Housing Policy Analyst (GMG/SEG 2)

Job Purpose

The Housing Policy Analyst will be responsible for the formulation, amendment and monitoring of the implementation of policies and legislation pertaining to housing/human settlement development; and conducting research to inform the formulation and amendment of sector specific policies and legislation. The incumbent will also liaise with UN-Habitat, MINURVI and other international stakeholders to keep abreast of developments, trends and best practices within the Housing Sector. 

Key Responsibilities

• Participates in the development of new policies and legislation and the amendment of existing policies, legislation, and regulations; 
• Facilitates the integration of international agreements and treaty obligations into legislation and regulations and oversees their implementation within the Ministry’s programmes and projects; 
• Liaises with UN-Habitat to keep abreast of its activities pertaining to human settlements, local project opportunities for implementation, and international best practices in the Housing Sector; 
• Provides secretariat support in relation to Jamaica’s role and engagement in MINURVI and other international meetings; 
• Supports the monitoring and evaluation of the impacts resulting from the implementation of policies and legislation within the Housing Sector; 
• Collaborates with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other Sector stakeholders to enable a coordinated and integrated approach towards the development of Housing Legislation and Regulations; 
• Prepares Cabinet Submissions, Notes, and other official documents to be implemented by the Ministry and its Housing Agencies; 
• Prepares Position Papers and other official documents on housing and related matters;
• Conducts thorough research and analysis on socioeconomic advancements and trends that impact the Housing Sector to guide the formulation of appropriate legislation and regulations; 
• Prepares reports and provide recommendations based on trends observed within the Shelter Sector; 
• Assists in the development of research instruments to effectively inform housing needs and other related issues; 
• Conduct reviews on policies, legislation and other official documents and provide insights to the relevant MDAs. 
• Collaborates with other Units in conducting site visits; 
• Develops and recommends the Ministry’s positions on emerging public and contentious housing trends; 
• Participates in the planning and execution of public consultations on policies, legislation, and related matters; 
• Monitors and assesses the Housing Sector, particularly in relation to construction, to facilitate projections and the formulation of proposals and policies; 
• Conducts research and prepares input for presentations to be delivered by Ministers, the Permanent Secretary, the Chief Technical Director, and the Senior Director on matters related to human settlements; 
• Assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the Unit’s operations; 
• Assists in the preparation of the Unit’s Corporate and Operational Plans and Budget. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Excellent research and analytical skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Logical and analytical 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 
• Team oriented 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet critical deadlines 
• Knowledge in policy formulation and management 
• Knowledge in research techniques and quantitative and qualitative data collection and data analysis
• Knowledge of Government’s operational procedures 
• Sound knowledge of planning and policy development 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning and Development, Public Policy, Management Studies or related fields; 
• Training in Policy Formulation and Management would be an asset; 
• Experience in conducting research would be an asset; 
• Two (2) years related work experience. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.