Policy Analyst (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Director, Policy Development Support, the Policy Analyst is responsible for conducting critical analysis of policy documents and contributes to the development and formulation of policies that will enhance the status of the culture, gender, entertainment and sport portfolios economically and socially. The Policy Analyst will also assist in the design and planning of stakeholders’ consultations pertinent to policy development and promulgation. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative:

• Contributes and supports the development and implementation of the Branch’s Operational Plan and Annual Budget; 
• Prepares and submits reports which explains the recommended policies, research findings and their implications; 
• Attends meetings and represents the Division/Ministry at conferences, seminars and other fora, as required. 

Technical/Professional:

• Generates data to inform policy development; 
• Conducts the relevant research, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders in order to develop national policies and programmes; 
• Manages the collection, compilation and relevance of quantitative and qualitative data as well as summarizes and analyses the data; 
• Reviews other data, published research and other material which can impact the development of the policies and programmes; 
• Reviews and updates policies to respond to any current and emerging needs of Jamaica’s culture, gender, entertainment and sport portfolios; 
• Designs and plans stakeholders’ consultations pertinent to policy development and promulgation; 
• Liaises with external entities such as the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in order to share and obtain data which will inform policies; 
• Assists in developing policy options and provides advice based on research on their effectiveness and impact; 
• Reviews and comments on Annual Reports, Corporate and Strategic Plans for which oversight is provided by the Branch; 
• Assists in the drafting of policy proposals for consideration and review;
• Assists in conducting impact assessment on policies being implemented;
• Assists with the monitoring of the implementation process for policies developed in assigned Departments and Agencies; 
• Participates in the process of identifying relevant stakeholders to initiate the discussion for the development of policies in areas with identified gaps; 
• Maintains a database of strategic policy issues and actions undertaken;
• Monitors and analysis domestic and or international issues, identifies strategic issues and determines policy implications; 
• Reviews regional and international related documents in relation to the Ministry’s portfolios; 
• Contributes to the preparation of papers, reports, submissions, briefs and correspondence. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Oral and written communication skills 
• Analytical thinking 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Initiative 
• Planning and organizing 
• Integrity 
• Interpersonal skills

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Undergraduate Degree in Social Sciences or equivalent from a recognised Tertiary institution 
• Specialised training in modern approaches to policy research/analysis
• Minimum three (3) years’ working experience in related field.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.