Over thirty years of diplomatic expertise. Multifaceted with a keen eye for research, analysis, writing, negotiation,networking,advocacy,strategic thinking, capacity building and project management. A highly motivated team player, pioneer, leader who is passionate about building people and organisations. A good communicator who uses her skill set in a dynamic international setting. |
Contact Joan Edwards
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Area of Expertise: |
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Administration, Management, Finance/Accounting, Procurement
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Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
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Government, Governance, Reforms
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Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
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Trade, Finance, Economics, Cooperation, Global
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Professional Experience: |
Thirty one years of experience as a Foreign service specialist for Jamaica with expertise in bilateral, multilateral diplomacy.Served in various capacities including over fourteen years in senior management. An attorney at law since 2006 and called to the Bar in Jamaica and Belize.
Since January 2018 Head of the Foreign Trade Division where I lead a team of thirteen professionals with the objective of providing policy advice on Jamaica's trading relations in the multilateral, regional and bilateral levels.
Previously from 2012 to 2016 led a team of eight professionals in the International Organisations Department where I managed Jamaica's relations with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth, providing policy advice to the political directorate and to a crossection of public and private sector interests.
While on leave of absence from the Foreign Service( March 2016 to December 2017, worked as Senior Legal Officer and Coordinator of Belize's first National Risk Assessment while assigned to the Financial Intelligence Unit(Belize). Acted as High Commissioner at the Jamaican High Commission to South Africa 2006. Pioneered and managed the establishment and preliminary operations of the Mission from 2006 to 2009. Managed a team of 8 professionals.
Deputy High Commissioner at the Jamaican High Commission to the United Kingdom 2009 to 2012. Managed a team of 23 professionals.
Served at the Jamaican Mission to the United Nations as Counsellor in the Jamaican Mission to the United Nations and concurrently as Alternate Representative to the United Nations Security Council 2000 to 2001 while Jamaica was a sitting member.
Assigned on Secondment to the United Nations Mission in Angola as a Human Rights Officer from January 2003 to May 2003.
Previously from 1989 to 2003 served in various capacities in the Foreign Service namely, as First Secretary at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington D,C and political officer in the multilateral Affairs Department.
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Education: |
Bachelor of Laws, University of London,United Kingdom 2002 Master of Public Administration, American University, Washington D.C, USA(1996) Bachelor of Arts, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica West Indies (1989)
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
Leadership alumni of the Commonwealth Leaders Conference 2013
Long Service Awards for over 25 years of service to the Government of Jamaica in 2015.
Member of the Bar Association of Jamaica Member of the Civil Service Association of Jamaica
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
- Being headhunted – make me an offer
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