OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT

VACANCIES

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the contract positions of Parliamentary Computer Aided Transcription (CAT) Reporter I in the Hansard Unit, Office of the Parliament.

PARLIAMENTARY CAT REPORTER I

JOB SUMMARY

A Parliamentary CAT Reporter takes accurate verbatim notes of all parliamentary debates, committee meetings and parliamentary conferences, in shorthand, using on line stenotype machinery, and produces, on a real time (simultaneous) basis, transcripts of such notes according to established formats.

Work is generally performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by superior officers for accuracy, presentation and comprehensiveness. Work includes the development and maintenance of a personal computerized shorthand dictionary, the insertion of editorial corrections made to transcripts, the merging of the final report of proceedings of Parliament, the compilation of the Index of the bound volumes of the Hansard and the maintenance of archives of short hand notes.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes verbatim shorthand notes of parliamentary proceedings including committee proceedings, conferences, seminars and other meetings, using a stenotype machine.
• Records proceedings in English, correctly identifying speakers, and with appropriate headings being inserted to correspond with agenda item changes as they occur.
• Obtains printed matter quoted to ensure accurate reproduction and verifies significant details from reference works.
• Transcribes notes on a real time (simultaneous) basis, ensuring accuracy of spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax and eliminating unnecessary repetition, using Computer Aided Transcription technology.
• Ensures availability for proceedings of both Houses and their Committees including emergency sittings or early recall of either House.
• Compiles Draft Index for the bound volumes of Hansard.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of the English Language, spelling and punctuation.
• Sound written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to take verbatim shorthand notes accurately at rapid speeds on computer compatible stenotype machines.
• Ability to use computer aided transcription software technology.
• Ability to understand the meaning and relationships of words and sentences in context.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Training as evidenced by having passed an examination, at a recognized institution, in Computer Compatible Stenographic Machine Shorthand at 160wpm, with a minimum translation accuracy of 95%.
• Training as evidenced by a General Certificate of Education at the Ordinary Level or a Caribbean Examinations Council General Proficiency Certificate with five (5) passes, which must include English Language.
• Training as evidenced by having passed an examination in typing at 45 words per minute.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Terms and conditions of employment commensurate with qualifications and experience will be negotiated with the Chief Personnel Officer.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Applications with detailed Curriculum Vitae and two (2) references should be addressed to:-

Attention: Director, Human Resource Services

The Clerk of the House
Office of the Parliament
The Red House
Abercromby Street
Port-of-Spain
E-mail: hru@ttparliament.org

Applications must reach no later than October 08, 2010. Only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged.

PARLIAMENTARY (CAT) REPORTER I
OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post: Parliamentary CAT Reporter I
Status: Contract Position
Reports to: Parliamentary CAT Reporter II

Job Summary

A Parliamentary (CAT) Reporter takes accurate verbatim notes of all parliamentary debates, committee meetings and parliamentary conferences, in shorthand, using on line stenotype machinery, and produces, on a real time (simultaneous) basis, transcripts of such notes according to established formats.

Work is generally performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by superior officers for accuracy, presentation and comprehensiveness. Work includes the development and maintenance of a personal computerized shorthand dictionary, the insertion of editorial corrections made to transcripts, the merging of the final report of proceedings of Parliament, the compilation of the Index of the bound volumes of the Hansard and the maintenance of archives of short hand notes,.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Takes verbatim shorthand notes of parliamentary proceedings including committee proceedings, conferences, seminars and other meetings using a stenotype machine;
2. Records proceedings in English, correctly identifying speakers, and with appropriate headings being inserted to correspond with agenda item changes as they occur;
3. Obtains printed matter quoted to ensure accurate reproduction and verifies significant details from reference works;
4. Transcribes notes on a real time (simultaneous) basis, ensuring accuracy of spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax and eliminating unnecessary repetitions, using Computer Aided Transcription technology;
5. Edits their 'takes' of Parliamentary proceedings;
6. Ensures that he/she obtains full names and departmental or organizational description of witnesses for Committee Meetings;
7. Ensures availability for proceedings of both Houses and their Committees including emergency sittings or early recall of either House;
8. Compiles Draft Index for the bound volumes of Hansard;
9. Inserts corrections made by the Editors to the transcript of proceedings and merges documents as required;
10. Prints and collates required number of copies of transcripts when requested;
11. Handles requests for information from Members of Parliament, and Government Ministries/ Departments from time to time;
12. Reviews the Order Papers of the day for familiarization with subject matter to be debated;
13. Keeps abreast of current legislative activity through Hansard and of current national and international events by reading relevant reference material, such as reports, newspapers and magazines;
14. Performs other related duties as may be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

1. Working knowledge of the English Language, spelling and punctuation
2. Knowledge of current national and international affairs will be an asset
3. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word 2007
4. Sound Written and Oral Communication Skills
5. Ability to take verbatim shorthand notes accurately at rapid speeds on computer compatible stenotype machines
6. Ability to use computer aided transcription software technology
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Minimum Experience And Training

1. Training as evidenced by having passed an examination, at a recognized institution, in Computer Compatible Stenographic Machine Shorthand at 160wpm, with a minimum translation accuracy of 95%.
2. Training as evidenced by a General Certificate of Education at the Ordinary Level or a Caribbean Examinations Council General Proficiency Certificate which must include English Language.
3. Training as evidenced by having passed an examination in typing at 45 words per minute.