Job offer: Director, Policy and Research

OrganisationMinistry of Culture, Youth and SportReferenceVAC-52164Contract TypeFull-TimeIndustriesGovernment & Public SectorLocationKingstonSalary & Benefits$5,198,035 - $6,990,779 per annumDate Posted26/09/2024Expiry Date14/10/2024The Director, Policy and Research is responsible for managing the activities of the Policy and Research Section, by formulating and developing gender policy and to conduct gender-sensitive research that will assist in mainstreaming gender.

 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative 

• Contributes to and supports the planning process of the Branch’s Operational Plan and budget; 
• Develops, reviews and implements operational systems and procedures to guide the activities of the Branch; 
• Keeps abreast of and provides information on global trends in gender and development issues; 
• Establishes and maintains linkages with other relevant agencies/departments, NGOs and interest groups, for collaboration on common objectives and information sharing; 
• Drafts Ministry Papers, Cabinet Notes and Cabinet Submissions; 
• Prepares and submits reports and other documents as required; 
• Represents the Branch/Division/Ministry at meetings, conferences, seminars and other fora, as required, and provides reports to the Principal Director. 

Technical/Professional 

Policy Development and Review 

• Co-ordinates and liaises with MDAs in order to ensure that gender is mainstreamed in all their policies, programmes and plans; 
• Reviews government policies for gender sensitivity and provides feedback to relevant authority/personnel; 
• Periodically reviews legislation related to gender issues to ensure currency and relevance; makes recommendations for amendments/reviews where necessary; 
• Develops strategy for gender mainstreaming in government ministries and agencies. 

Research 

• Identifies and initiates key areas of research to support policy formulation and national development; 
• Overseas research needed for finalizing reports to meet international and regional obligations; 
• Supervises the development and maintenance of a gender database on critical socio economic indicators; 
• Conducts public education and sensitization sessions; 
• Performs any other duties. 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Oral and written communication skills 
• Analytical Thinking 
• Problem solving and decision making 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Flexibility and adaptability 
• Initiative 
• Integrity 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Managing External Relationships 

Functional/Technical: 

• Sound knowledge of policy formulation, implementation and monitoring
• Sound knowledge of the machinery of government (policies and programmes) and steps in the legislative process 
• Sound knowledge of the gender policies and legislation 
• Excellent Customer & Quality Focus 
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer applications and systems. 

 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Post Graduate Degree in Social Policy/Governance and Public Policy or Gender and Development Studies or related area; 
• Training in Human Resource Management/Supervisory Management.
• Four (4) years’ experience in policy formulation and programme development in the Public Sector, two (2) of which must be at the Principal management level 

OR 

• Undergraduate Degree in Public Policy and Management or Gender and Development Studies, Development Studies or related area; 
• Training in Human Resource Management/Supervisory Management.
• Six (6) years’ experience in policy formulation and programme development in the Public Sector, three (3) of which must be at the Principal Management level 

 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• There can be high pressure when deadlines are to be met 
• Required to travel locally, regionally and internationally 
• Extended working hours are expected, as well as working on weekends and public holidays

 

 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.