Statistician (SOG/ST 7)

Key Responsibilities

• Advises Performance Analysts and Research Team within the Unit, on priorities for data gathering and analysis and the conduct of statistical research and analysis in support of the work of the Unit; 
• Identifies with Performance Officer and Director, Strategic Planning, where statistical analysis can help support overall monitoring and evaluation of MDAs’ performance; Advises Performance Analysts on the development of relevant and robust performance indicators and targets by MDAs within their Corporate and Operational Plans;
• Develops and maintains a database of statistical data relevant to the Unit’s work;
• Develops (and re-develops as required) a classification and coding system for statistical data, by maintaining knowledge of local and international standard classification systems;
• Works with MDAs to establish guidelines for the collection and collation of statistical performance information of relevance to the Unit’s work; 
• Works with MDAs to develop and maintain appropriate data collecting and collation systems, to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data and facilitate effective reporting to the Unit; 
• Co-ordinates the collection by MDAs of Quarterly Statistical Performance Data relevant to the work of the Unit; verifies the integrity and accuracy of statistical data provided;
• Ensures the maintenance and provision by MDAs of other accurate and up-to-date statistical data sets relevant to the work of the Unit, as required; 
• Periodically reviews and makes recommendations for the improvement of statistical data management within MDAs in relation to performance reporting requirements;
• Designs, analyzes and interprets higher level statistics and determines appropriate forms and multivariate techniques; 
• Provides analyzed data in support of variance analysis and performance evaluations;
• Develops and presents Statistical Reports to the Head of SPMEU, analysts and external stakeholders, as required; 
• Ensures that quantitative components for any research and evaluation projects undertaken by the Unit, are adequate to achieve overall objectives; 
• Establishes and maintains a network of Statisticians within MDAs and other staff who are involved in the collection, collation and analysis of statistical performance data (for reporting against Corporate and Operational Plan indicators and targets), to facilitate the sharing of best practice; 
• Maintains a close relationship with STATIN and PIOJ to facilitate the sharing of data on national development and social development issues of relevance to the work of the Unit (e.g. Census information, Social and Economic Survey of Jamaica etc.); 
• Liaises with Universities and other Institutions in the Caribbean and overseas, to obtain information relevant to the work of the Unit; 
• Designs and delivers seminars on Statistical Analysis and Techniques to staff within the Unit and MDAs, as required, to improve capacity. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and other information 
• Good analytical skills 
• Sound judgment 
• Ability to write reports 
• Ability to think laterally and solve problems 
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently 
• Ability to prioritize and manage a busy workload 
• Ability to meet deadlines 
• Keen attention to detail 

Technical: 

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
• Training in statistical analysis and data interpretation 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree in Economics, Mathematics or Statistics; 
• Three (3) years’ experience in conducting quantitative studies/research;
• Three (3) years’ experience in social research; 
• Proven experience of using statistical tools and methods.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.