Researcher

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Planning & Research, the Researcher is responsible: 

• To develop and maintain systems that will support the monitoring and control of the planning, review, and reform processes. 
• To research, collect, analyse, and interpret data and use the interpreted data to guide the Agency’s decision-making process. 
• To develop and maintain a management information system that will provide timely and relevant information. 
• To obtain, compile and analyse information to facilitate the formulation of new policies and procedures aligned with the Agency’s objectives, outputs, and targets. 
• To analyse the Agency’s revenue statistics to identify areas of significant variations in collections and assist management in identifying areas for improved efficiencies.   

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Conduct the collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data to facilitate corporate planning as required by: 
• Developing appropriate survey design. 
• Designing questionnaires for surveys and research. 
• Identifying required data and contacting data sources to enable collection. 
• Organizing and analysing data using statistical, economic, data modelling and other relevant techniques and tools. 
• Analysing past operations' results and performing variance analyses. 
• Identifying and analysing trends and forecasts and recommending improvements to the business processes. 
• Interpreting the results of classified data and presenting the findings and conclusions in reports. 
• Preparing reports in appropriate formats. 
• Ensure the maintenance of a management information system that will provide timely and relevant information by ensuring that: 
• A statistical database is maintained to provide current and relevant data to enhance decision-making. 
• Research from the internet and other information sources occurs to improve the Agency’s planning and review processes. 
• Relevant information updates are facilitated as the need arises. 
• Data storage and retrieval systems are developed on the computer for filing, sorting, analysing, and accessing information collected. 
• Good relationships with the Information Services Division (ISD) and other similar entities are established and maintained to develop and expand Management Information System.   
• Analyse plans, procedures, and processes to ensure that they facilitate the achievement of the Agency’s policy objectives, outputs, and targets by: 
• Analysing statistical and other relevant data to prepare reports used by senior managers. 
• Performing critical analysis of the reports/reviews submitted by departments/divisions. 
• Conducting trend analysis of key targets to highlight early warning signals. 
• Preparing analysis of the budget performance report per month for the Planning and Research Branch. 
• Preparing reports as requested by senior executives. 
• Providing recommendations to improve future business operations. 
• Assisting with quality control of the planning document and other reports from the Branch. 
• Analyse the Agencies revenue statistics to identify areas of significant variations in collections and assist management in identifying areas for improved efficiencies by: 
• Reviewing, analysing, and summarizing the collection and administrative reports of all Divisions in providing information towards the enhancement of management’s decision-making process. 
• Conducting verification visits to address anomalies based on reports submitted and queries raised.  
• Preparing reports as requested by senior executives. 
• Assisting with preparing the Quarterly Divisional Report and the Public Financial Management Report for Agency’s affiliate Ministry. 
• Assisting with preparing the Quarterly Performance Review as the internal source of Reference on the Agency’s output.     
• Conducting research and providing advice on revenue-related matters. 
• Reviewing and addressing queries for the Ministry of Finance on issues related to tax collection. 
• Formulating and drafting revenue-related policy proposals. 
• Monitoring the business landscape for potential effects on revenue targets. 
• Establish and maintain a library of relevant information, including newspaper clippings and periodicals, to facilitate the formulation and production of information booklets and brochures.  
• Build and maintains up-to-date reference files on operational policies of Government Agencies for which the Customs Agency performs agency functions and provides a reference service directly to the ‘linkage Agencies’ (such as the Bureau of Standards, Trade Board) and the public. 
• Keep abreast of issues pertinent to the Agency to provide up-to-date information continually. 
• Replicate, evaluate, refine research strategies and approaches, recommending improvements, testing, customizing, and implementing new methods and procedures. 
• Propose techniques to improve research quality and team productivity. 
• Conduct ongoing research into customs organisations in other jurisdictions to determine what elements of their best practices are applicable towards improvement in general efficiency, customer service and transparency of the local Agency. 
• Assist in capacity-building efforts of the Agency to ensure conformity with international standards and policies.       
• Stay current with trends and apply changes where necessary to enhance the Agency’s operations.  

Customer Service Responsibilities 

• Maintain customer service principles, standards, and measurements. 
• Identify and incorporate the interests and needs of customers in business process design.   
• Ensure critical success factors are identified and meet expectations. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time.  
• May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence. 
• Complies with Health and Safety policies and mitigates. 

Required Competencies

Core 

• Excellent research, analytical, investigative, and interpretative skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex ideas and information to non-technical people. 
• Excellent time management and organisation skills with strong attention to detail. 
• Excellent negotiating and persuasion skills 
• The ability to manipulate large, complex data sets into manageable, understandable reports. 
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. 
• High level of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and ethics 
• Strong judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills  
• Ability to manage multiple, high-priority assignments and meet firm deadlines. 
• Ability to comprehend technical and legal materials. 

Technical 

• Expert knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis  
• Familiarity with data modelling and Excel software. 
• Strong statistical and mathematical aptitude. 
• Practical experience in the management of information systems. 
• Thorough knowledge of performance management and measurement systems. 
• Sound understanding of economic theory. 
• Well-verse in database management 
• Sound knowledge of Customs Act and Regulations, Executive Agency Act, and related legislation. 
• Sound knowledge of practices, procedures, and techniques involved in organisational assessment, planning, research, and decision-making. 
• Working knowledge of the relevant computer systems and applications. 

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Management Studies or Public Administration or a related field or equivalent qualification. 
• At least five (5) years of related experience in a research field. 
• Specialized training in strategic planning and/or management or project management. 

Special Conditions Associated with The Job

• Work will be conducted in various offices equipped with standard office equipment and specialized software.  
• Involves working in a fast-paced environment with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders. 
• Fair degree of travelling is required (>30%) periodically to represent JCA on matters locally and internationally.