Senior Policy Analyst

Job Title: Senior Policy Analyst

Incumbent: Vacant

Unit: Office of the Director General

Reports To: Director General

Job Summary:

The Senior Policy Analyst (SPA) will be a key driver in shaping the policy function within the Office of the Director General (DG) at the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This role involves leading policy development, regulatory research, strategic planning initiatives to support the FSC’s mandate.

The Senior Policy Analyst will work independently and with minimal supervision, requiring a high degree of initiative, strong analytical abilities, and exceptional writing skills. This role will be responsible for evaluating emerging regulatory trends, drafting high-level policy recommendations, and ensuring that the FSC’s regulatory policy framework is aligned with global best practices

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is adept at regulatory impact analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the development of long-term policy strategies to support the FSC’s oversight of Belize’s non-bank financial sector, securities market, and other regulated entities.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Policy Development & Regulatory Strategy

1. Develop and refine the FSCs regulatory policy framework to align with international financial regulatory standards (e.g., FATF, IOSCO, Basel, IMF, OECD).
2. Conduct in-depth policy research, regulatory impact assessments, and risk analyses to inform decision-making.
3. Lead the drafting and revision of policy papers, consultation documents, and regulatory guidance.
4. Identify policy gaps and emerging risks, advising senior leadership on appropriate responses.
5. Support the review, amendment, and introduction of legislation, rules, and policies related to FSC’s regulatory mandate.

Writing, Analysis & Reporting

1. Produce high-quality reports, white papers, and briefings on financial regulation, compliance trends, and policy developments.
2. Draft briefing notes, statements, and presentations for senior leadership, including the Director General and Board of Commissioners.
3. Develop public-facing documents such as policy guidance notes, issue briefs, and analytical reports.
4. Prepare regulatory submissions and responses to international organizations, ensuring Belize’s compliance with global financial regulatory expectations.

International & Domestic Policy Monitoring

1. Track global financial regulatory developments, evaluating their impact on Belize’s financial system.
2. Analyse regulatory responses in other jurisdictions, identifying best practices for FSC’s policy framework.
3. Engage with regional and international financial standard-setting bodies to ensure FSC remains at the forefront of policy trends.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

1. Represent the FSC at policy working groups, conferences, and inter-agency committees.
2. Act as the primary policy liaison between the FSC and stakeholders, including the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and financial industry representatives.
3. Lead consultation processes on new policy initiatives, engaging with industry stakeholders to gather input and feedback.
4. Serve as FSC’s representative on key committees, including the Financial Stability Committee (Technical Team), Crypto Asset Reporting Framework Working Group, and Belize Investment and Business Climate Action Plan (Pillar 3 Working Group).

Regulatory Research & Data Analysis

1. Develop policy tracking mechanisms to monitor financial regulatory trends and anticipate emerging compliance risks.
2. Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to assess the impact of regulatory changes on Belize’s financial ecosystem.
3. Compile, analyse, and present financial stability data to support FSC’s oversight and risk management functions.
4. Prepare data submissions for IMF and other regulatory assessments.

Project Leadership & Internal Policy Development

1. Lead policy research projects and cross-departmental initiatives to improve regulatory effectiveness.
2. Oversee the coordination of the Regulatory and Policy Decisions Committee (RPDC) meetings as its designated secretary.
3. Develop internal capacity-building initiatives, ensuring staff are informed on global financial policy trends.
4. Provide guidance and support to junior policy analysts and technical teams on regulatory matters.

Other:

25. Any other duties or responsibilities as may be needed from time to time in context with the job and in relation to the work of the Commission or function.

Education/Working Experience:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Law, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in policy development, financial regulation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial services regulation, international compliance frameworks, and policy drafting.
• Strong experience in regulatory research, risk assessment, and impact analysis.
• Knowledge of financial market supervision, securities regulation, and non-bank financial sector oversight.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviours:

Analytical & Policy Development Skills

• Ability to analyse complex regulatory issues and develop clear, actionable policy recommendations.
• Strong critical thinking and risk assessment abilities to support FSC’s policy objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of international financial regulatory standards and best practices.

Writing & Communication Skills

• Exceptional writing skills with a proven track record of drafting policy papers, regulatory reports, and strategic briefings.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences, including government officials and industry leaders.
• Proficient in translating technical regulatory language into clear and practical policy guidance.

Leadership & Initiative

• Self-driven professional who can work independently with minimal oversight while driving key policy initiatives.
• Ability to lead projects, manage priorities, and work within tight deadlines.
• Strong project management and strategic planning abilities.

Research & Data Analysis

• Strong research skills with experience in policy evaluation, regulatory impact assessment, and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and policy research databases.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversight of policy development initiatives and coordination of cross-functional policy projects.

Working Environment:

• Fast-paced regulatory environment, requiring a high level of engagement with policymakers, financial institutions, and international regulatory bodies.