Research and Policy Analyst (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Permanent Secretary, the Research and Policy Analyst is responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring the development and implementation of special projects, technical-related policies, plans and programmes, as well as the strategic development and maintenance of a comprehensive dashboard and research database for the MIIC, to ensure that the related responsibilities of the Permanent Secretary are executed efficiently and effectively. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Monitors and provides reports, advising on specific statistical matters in relation to the Ministry and portfolio agencies of the Ministry; 
• Liaises with other allied research and policy organizations; 
• Prepares Ministry presentations on behalf of the Permanent Secretary; 
• Assists with the preparation of productivity and performance reports on special projects and programmes; 
• Co-ordinates and participates in the preparation of the Operational and Unit Plans for the Executive Office; 
• Prepares the annual Budget for the Executive Office; 
• Follows-up to ensure that all performance reports are prepared and reviewed for the attention of the Permanent Secretary; 
• Participates in reviewing and assessing the output of the Permanent Secretary’s Office against Corporate and Operational Plans, and makes recommendations for adjustments where changes are indicated; 
• Manages matters related to local, regional and international affairs, which are presented for the attention of the Permanent Secretary’s Office, and ensures accurate and timely action; 
• Guides the development and maintenance of appropriate communication, information and records management systems, that facilitate timely and accessible information from the Permanent Secretary’s Office; 
• Liaises with project owners and teams across the Ministry and portfolio entities to ascertain project updates; 
• Assists with the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Special Projects and Programmes; 
• Prioritizes conflicting needs, ensuring that same are handled expeditiously and are followed through to successful completion; 
• Assists with the co-ordination of senior and other management team meetings; 
• Represents the Ministry at local, regional and international fora (meetings, delegations, conferences, symposiums, conventions), as required. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Researches, prepares and submits position papers, reports, briefs, meeting agendas, as required, 
• Assists with analyzing reports and preparing responses accordingly; 
• Routes and obtains timely responses to requests to/from MDAs for comments, reports, and briefs for the attention of the Permanent Secretary; 
• Liaises with the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) (including but not limited to the Office of the Parliamentary Council, Attorney General’s Chambers, Cabinet Office) to elicit advice/feedback on matters affecting the Ministry; 
• Monitors responses to queries from the Auditor General, Contracts Commission and Office of the Contractor General, by communicating with relevant officers in its portfolio agencies and ensures the provision of prompt and accurate information and data; 
• Provides assistance with the monitoring of responses to questions posed in the House of Representatives and Motions raised in the Senate, ensuring that responses conform to the required format and that the Permanent Secretary and the Honourable Minister are provided with accurate information; 
• Provides assistance with examining and assuring the quality of submissions to the Cabinet on behalf of the Ministry and its portfolio Departments and Agencies; 
• Assists with the preparation of Cabinet Submissions and Ministry Papers for onward submission to the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Technical Director;
• Examines and quality assures annual reports and other statutory reports for the Ministry, its Departments and Agencies; 
• Examines and quality assures documents prepared by MDAs for the signature of the Permanent Secretary; 
• Researches, prepares and submits position papers, reports, briefs and meeting agendas, as required; 
• Ensures that research data effectively addresses queries at all times;
• Responds to queries by analysing reports and preparing responses accordingly;
• Routes and obtains timely responses to requests to/from MDAs for comments, reports, and briefs for the attention of the Permanent Secretary; 
• Liaises with MDAs, regional and other international bodies/institutions to facilitate follow up and ensures the timely and informed implementation of decisions; 
• Participates in the preparation for visits by regional and international officials as required at the level of the Ministry; 
• Prepares speeches and speaking notes, as requested by the Permanent Secretary;
• Reviews procurement requisitions and supporting documents for the signature of the Permanent Secretary; 
• Responds generally to the demands of the Office of the Permanent Secretary;
• 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 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Ability to use own initiative 
• Client and quality focus/commitment to service quality 
• Compliance 
• Adaptability 
• Integrity 
• Methodical 
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Goal/result oriented 
• Confidentiality 
• Managing partners and external relations 
• Excellent analytical thinking skills 

Technical: 

• Good use of Information and Communications Technology 
• Excellent knowledge of legislation, Regulations and Policies 
• Excellent knowledge of research methodology and policy development
• Ability to think and act strategically across a wide range of functions 
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines 
• In-depth, up-to-date knowledge of government’s priorities of the day 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and conviction of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations 
• Ability to interface with senior government officials both locally and internationally
• Demonstrates sound personal and professional integrity, reflecting high ethical and moral values 
• High level of confidentiality and diplomacy 
• Good knowledge of Government’s systems and related operational policies
• Knowledge of international best practices 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Sciences including Management Studies, Public Sector Management/Public Administration or Business Administration or related area from a recognized tertiary institution; 
• Four (4) years related middle-management experience in the Public or Private Sector, in an organization of similar size and complexity. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

• May be required to work beyond regular working hours; 
• Maybe required to travel locally and overseas in the execution of official duties. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.