Research Officer (SOG/ST 5)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Director, Research and Evaluation, the Research Officer is responsible for conducting research and detailed demand-driven analyses to inform policy recommendations and other interventions aimed at providing research derived evidence to inform the development and diversification to support the Branch in demonstrating the impact of programmes and policies. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative:

• Keeps current with developments in the research and policy development areas. This includes: 
  • research management, 
  • research ethics, 
  • data manipulation, and the use of 
  • appropriate statistical programmes; 
• Maintains a database of relevant research proposals and research projects;
• Keeps current with developments in policy and issues relating to the ministry and its entities. 
• Prepares and submits reports and technical papers as requested; 
• Attends meetings and represents the Division/Ministry at conferences, seminars and other fora as required. 

Technical/Professional 

• Plans, organises and implements sensitive research in areas relevant to the work of the Ministry; 
• Assists in the identification of statistical indicators and methodology to facilitate analysis;
• Identifies topical, emerging and priority areas for research and presents outlines and research specifications for consideration; 
• Develops, implements, and manages systems and procedures to meet the information needs of the Branch and the Ministry; 
• Coordinates all research activities and oversees the implementation of research strategies for the Ministry; 
• Employs qualitative, quantitative and other research methodologies, data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, etc.) and other appropriate tools to secure valid and reliable information required by the Branch and the Ministry; 
• Critiques and analyzes research data and findings and makes recommendations;
• Develops, reviews and comments on draft research instruments, such as questionnaires, and editing draft reports; 
• Ensures appropriate quality control in the research process in order to facilitate accurate and valid research findings; 
• Develops and maintains research database relevant to the Branch’s portfolio responsibilities; 
• Prepares research reports and detailed terms of reference for approved studies;
• Produces written and oral policy briefs for colleagues and the Senior Director;
• Conducts approved policy briefs in keeping with agreed specifications;
• Provides research-based comments and analyses on policy papers and research documents; 
• Promotes the appropriate use of research data to inform decision-making within the Ministry; 
• Forges partnerships with other Government of Jamaica (GOJ) entities and stakeholders in areas of common research interests.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Oral and written communication skills 
• Analytical thinking 
• Problem solving and decision making 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Initiative 
• Planning and organizing 
• Integrity 
• Interpersonal skills 

Functional/Technical:

• Sound knowledge of statistical methods, survey designs and investigative programmes
• Strong computing, quantities and information gathering skills 
• Customer and quality focus 
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer applications and systems (SPSS or other similar applications) 

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.