Economic Policy & Research Specialist

Economic Policy & Research Specialist

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is seeking to identify a suitably qualified candidate to fill the position of Economic Policy & Research Specialist in its Growth Inducement Programme on a fixed term contractual basis.

Background

The Growth Inducement Programme (GIP) is the Unit within the PIOJ whose mandate is to promote more substantial, sustainable economic growth for Jamaica through research, policy development, technical support and coordination of growth initiatives, as designed and implemented by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), that would fall under the scope of the Growth-Inducement Strategy (GIS).

In order to effectively execute this mandate, the GIP now requires an Economic Policy & Research Specialist.

Job Summary

The incumbent will be primarily responsible for executing the timely tracking and post-implementation assessments of various economic growth initiatives, including policies, reforms, programmes, legislation, processes and projects aimed at promoting Jamaica’s economic growth and development.

Main Responsibilities:

• Undertake research as required on areas with the potential to impact growth and provide information to support the implementation of the holistic Growth-Inducement Strategy (GIS).

• Schedule and execute assessments of strategic initiatives for economic growth and development, including improvement of the local business environment, to evaluate effectiveness, identify any gaps and provide recommendation for improvements.

• Undertake the preparation of research-based policy briefs to inform policy direction of the Government to enhance economic growth and development in the medium and long term.

• Participate in the monitoring responsibilities of the PIOJ including responsibility for preparation of monitoring reports to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS), Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), subcommittees of Cabinet and/or other ministries.

• Participate in the development and implementation of strategic interventions to enhance economic growth and development, including improvement of the business environment, human capital development, protection and productivity, and strengthening environmental resilience.

• Participate in task forces and other mechanisms for research and action on economic growth and development.

• Contribute to the GIP’s integrated communication strategy and public education programme for the growth-related issues.

• Support alignment between the national growth agenda and other national development planning and policy frameworks including Vision 2030 Jamaica Development Plan and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Qualification and Experience Required

• At minimum, a Master’s Degree in economics, research, international development, project management, monitoring and evaluation, statistics and/or closely related field.
• At least five (5) years of demonstrable related experience.
• A solid understanding of public and private sector issues is essential.
• At least three (3) years of experience designing, implementing and supervising data collection and/or field work activities would be a distinct asset.
• Previous experience in a strategic planning role that included using data to inform strategic decisions/ policies/ recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage collaborations between multiple organisations.
• Proficiency in statistical storage and analysis software package(s) such as SPSS, Excel and/or others would be a distinct asset.

Attributes/Skills Required

• Strong communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Excellent writing, public speaking and presentation skills

Applications should be submitted no later than September 22, 2023 to:

The Director, Human Resources

Planning Institute of Jamaica

16 Oxford Road

Kingston 5

Fax: 906-5011

Website: www.pioj.gov.jm

We thank you for your expressions of interest, however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.