Policy Analyst, Restorative & Preventative Justice (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose

The Policy Analyst is to support the development of policy through the research policy option; to formulate and draft policies; and is accountable for the provision of socio-economic analysis and expert advice and recommendations on leading issues for the Ministry’s policy agenda. 

Key Outputs:

• Evidence based, integrated policy analysis and synthesis for an assigned sector. 
• Reviews and analysis of major policy proposals contained in Cabinet documents and other submissions originating from Ministry organizations or other government organisations. 
• Strategic recommendations for senior officials on appropriate policy responses. 
• Briefing notes drafted 
• Policy option identified and researched 
• Policy analysis prepared 
• Policy proposals reviewed 
• Ad hoc requests responded to 

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Provides analysis and synthesizes expert advice, based on legal, economic and social analysis for the Ministry, Minister, ministerial staff, the Permanent Secretary, and senior Ministry officials on a wide range of high priority, sensitive and complex social, economic and political issues impacting the justice sector. 
• Reviews and analyzes major policy proposals contained in Cabinet documents and other submissions originating from within the Ministry’s organizations as well as from other government departments advising senior officials of the important issues and problems, and providing advice and recommendations on appropriate Ministry strategic responses. 
• Drafts briefing notes for the Minister on proposals/documents submitted to Cabinet Committees, including formulation of advice and recommendations for the use of the Minister. 
• Researches and analyzes Cabinet documents and discussion papers and other documents impacting on economic and social policies and programmes. Identifies issues of relevance to the Justice Ministry including potential impacts on the Ministry’s workload and resources and formulates advice and recommendations to senior management and the Director. 
• Prepares briefing notes for senior management on various issues. 
• Develops and maintains strategic network of contacts with other Ministry organizations and government organizations as well as academic and international experts for the Restorative and Preventative Justice sector. 
• Ensures that Policy Counsel, Directors and colleagues are aware of emerging issues of relevant to the Ministry. 
• Ensures that all key areas in the Ministry are informed of any issues or Cabinet business that pertain to their mandate or areas of interest. 
• Responds to ad hoc requests for information about the Restorative and Preventative Justice sector.
• Participates on, or leads project teams or inter Ministry meetings to discuss documents, concerns and interests and facilitates consensus building for the development of recommendations and proposals. 

Performance Standards:

This job is satisfactorily performed when: 

• Policy analyses is conducted according to prescribed guidelines and format 
• Strategic policy advice provided is sound 
• Engagement strategies are developed within agreed timeframe
• Knowledge management strategies and processes are developed within agreed timeframe

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies 

• Oral Communication 
• Written Communication 
• Integrity 
• Team Work & Cooperation 
• Initiative 
• Compliance 
• Time Management 
• Interpersonal
• Adaptability
• Customer and Quality Focus

Technical/Functional Competencies 

• Use of Technology
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organising
• Leadership
• Managing External Relationships
• Goal/Result Oriented

Other Competencies

• Creativity and Innovation: Generating viable, new approaches and solutions
• Critical Reasoning and Analytic Skills: Analyzing and synthesizing information to understand issues, identify options, and support sound (evidence based) decision making.
• Impact and Influence: Influencing and gaining others’ support
• Organizational Awareness: Understanding and using the workings, structure, climate and culture of the organization to achieve results
• Partnering and Relationship Building: Seeking and building alliances that further government objectives and benefit Jamaicans
• Knowledge and Information Management: Create, maintain, enhance and share intellectual capital across the Ministry in support of Ministry or Justice sector objectives; employ methods to gather intelligence, encourage open exchange of information and use quality evidence to influence action
• Research and analysis: Qualitative and quantitative information to support evidence-based decision making and policy development. Includes legal research.
• Visioning and Alignment: developing and inspiring commitment to a vision of success; supporting, promoting and ensuring alignment with the Ministry’s vision and values.
• Legislation, Policies, Procedures and Standards: Understanding and using relevant legislation, policies, procedures and/or standards in performing one’s work.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Specific knowledge (however acquired) required to start: 

Policy Development 

Qualifications and Experience 

• BSc. from a recognized university with specialization in economics, sociology, law, political science, or a relevant justice related specialization. 
• At least three (3) years of experience conducting research and analysis or conducting statistical and/or quantitative economic analysis. 
• Experience in researching, analysing, synthesizing and interpreting justice issues or data to provide recommendations. 
• Experience using statistical software (examples: Excel, SPSS, SAS etc.) to perform statistical analysis. 

Continuous Professional Development 

• Evidence of continual professional development measures taken appropriate to strategic management and leadership 

Authority:

• N/A 

Specific Conditions associated with the job

• Normal working condition 
• Willingness to travel locally