Research Officer (SOG/ST 5)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Professional Responsibilities: 

• Prepares an annual research work plan in keeping with the main policy priorities, objectives and goals of the Department. 
• Conducts research assignments in collaboration with the department as well as external bodies as is necessary. 
• Researches and identifies data and relevant information that best meet the needs of key stakeholders. 
• Uses appropriate research methodology to collect and analyse data and qualitative information on the subjects within the Department. 
• Designs and implements data collection schedules including the frequency of data collection to provide timely, relevant information for planning and decision making. 
• Compiles analyses and interprets research findings and prepares reports with stated conclusions to facilitate planning and decision-making. 
• Prepares timely reports on research undertaken and comments and recommendations on selected material for the guidance of policy direction. 
• Identifies data and information needs and makes contact with the appropriate sources to enable collection; 
• Determines the frequency of data collection; 
• Reviews official publications, periodicals and magazines to determine whether current research is being undertaken on subjects relevant to the Department. 
• Prepares special papers required for presentation at local seminars and conferences;
• Assists with the evaluation of the activities of the Department; 
• Undertakes specific research projects assigned by the Director ensuring compliance with DCS term of reference, MNS guidelines and scientific standards; 
• Conducts data collection activities relevant to research projects and assignments and develop a clearly defined terms of reference for data collection and analysis; 
• Keeps abreast of current local and international research findings; 
• Develops and maintains relevant electronic databases in collaboration with the Management Information Systems Unit; 
• Liaises and builds links with research organisations involved in similar activities at the national, regional and international levels;

Human Resource Management Responsibilities: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals. 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave, in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures. 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching. 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff are clearly identified and addressed.
• Establishes and maintains an environment that fosters a culture of team work, employee empowerment and commitment to the unit and the organization goals. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to conceptualise research issues quickly, be analytically insightful and effectively communicate results in a logical, efficient and timely manner; 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel, SPSS and Power Point; 
• Experience in survey design, survey sampling techniques, questionnaire design, data quality control, data analysis, and writing/publishing reports 
• Experience in conducting surveys; 
• Excellent analytical skills 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Under-graduate degree in Sociology, Economics, Statistics, Research or a closely related field; 
• Understanding and practical experience of international conventions, legislative and regulatory development, research and evidence-based policy formulation; 
• At least three (3) years related experience at a technical/professional level. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Required to visit institutions to conduct research with inmates and wards. 

The Department of Correctional Services thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.