Policy Analyst (GMG/SEG 2)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Senior Policy Analyst, the Policy Analyst is responsible for evaluating and reviewing the Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport policies and programmes in the Ministry and its Agencies, and providing technical support to the Ministry and its policy, planning, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Participates in the Division’s policy visioning, development, monitoring and evaluation programmes;
• Prepares reports for the Senior Policy Analyst, as required; 
• Functions as Desk Officer for assigned Agencies; 
• Identifies and brings to the attention of the Senior Policy Analyst that are lagging. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Undertakes research and analysis relevant to the development of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport portfolios; 
• Assists in analysing the feasibility of proposed and existing policies and their impact to drive the transformation of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Sectors, and their economic and social impact on Government’s priorities; 
• Holds discussions with stakeholders to ensure a clear understanding of the Ministry’s policies, obtain buy-in and solicit feedback; 
• Analyzes and comments on related studies prepared within Ministries or Agencies and provides information to assist with decision making and/or to determine the advisability of adopting new measures; 
• Provides inputs for developing briefs on the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport issues, and provides options for decision by the Senior Policy Analyst; 
• Co-ordinates the orderly and timely flow of accurate and rigorously analysed information on portfolio matters for the attention of the Senior Policy Analyst; 
• Co-ordinates the implementation of relevant Cabinet Decisions within the ministry.
• Collects and analyzes quarterly, annual and special reports compiled by the ministry, its Agencies and Departments; 
• Tracks and reports on the implementation of decisions and the status of programmes and projects, ensuring that goals and objectives are specific, measureable, realistic and accomplished in accordance with prescribed priorities, time limitation and funding conditions; 
• Monitors the application of the Code of Consultation in the policy development process;
• Participates in the analysis of relevant policy issues and recommends policy options to the Senior Policy Analyst; 
• Drafts outlines of Cabinet Submissions for review by the Senior Policy Analyst;
• Maintains excellent communication with Private and Public Sector entities in the science, energy, telecommunications and transport portfolios; 
• Participates in the development of training interventions to relevant staff in the ministry and its agencies, to create awareness of the procedures involved in policy development and policy analysis; 
• Prepares reports on the implementation of Cabinet Decisions and the current status of programmes and projects in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport portfolios; 
• Assists with monitoring and evaluating the implementation of decisions on inter-sectoral issues and facilitates collaboration among Ministries; 
• Brings inter-sectoral policy issues to the attention of the Senior Policy Analyst and proposes measures by which they can be effectively addressed; 
• Participates in stakeholder consultations to develop policies and to resolve policy conflicts;
• Prepares policy papers and briefs for the Senior Policy Analyst on matters impacting science, energy, telecommunications and transport and related portfolio matters;
• Analyzes and comments on studies prepared by the ministry and its agencies and provide information to assist with decision making and/or to determine the advisability of adopting new measures; 
• Keeps abreast of trends and changes in planning and policy development and make recommendations for their adoption, where necessary, to enhance the ministry’s planning and policy development functions; 
• Provides technical support to the Ministry’s policy, planning, development and evaluation process; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Public speaking and report writing skills 
• Customer and quality focus 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Integrity 
• Compliance 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Change management skills 
• Strategic vision 
• Good analytical thinking skills
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Ability to use own initiative 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Goal/result oriented 
• Managing external relationships 

Functional: 

• Use of technology – relevant computer applications 
• Knowledge of the Staff Orders and Public Service Regulations 
• Knowledge of GOJ policies and programmes 
• Thorough knowledge of policy analysis, monitoring and implementation
• Ability to conduct research, analyse data and make logical conclusions
• Broad understanding of science, energy, telecommunications and transport issues, and cross sectoral issues and programmes 
• Knowledge of pertinent research and analytical methodologies and ability to apply such techniques to policy issues 
• Ability to establish and maintain co-operative working relationship with all segments of the Ministries and its Agencies 
• Ability to work under pressure 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration, Technology Management, Policy Analysis, Development Studies, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Telecommunications Development or related fields from an accredited tertiary institution; 
• Specialized training in modern approaches to policy research, development and analysis;
• Three (3) years’ relevant experience. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines; 
• Ability to travel overseas and locally on work related business; 
• The job is substantially office-based. However, the post holder is required to attend meetings outside the office and visit entities within the energy portfolio. Field visits may expose the incumbent to dust, noise, heat, vibration and other conditions present in energy-related operations.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.