Deputy Commissioner, Fiscal Monitoring, Forecasting & Analysis

Job Purpose

Under the general guidance of the Fiscal Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner Fiscal Forecasting and Analysis has the responsibility for independent fiscal and financial analysis regarding the state of the nation’s estimates of expenditure and trends in the economy, and provides an independent and expert opinion on whether the Government’s fiscal plan is in compliance with the fiscal rules of the country. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Oversees the review of the fiscal position of the country through the analysis of financial data using statistical software and econometric methods; 
• Conducts fiscal and debt sustainability analyses and prepares findings and recommendations; 
• Oversees preparation of baseline fiscal projections, sensitivity analyses and impact analyses;
• Directs the research and analysis on the underlying factors that drive the Government’s fiscal plan, interprets and challenges the economic assumption on which that plan is based; 
• Develops and maintains key stakeholder relationships; 
• Oversees the analysis of revenue, expenditure and financing data of the country relative to budget; 
• Guides the preparation of analyses and sound recommendations on cost-effective management of fiscal risks by: 
  • Canvassing literature on potential areas where the Government may be exposed
  • Co-ordinating focused discussions and work on the most significant areas of fiscal risks: 
• ? Identify the most important risk areas; 
• ? Quantify the potential fiscal exposure associated with each risk; 
• ? Assess the probability that each risk will materialize; 
• ? Articulate viable cost-effective risk management strategies; 
• Co-ordinates the preparation of relevant documents of key in-year fiscal monitoring, reports on the achievements and expectations of the Government’s fiscal programme;
• Provides an informed and independent opinion on the soundness and sustainability of Jamaica’s fiscal position and policies; 
• Monitors Government’s adherence to the fiscal responsibility framework;
• Prepares report on fiscal outcomes during and at the end of the fiscal year, relative to Government’s commitments and target; 
• Assesses and determines the impact of shocks that could trigger suspension of the fiscal rules; 
• Diagnoses the impact of natural disasters and the possible impact on the economy that may trigger the eligibility of drawdowns on special funds by Government; 
• Assesses correction mechanism in the Fiscal Responsibility Framework and makes recommendations, as required, in accordance with the FAA Act; 
• Prepares technical reports and policy briefs; 
• Performs any other related functions as assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills 
• High adaptability and knowledge-sharing/learning capacity 
• High innovative/creative thinking skills 
• Ability to work effectively on own initiative 
• Ability to promote and maintain stakeholder management 
• Ability to forge useful partnerships with people across functions and organizations
• Undisputed integrity and standing 

Technical: 

• Sound practical knowledge of macroeconomics, public finance and attendant quantitative tools 
• Sound knowledge of the process, methods and tools used in fiscal forecasting, baseline solutions and impact analyses 
• Sound knowledge of the process, methods and tools used in the preparation of Debt Sustainability Assessments 
• Sound knowledge of fiscal and economic history of Jamaica and context for current situation
• Sound knowledge of financial administration legislation, including in respect of fiscal targets and commitments 
• Excellent knowledge of inter-sector macro-linkages and linkages between fiscal and monetary policies 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (including Word and Excel) and other software required for economic and fiscal analyses and for secure database management and electronic information exchanges 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Economics, Public Finance or Quantitative Methods in Economics equivalent 
• Seven (7) years' experience in Economic Policy, Public Finance or related fields 
• Special Conditions Associated with the Job 
• Pressured working conditions with numerous critical deadlines.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.