Senior Director, Policy Analysis, Research and Development (GMG/SEG 5)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Chief Technical Director, Strategic Planning and Policy Services, the Senior Director, Policy Analysis, Research and Development, is responsible for leading the Policy Analysis Research and Development team to support the development and implementation of policies and programmes within the Ministry. The incumbent will also provide technical advice to the Ministry, its portfolio entities, and other Government Agencies on matters of science, energy, telecommunications and transport. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Represents the Ministry at meetings, conferences and other fora, as required; 
• Prepares Technical Reports and policy papers; 
• Directs and co-ordinates the outputs and activities of the technical officers within the Policy Analysis Research and Development Unit; 
• Monitors the implementation of policies and recommends changes, where necessary, to achieve desired results; 
• Prepares status reports on all policy, project and agency liaison activities of the Unit, as required. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Provides guidance/advice to the Chief Technical Director and other Unit/Branch/Division Heads on technical matters; 
• Participates in the formulation/review of policies and legislation to improve and/or harmonize the activities of the Ministry and its Agencies; oversees the implementation of policy and legislative changes relating to functions within the span of control; 
• Provides technical and professional advice based on robust methods of analysis, monitoring, comprehensive analysis and research work, consultation and collaboration, to guide and inform the policy development work undertaken in the Ministry; 
• Provides research support to all Units, Branch and Divisions within the Ministry, as may be required to assist with the development of policies for portfolio entities; 
• Conducts detailed analyses of technical/policy issues, documents and prepares clear and concise reports for non-technical audiences as appropriate; 
• Participates in the development and monitoring of programmes and projects at all stages of implementation, including detailed review of contracts and other project documents; 
• Prepares technical reports and policy papers for submission to Senior Government Officials; 
• Develops and maintains effective science, energy, telecommunications and transport related research and information systems for current, anticipated and future demands; 
• Oversees and directs the use of various tools and technologies for the execution of technical analyses; 
• Oversees and provides support for the preparation and publication of Annual Transport Statistics Reports; 
• Participates in negotiations with donor agencies and partners, as required, to execute programmes; 
• Directs activities in response to concerns and queries raised by members of the public;
• Participates in local, regional and international conventions, workshops and meetings on policy and technical issues; 
• Participates in dispute resolution actions to address conflicts relating to projects and other activities within either the Ministry or its portfolio entities; 
• Leads and facilitates on approach and perspective that promotes Ministry’s policy in responses to enquiries from internal and external stakeholders; 
• Reviews and analyzes proposals, submissions, contract documents, reports and other documentation, and provides feedback to the relevant internal and external stakeholders. 

Human Resource Management: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends or initiates corrective actions, where necessary; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Ministry and recommends staffing arrangements in keeping with established human resource procedures and policies;
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training and mentoring; 
• Takes steps to address the welfare and development needs of staff in the Unit;
• Makes provisions for direct reports to have sufficient and appropriate physical resources to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively; 
• Ensures that direct reports are sensitized on the policies, procedures and regulations of the Public Service/Ministry; 
• Recommends disciplinary action, leave and staffing arrangements for direct reports;
• 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; 
• Customer and quality focus; 
• Teamwork and co-operation; 
• Good interpersonal skills; 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills; 
• Good analytical thinking skills; 
• Goal/result oriented; 
• Good planning and organizing skills; 
• Good leadership skills; 
• Compliance; 
• Integrity; 
• Change management; 
• Adaptability. 

Functional: 

• Use of Technology (relevant computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite);
• Managing external relationships; 
• Methodical; 
• Thorough knowledge of the Public Sector environment and the machinery of Government;
• Familiarity with technical regulations and standards that govern the Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Sectors; 
• Knowledge of Project Management principles; 
• Appreciation of environmental management principles; 
• Understanding of the policy development and implementation process;
• Knowledge of Research Methodology. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial or Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Planning, Economics, Statistics, Natural Sciences, or closely related technical design field from an accredited institution; 
• Five (5) years’ experience at the managerial/senior management level;
• Advance training in Project Management, Policy Research and Analysis and Contract Administration is desirable; 
• Master of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering, Public Policy, Planning, Economics, Statistics, Natural Sciences, Public Sector Management, Business Administration, or other development related discipline would be a distinct advantage.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.