Researcher

Job Purpose

The Researcher is responsible to:

• Conduct research related to the laws and legal issues pertinent to the operations of the Agency.
• Develop and maintain systems that will support the monitoring and controlling the data protection processes.
• Research, collect, analyse, and interpret data and use the decoded data to guide the Agency’s decision-making process.
• Develop and maintain a management information system to provide timely and relevant information.
• Obtain, compile and analyse information to facilitate the formulation of new data protection policies and procedures aligned with the Agency’s objectives, outputs, and targets.

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Conduct and compile research and analyse information to facilitate the formulation of new data protection policies and procedures aligned with the Agency’s objectives, outputs, and targets.
• Develop and maintain systems supporting the monitoring and controlling data protection processes.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the legislative environment on data protection and adjusts the Agency’s framework to ensure consistency.
• Develop relevant tools and systems to conduct data protection audits and assessments efficiently.
• Prepare the Agency for external audits and risk assessment activities that concern data protection.
• Evaluate the Agency’s existing data protection strategies and frameworks and identify areas requiring improvement or rectification.
• Review existing policies, procedures and guidelines that have implications for data processing and make recommendations to ensure that data protection standards are upheld.
• Organize and present research findings on legal and data protection matters clearly and concisely.
• Provide recommendations and sound legal advice on data protection based on research findings.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards in all research activities.
• Maintain databases and systems for managing data protection and legal research materials that provide timely and relevant information.
• Conducts in-depth legal research on various legal documents, case laws, legal opinions, data protection matters, and other legal matters to aid the Agency in making informed decisions.
• Collect and analyse relevant data, legal documents, and case law to provide summaries, analysis and reports.
• Research and analyse statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources to assist the Agency in drafting legal documents.
• Track and monitor legislative and regulatory development.
• Prepare legal briefs, reports, memoranda, and other documents as required.
• Collaborate effectively with the Data Protection Office and the Senior Director Legal to support the Agency's data protection and legal research needs.
• Stay updated on changes in laws, regulations, and legal precedents that may impact ongoing cases or projects within the Agency.
• Assist in drafting legal arguments, motions, and other legal documents.
• Assist in preparing for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Establish and maintain a library of relevant legal information, including newspaper clippings and periodicals, to facilitate the formulation and production of information booklets and brochures.
• Keeps abreast of legal issues affecting the Agency's function and continually provides up-to-date information.
• Replicate, evaluate, refine research strategies and approaches, recommending improvements, testing, customise, and implement new methods and procedures.
• Propose techniques to improve research quality and team productivity.
• Conducts ongoing research of 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 local and international standards and policies.
• Stay current with trends and apply changes 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.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology
• The ability to interpret complex legal documents.
• 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 extensive, complex data sets into manageable, understandable reports.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrates high integrity and discretion in handling sensitive legal information.
• 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.