Job Purpose
The incumbent is responsible for leading and managing the design, coordination and delivery of a robust research and evaluation agenda by ensuring up to date research methodologies are utilized in collecting and analysing data and reporting results to support the Ministry’s thrust in the development of evidence-based policies and legislation.
Key Outputs:
- Reports prepared
- Performance Indicators for Programmes and Projects
- Research papers prepared
- Department Budget
- Socio-legal methodically research conducted
- Statistical models and frameworks created
Key Responsibility Areas:
Management/Administrative
- Assesses the activities of the Unit consistent with existing procedural and policy dictates and technical pre-requisites;
- Participates in the Research and Planning process;
- Prepares and monitors the Unit’s Operational Plan;
- Prepares Budget to ensure the work of the Unit is completed;
- Represents the Unit at meetings, conferences workshops and seminars;
- Represents the unit at the head of Unit Meetings, other policies and corporate planning meetings in order to ensure that the work of the unit is integrated with that of the justice policy and strategic planning Branch of the Ministry
- Provides guidance to the Chief Research Analyst and other Officers on matters related to research, statistics and evaluation;
Technical/Professional Responsibilities
- Develops and leads implementation of strategies for institutional and individual capacity building on data collection, collation and reporting procedures;
- Leads interventions geared at strengthening research and data capabilities within the Ministry and its portfolio Departments;
- Provides technical and managerial oversight of the implementation of the Ministry’s Research and Data Analytics agenda;
- Identifies research priorities, as part of the strategic vision of the Ministry;
- Ensures that studies and research activities support the GOJ strategic directions and objectives for justice and legal issues;
- Defines and manages the objectives of research and policy analysis projects; develop comprehensive research frameworks, methodologies and tools to advance research initiatives;
- Reviews data generated in collaboration with the Divisions to inform policy decisions;
- Leads consultation sessions in the presentation of policy implications arising from the research findings as well as recommendations to the stakeholders;
- Leads and coordinates the development of templates, Terms of Reference (TORs), Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) to support the Ministry’s research agenda;
- Prepares research papers, policy papers and cabinet submissions;
- Prepares briefs and position papers for the Minister and Permanent Secretary;
- Provides information on research available, including in cross cutting areas involving justice, and social development matters, towards preparation of papers and technical presentations as required;
- Conducts socio-legal methodically based empirical research and analysis in support of evidenced based policy and programme development, implementation and evaluation;
- Continually evolve and improve the Ministry’s approach to research, evaluation, data analysis and so that decisions at a project and strategic level are taken on a sound evidential basis;
- Designs and implement research projects, statistical analysis, and ensure organization and maintenance of research databases;
- Create advanced statistical models and frameworks that drive policy and programme debate and influence work across the justice sector;
- Consider, prioritise, and, where appropriate, deliver support in response to ad-hoc external requests for evaluation and data analysis;
- Participates in the development of management information and knowledge management systems to strengthen research, evaluation and data analytics processes;
- Facilitates the integration of the research and evaluation, policy-making and planning processes within the Ministry;
- Supports the development and application of a Results Based Management approach to managing the Ministry’s programme
- Supports the development of the Ministry’s Strategic Business and Operational Plans in terms of strategies for gathering evidence to support policy development.
Human Resources
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares Performance Appraisals and recommends and/or initiates training and development programmes where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals;
- Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures;
- Develops and implements a Succession Planning Programme for the Unit to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Unit/Division in collaboration with the Human Resource Division;
- Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
- Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Unit are clearly identified and addressed;
- Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals.
Performance Standards:
- Research findings provide sound basis for Ministry’s policy development and planning
- Key deliverables are produced within in an agreed timeframe to required standards
- Policy recommendations produced will lead to organizational/programme improvements
- Reports are comprehensive and submitted within established timeframe
- Confidentiality and integrity are exercised
- Welfare of staff is clearly identified and addressed
- Staff is competent and productive
- High Ethical standards are maintained in the conduct of professional and personal business
Required Competencies:
Core Competencies
- Adaptability
- Compliance
- Customer and Quality Focus
- Initiative
- Integrity
- Interpersonal
- Oral Communication
- Team Work & Cooperation
- Time Management
- Written Communication
Technical/Functional Competencies
- Accountability
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Goal/Results Oriented
- Government Risk and Control
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership
- Methodical
- Planning and Organising
- Presentation and Reporting
- Problem Solving and Decision-making
- Resilience
- Stress Tolerance
- Technical Skills
- Use and Application of Technology
Other Competencies
- Sound knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research techniques
- Excellent knowledge of theory, systems and application research methodologies
- Sound knowledge of questionnaire design and content analysis
- Working knowledge of statistical and qualitative tools
- Ability to articulate hypotheses of the research to be undertaken
- Sound understanding of government operations, management and practices, including a strong appreciation of the interconnectedness of government entities involved in the Criminal Justice System
- Working knowledge of research and statistical software applications
- Excellent knowledge of government policy and planning process
- Working knowledge of financial management and budgeting
Minimum Required Education and Experience
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s Degree in a Social Science discipline with emphasis in Social Policy;
- Four (4) years’ experience in the field.
Continuous Professional Development
- Attend relevant training on emerging trends and practices within the field.
- Network within the profession and relevant associationsto keep abreast with the industry.
Authority:
- Sign off on travelling forms
- Recommend leave, disciplinary action and promotion of direct reports according to established policies
Specific Conditions associated with the job
- Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software.
- The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions.
- May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.
The Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
