Principal Director, Research and Policy Development (GMG/SEG 6)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the General Direction of the Chief Technical Director, Policy, Planning & Development, the Principal Director, Research and Policy Development is required to provide guidance, leadership and monitoring of all activities related to the research, formulation and amendment of health policies and legislation in alignment with the Ministry’s mandate, strategies programmes and projects to support the Ministry of Health and Wellness, its Agencies and Department. 

Key responsibility areas INCLUDES:

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Oversees the application of economic theories, models and principles to health & wellness planning;
• Reviews the application of economic analysis and evidence to health & wellness policy issues and approves recommendations made for the most feasible, impactful and sustainable methodologies;
• Reviews actual and projected costs of all health & wellness plans, programmes and project proposals for submission to local bodies and International Development Partners (IDPs);
• Leads the implementation of policy research and analysis activities to identify, evaluate and critically analyse highly complex and politically sensitive issues and concerns affecting policy outcomes to deliver effective policy resolutions in the Jamaican Health systems and allied sectors;
• Leads the technical team in the research of local, regional and international trends in Public Policy for the Health sector and makes recommendations for policy review/development where necessary; 
• Provides technical advice to the CTD to facilitate negotiations with donor agencies and partners as required to execute programmes;
• Prepares relevant Cabinet Submissions and Notes on technical related matters as required; 

Minimum Required Education and Experience  

• Master’s degree in Health Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, Statistical Research or equivalent discipline;
• At least seven (7) years’ experience in Public Policy Development and Analysis, Planning and Research or related area in the private or public sector, with at least four (4) of which are at a senior management level.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness thanks all applicants for their interest; however, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.