Assistant Policy Analyst (GMG/SEG 1)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Director, Housing Policy and Research, the incumbent supports the development and revision of housing policies, legislations and regulations, in alignment with the Ministry’s role and mandate. The role also involves assisting in the design of appropriate research instruments, methodologies and database systems, as well as supporting the execution of socio-economic surveys. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Organizes and participates in stakeholder meetings and public consultations;
• Organizes conferences, workshops and other fora, to support policy formulation activities and to accommodate stakeholder input in the process; 
• Prepares and delivers presentations, as required; 
• Assists with the preparation of the Branch’s Operational Plan and Budget;
• Develops Individual Work Plans aligned with the Operational Plan and Strategic direction;
• Prepares annual, quarterly, monthly and operational reports, as needed.

Technical/Professional: 

• Assists in developing appropriate instruments to support policy formulation;
• Participates in conducting research on housing needs and other related issues;
• Collaborates with policy analysts to track and assess the impact of implemented housing policies and legislations; 
• Assists in the planning and co-ordination of policy formulation meetings and public consultations; 
• Prepares required documents and follows up on post-meeting actions and decisions;
• Assists in the preparation of official papers, Cabinet Submissions, Notes and Status Reports on housing policies and legislations; 
• Assists in the updating of policies, legislation and Government documents;
• Reviews and comments on proposed policies, legislation and other documents;
• Liaises with international and local organizations associated with the Housing Sector;
• Ensures proper maintenance of policy documents and files; 
• Assists in conducting socio-economic surveys, research and needs analyses in the relevant subject areas; 
• Monitors and assesses the Housing Sector, to facilitate projections and the formulation of proposals and policies; 
• Investigates and respond to the public queries regarding settlement issues and problems
• Develops or facilitates technical assistance for projects to be undertaken by the Branch
• Assists with the translation and incorporation of International Agreements and issues of relevance to Jamaica in the area of Human Settlements. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Analytical Thinking 
• Ability to work in a team 
• Strong planning and organizing skills 
• Adaptability 
• Integrity and confidentiality 
• Customer/Stakeholder focus 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of policy formulation and protocols in the GoJ context 
• Proficient in conducting research – qualitative and quantitative, and analyzing data
• Proficient in technical writing and reporting 
• Presentation skills 
• Sound knowledge of the operational procedures of Central Government 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Policy or related discipline;
• Training in Research; 
• One (1) year related work experience.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.