Research Analyst (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Senior Policy Analyst, the Research Analyst will undertake applied research and analysis to support the review of the Machinery of Government (MoG). The role contributes to the development of evidence-based recommendations for improving institutional structure, governance, and functional alignment across the Public Sector. 

Key Responsibilities

Classification Framework and Entity Inventory 

• Designs typology and classification frameworks for Public Sector Entities;
• Compiles, clean, and validate entity-level data across all branches of Government;
• Maps Entities to functions, portfolios, legal frameworks, and accountability structures;
• Develops metadata architecture and classification rules for digital platform integration;
• Collaborates with the Solutions Architect/Database Developer to ensure data interoperability and platform accuracy. 

Evaluation and Analysis 

• Conducts environmental and institutional analysis of factors affecting MoG effectiveness;
• Evaluates functional overlaps, duplications, redundancies, and alignment gaps;
• Assesses coherence between subject allocations, entity mandates, and organisational structures; 
• Synthesises findings into policy-relevant insights and contribute to the drafting of recommendations for structural and functional optimisation. 

International Benchmarking 

• Conducts comparative analysis of legal, institutional, and operational frameworks against international jurisdictions; 
• Documents formal and informal MoG change mechanisms and governance arrangements;
• Develops case studies for Portfolio Ministries highlighting comparative governance models and lessons applicable to Jamaica’s context. 

Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management 

• Coordinates stakeholder consultations to validate findings; 
• Maintains detailed documentation of sources, assumptions, methodologies and limitations;
• Ensures alignment with project quality criteria, scope and reporting deadlines;
• Conducts stakeholder engagement and prepares validation reports; 
• Prepares technical reports, summaries and presentation materials; 
• Documents lessons learned and transfers knowledge for future governance reform monitoring. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Ability to communicate effectively 
• Ability to work collaboratively 
• Developing capability 
• Ability to see the big picture 
• Driving continuous change and improvements 
• Ability to make effective decisions 
• Provide quality service 

Technical 

• Policy Development and Analysis Level 3 
• Research and Analysis 
• Consulting and Negotiating 
• Monitoring and Evaluation 
• Knowledge of the Political environment 
• Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Power Bi)

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor Degree in the field of Social Sciences, Statistics, Data Science, Economics or related discipline; 
• Advanced training in research design, methods and analysis; 
• Proficiency/Professional Certification in Data Analytics and Statistical Programming and Analysis is desirable; 
• Demonstrated experience as a Researcher or Analyst, for at least 3 years in the Public or Social Sectors;

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.