiveness of the annual performance appraisal system and activities.
23. Track submission of performance documents and follow up on outstanding items.
24. Support the identification of staff training needs, collect training requests, and coordinate training logistics.
25. Maintain training records and track participation and completion.
26. Prepare routine HR reports, employee statistics, and other administrative updates as required.
27. Perform general HR administrative duties and any additional tasks assigned by the Chief Operating Officer or the Secretary-General.
28. DURATION
    The Consultancy would be for an initial period of six (6) months and may be renewed.
29. REMUNERATION
    The consultant shall be paid monthly the sum of Three Thousand One Hundred Dollars United States currency (US$3,100.) tax free.

7. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional HR certification is an asset.
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant HR experience, preferably in Inter-Governmental or Public-Sector organisations.
• Knowledge of Trinidad & Tobago labour laws.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and advisory skills.
• Proficiency in English; working knowledge of Spanish and/or French is an advantage.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and diplomacy.

7. COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of HR administration, recruitment, and personnel management.
• Familiarity with Trinidad & Tobago labour laws and organisational HR procedures.
• Understanding of insurance administration (medical and group life).
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and proper filing of confidential information.
• Strong coordination skills for interviews, meetings, onboarding, and training activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to use digital HR forms, templates, and trackers.
• Strong communication skills and professional interaction with staff, candidates, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, confidentiality, and sound judgement.
• Ability to provide early-stage resolution to employee issues.
• Customer-service oriented approach to supporting staff needs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Reliable, accountable, adaptable, and willing to support organisational priorities.

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   The Consultant may be expected to travel in the course of his/her duties.

8. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS:
   Candidates must present the following documents for consideration:
9. Full Curriculum Vitae;
10. University Degree certificate;
11. Language Proficiency certificates (not native tongue);
12. Names and contact information of three (3) referees.
    Applicants must complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form included with the website vacancy. Failure to complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form will result in automatic rejection of the application. This form must be completed using either Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Do not attempt to complete this document using any web browser.
    Applications must be addressed to:
    H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid
    Secretary-General
    Association of Caribbean States
    5-7 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair
    PO Box 660, PORT OF SPAIN
    Tel: 868-622-9575
    Fax: 868-622-1653
    Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months of the deadline should consider their application as unsuccessful.

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TERMS OF REFERENCE – CONSULTANT (Legal)

1. CONTEXT
   The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) is a regional Inter-Governmental Organisation that was established by virtue of the Convention establishing the Association of Caribbean States done in Cartagena de Indias in July 1994. Article III of the Convention defines the organisation as one of “consultation, cooperation and concerted action” whose purpose is “to identify and promote the implementation of policies and programmes”. The organisation’s work is focussed on – cooperation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable tourism, trade, transport and external economic relations, and the protection of the Caribbean Sea. The ACS has 25 Member States, 10 Associate Members, 6 Founding Observers and 29 Observer Countries.
   ACS engages external consultants to provide services to fulfil its mandate vis-à-vis its Member States and Associate Members. As a result, the ACS is seeking to engage a Legal Consultant to provide support to the Office of the Secretary-General.
2. OBJECTIVE
   Under the general guidance of the Secretary-General, the incumbent is responsible for providing legal advice and opinions, as well as drafting legal documents on matters involving the Secretariat as well as administrative functions as they relate to the legal work of the organisation.
3. REPORTING STRUCTURE
   The Consultant will report to the Secretary-General.
4. DELIVERABLES

• Conducting legal research and analysis to support the organisation’s legal position and strategy;
• Providing advice, using as a general reference the provisions set out in the Convention Establishing the ACS, the Agreements emanating from the Ministerial Council, and other relevant regulations in order to maintain, within the Secretariat and the Association as a whole, uniformity in the interpretation and application of rules, norms and regulations governing the Association; in the preparation of meetings within the portfolio of the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Prepare legal instruments and other documents as determined by the Secretary-General for all Meetings of the Ministerial Council;

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• Drafting Ministerial Agreements or any other Agreements or MOUs, as directed by the Office of the Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Preparing extensive legal research, analysis and prepare legal opinions, briefs and reports on legal matters;
• Providing advice relating to the interpretation and application of international law, international treaties, conventions and agreements;
• Providing assistance in the review and update of the Staff Policy Manual; Procedures Handbook and Financial Regulations and any other instruments as so instructed by the Office of Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Providing advice relating to the interpretation of international trade law, including the norms, policy documents, regulatory documents of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other multilateral and bilateral trade agreements in which the ACS Member States and/ or Associate Members are involved;
• Supporting the ACS in the execution of official meetings, as requested;
• Submitting Official Travel Reports to the Secretary-General upon return from official missions;
• Identifying and mitigating legal risks and issues that may affect the organisation; in particular related to money laundering, compliance, or risk management;
• Preparing legal documents and other correspondence (reports; briefs; letters; circular notes; verbal notes etc.) to be issued from the Office of the Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Providing any other assistance and support as requested by the Office of the Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General.

1. DURATION
   The Consultancy would be for an initial period of six (6) months and may be renewed.
2. REMUNERATION
   The Consultant shall be paid a monthly sum of Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Dollars and Twenty Cents United States currency (US$3,830.20), tax free.

7. QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• A Post Graduate Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to International Relations, International Law, Law or other relevant areas.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Law.
• Legal Education Certificate* or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Ability to practice law in Trinidad & Tobago.
• Work Experience – At least five (5) years’ experience, preferably with experience at International or regional levels in areas such as legal research, dispute resolution as well as working with the privileges and immunities of international organisations; background in anti-money laundering, compliance, or risk management, supported by certifications such as CAMS or ICA will be at an advantage.
• Certificates acquired at foreign universities MUST be supported by certified transcripts as well as evidence that the completed programme is accredited in Trinidad and Tobago.

7. COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in two (2) of the official languages of the ACS;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Sound knowledge of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills;
• Tact and diplomatic acumen;
• Ability to work independently;
• Strong research, analysis and writing skills;
• Knowledge of International Law and Law related to International Organisations;
• High Level of Integrity and ability to treat confidential information with discretion;
• High degree of professionalism and accountability;
• Ability to plan, organise and supervise the work of support staff;
• Ability to work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment;
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   The Consultant is expected to travel in the course of his/her duties.
10. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS:
    Candidates must present the following documents for consideration:
11. Full Curriculum vitae;
12. University degree certificate;
13. Language Proficiency certificates (not native tongue);
14. Names and contact information of three (3) referees.
    Applicants must complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form included with the website vacancy. Failure to complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form will result in automatic rejection of the application. This form must be completed using either Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Do not attempt to complete this document using any web browser.
    Applications must be addressed to:
    H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid
    Secretary-General
    Association of Caribbean States
    5-7 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair
    PO Box 660, PORT OF SPAIN
    Tel: 868-622-9575
    Fax: 868-622-1653
    Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months of the deadline should consider their application as unsuccessful.