Senior Statistician (SOG/ST 7)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Director, Data Analysis and Design, the Senior Statistician is responsible for the design and implementation of systems and procedures geared towards efficient collection, initial tabulation, and analysis of agricultural data and information. Responsibility is also exercised for applying statistical methodologies to a wide range of problems and for developing and maintaining databases covering matters relevant to the Ministry and in support of long-term planning and strategic development. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Participates in the development and implementation of the strategic vision for the Branch;
• Participates in the establishment of priorities, objectives and goal-setting activities, to ensure the achievement of targets; 
• Keeps abreast of current developments in the assigned areas of responsibility to guide the work of the Branch; 
• Participates/attends meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops and other fora;
• Represents the Director at selected conferences, meetings, and on various committees;
• Prepares and submits reports and project documents; 
• Develops and formalizes working relationships with internal and external partners;
• Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements; 
• Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design. 

Technical: 

• Analyzes, tabulates and presents statistical information for storage in a statistical database, and for inclusion in reports and summaries; 
• Organizes, participates in, and ensures the collection of agricultural information and data;
• Provides statistical advice in the development of policies and programmes;
• Applies statistical methods to solve problems; 
• Participates in the development of objectives, work schedules, and plans for the Unit;
• Designs experiments, trials, or surveys to produce the required data; 
• Participates in the maintenance of quality control systems and procedures for data management; 
• Participates in data collection for surveys and censuses; 
• Designs, implements and conducts studies on the Livestock, Traditional and Domestic crop sub-sectors, to gather information relating to: 
  • quarterly and annual production; 
  • livestock and poultry production; 
  • problems encountered in the industries; 
  • likely periods of glut and shortage. 
• Compiles data on fifty-eight (58) domestic crops, to include broad categories of legumes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and spices; 
• Compiles FAO questionnaire periodically to provide information on production of fruit trees, fertilizer usage, and domestic crop production. 
• Applies statistical techniques to the data collected; 
• Provides current statistical data on existing projects and programmes that will inform a variety of decisions. 
• Determines adequacy of existing statistical system and makes improvements as necessary.
• Analyzes data, interprets results, and indicates reliability of findings, including forecasting trends through the use of techniques such as modelling with the aid of mathematical techniques and software; 
• Evaluates sources of information to determine any limitations concerning reliability and usability. 
• Utilizes databases and information sources to meet internal and external statistical needs.
• Represents the Division at meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences, locally and overseas. 
• Prepares schedules and statistical reports as required. 
• Keeps abreast of best practices and developments in the field. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director/Principal Director from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent teamwork and co-operation skills 
• Excellent analytical thinking skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills. 
• Good presentation and creative skills 
• Ability to use initiative and exercise good judgment 

Technical: 

• Excellent research, collaborative and consultation skills. 
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Ministry 
• Sound knowledge of statistical methodology, survey design and implementation.
• Excellent knowledge and ability to use numerous data analysis software including Excel, SPSS and Geo-stats etc. 
• Sound understanding of statistical terms and concepts. 
• Good knowledge of database development and management. 
• Good knowledge of writing technical reports. 
• Good knowledge of statistical regulations and standards. 
• Demonstrated ability to employ statistical modelling and statistical packages to analyze data.

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences 
• Good working knowledge of Statistical Software. 

PLUS 

• Three (3) years working experience in the analysis and interpretation of agricultural information. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

• Exposure to highly confidential and sensitive information 
• Expected to demonstrate high level of integrity and professionalism 
• Meeting Critical deadlines 
• Islandwide traveling 
• Exposure to aggressive behaviour.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.