Policy Research Co-ordinator (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Planning, Performance Monitoring, Policy and Research will be responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and provision of advice on all postal policies, as well as liaising with the Parent Ministry to ensure that policies and programmes are aligned with the Ministry’s strategic direction and national priorities. 

Key Responsibilities

Management and Administrative 

• Participates in the development and implementation of the Department’s Operational Plan and Annual Report; 
• Prepares monthly and quarterly reports/updates on the status of the Postmaster General’s programmes for dissemination, as instructed; 
• Maintains a diary of major policies/programmes and advises the Postmaster General accordingly; 
• Participates in technical meetings and makes recommendations; 
• Maintains a database of strategic policy issues and actions undertaken; 
• Attends meetings and represents the Department at conferences, seminars, etc., as required. 

Technical/Professional 

• Participates in the development of the Postal Service Transformation Plan, including the development of policy and Action Plans and other documents for implementation, in collaboration with Parent Ministry, key stakeholders and other Agencies; 
• Drafts and reviews Cabinet Submissions; 
• Drafts policy statements, documents and papers for submission to Parent Ministry, as required to support changes in policy, legislation and regulations for the postal industry; 
• Develops and reviews as necessary, organizational policies, procedures and regulations for the Department and ensures that staff is aware of and adheres to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations; 
• Researches and recommends changes to policies, procedures and systems to enhance the functioning of the Department; 
• Monitors the implementation of assigned special projects and provides updates accordingly; 
• Identifies and tracks issues in the postal industry and evaluates their impact on Government policy and various stakeholders including state Agencies; 
• Consults with selected academics, Public and Private Sector technical experts to assess social and economic conditions, efficacy of different kinds of programmes, effects of changes in legislation or public policy and their impact on proposed policies within the postal industry; 
• Maintains relationships with key stakeholders, updates records, arranges and coordinates internal and external meetings; 
• Engages in pre and post meeting activities on policy-related issues to including the collection of background information from internal and external stakeholders and agenda setting to prepare the Postmaster General for external meetings, press briefings, etc. 
• Liaises with Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDA’s) and other stakeholders to obtain and provide information on policy-related issues in the Postal Industry and escalates problems/concerns to the Postmaster General’s attention; 
• Provides advice including options and recommendations for the resolution of policy issues and problems; 
• Facilitates and encourages stakeholder participation in the formulation of policy via public meetings; 
• Collaborates with the Director, Strategic Planning, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data such as data from public opinion surveys, customer usage of Postal Services, sales of products etc.; 
• Conducts environmental scanning to inform proposals relating to specific projects;
• Keeps up-to-date with current Postal Technology research and analysis techniques and participates in research work; 
• Designs and develops systems and processes to monitor the effectiveness and outcome of legislative and regulatory measures; 
• In collaboration with Divisions/Units Heads, prepares/reviews standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Department; 
• Prepares/reviews research papers, policy documents, reports and other technical documents as directed by the Postmaster General and maintains an archive of such documents and briefs; 
• Reviews technical documents and correspondence; 
• Investigates urgent problems as assigned by the Postmaster General and reports on findings to inform the formulation of policy solutions; 
• Communicates and monitors implementation of policies, procedures and regulations of the PTD to stakeholders; 
• Monitors the implementation of assigned special projects and provides updates accordingly; 
• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the Job Description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience generally expected from a person occupying this position. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• Excellent interpersonal skill; 
• Excellent problem solving and decision making skills; 

Technical: 

• Knowledge Policy development 
• Knowledge of Government policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation processes and parliamentary procedures 
• Knowledge of policy objectives, operations and planning processes 
• Knowledge of the legislative process 
• Knowledge of prevailing social and economic factors impacting the Postal Sector
• Knowledge of relevant environment standards and regulations 
• Knowledge of strong research and consultative skills 
• Knowledge of universal Postal Union Standards 
• Knowledge of Post Office Act (1941) 
• Knowledge of Postal Industry and its operations 
• Knowledge of process improvement opportunities while taking into consideration industry trends and best practices 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences including Management/Business/Public Policy/Public Administration or any other related field or equivalent qualifications.
• Minimum of four (4) year’s related experience with two (2) year’s being at the middle management level. 
• Sound experience in general administration. 
• Experience in dealing with matters of a highly confidential and sensitive nature.
• Experience in relating to senior officers in the Public and Private Sectors. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Island-wide travelling. 
• Access confidential information within scope of authority. 
• Will be required to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends.
• May be required to travelling overseas to attention conference/workshops. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.