Technical Officer

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Unit Head, the incumbent conducts research and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) (qualitative and quantitative) to support the implementation of the Code of Practice for the preparation, adoption and application of technical regulations.  The Officer is required to provide technical support to the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and participate in the development and facilitation of training workshops, and other sessions.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Management and Administrative:

• Assists in the preparation of Regulatory Impact Statements (RIS) to ensure that technical regulations process is evidence based;
• Keeps current with developments in standards and technical regulations;
• Maintains a database of relevant research proposals and research projects;
• Monitors the use of the Code of Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Technical Regulations;
• Assesses and updates regulatory impact assessment methodology;
• Keeps current with developments in the research arena to include research management, research ethics, data manipulation, and the use of appropriate statistical programmes;
• Participates in the review of the Code of Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Technical regulations; and
• Represents the organization at meetings, conferences and other functions as required.

Technical/Professional:

• Supports the scoping, planning and conduct of research and analysis;
• Applies economic concepts to undertake ex-ante Cost Benefit Analysis;
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative research and analysis to support the development of technical regulations;
• Contributes to the preparation of presentations, briefings, correspondence, reports and other documentation to inform key stakeholders on the analysis outcomes;
• Works collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance engagement and facilitate effective consultation;
• Develops reports, papers and submissions for the MDAs of Government with respect to regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) and technical regulations, in the agreed format and within the stated timeframe;
• Participates in the review of regulatory impact statements (RIS);
• Participates in Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) meetings as required;
• Assists in the coordination of voluntary standards needed as a basis for the preparation of technical regulations; and
• Conducts analyses and other problem-solving activities to identify effective corrective actions and process improvements;

Human Resources:

• Provides guidelines and advice to staff, clients and other stakeholders;

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs any other related duties and responsibilities assigned from time to time by the Unit Head.

Minimum Educational Requirements:

• BSc Degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or related discipline including knowledge of Cost Benefit Analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
• At least five (5) years experience in research
• Project Management experience and an understanding of the standards development process would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Sound knowledge of the Commerce related policies and legislations under which the MDAs of Government operate.
• Sound knowledge of the Code of Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Technical Regulations
• Sound knowledge of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement
• Sound knowledge of the Ministries and GOJ policies and procedures
• Sound knowledge of the Standards Act and the Processed Foods Act
• Sound knowledge of research methodologies
• Working knowledge of Data Management Systems
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Strong research and report-writing
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent meeting management, mediation and negotiation skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Very good critical thinking skills
• Very good networking skills
• Excellent customer service attitude
• Excellent presentation techniques

Please note that while we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted