Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
Port of Spain
Job Description
<p><span style="font-family: " times="" new="" roman";"=""></span><font face="Times New Roman">This job requires the incumbent to assist in the planning and development of Policies and Programmes for the social sector, analyzing the impact of policy initiatives, coordinating the implementation of Projects and Programmes in accordance with the broad Social Sector development objectives and Supervising Subordinate Staff engaged in related duties.</font><br></p>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<ul><li>To assist in the planning, organization and direction of the activities of subordinate and professional and technical staff of the Policy and Programme Planning and Development Division of the Ministry responsible for Social Development.</li><li>To identify and design social policies, programmes and projects with a view to resolving social problems.</li><li>To review research work/studies conducted on social issues to determine programmes and projects to be developed.</li><li>To take the lead in planning and managing policy fora such as workshops consultations and focus groups to facilitate a participatory approach to policy planning and development.</li><li>To review existing policies and recommends appropriate policy changes.</li><li>To monitor the interpretation of policies, assesses their effectiveness and recommends appropriate programmes to ensure objectives are achieved.</li><li>To participate in the planning and formulation of social programmes and projects.</li><li>To liaise with national, regional and international organizations with regard to funding with technical assistance.</li><li>To collaborate with other agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, engaged in policy development and implementation.</li><li>To provide advice to senior personnel of Ministries/Departments in the Social Sector on Social Policy and other related issues.</li><li>To liaise with the media to promote the Ministrys social programmes and policies.</li><li>To assist in maintaining a network of support with other research agencies and similar organizations to facilitate the integration of Social Sector policies and programmes with broader national policy objectives.</li><li>To comment on policies and programming frameworks of external agencies, including international funding agencies.</li><li>To represent the Ministry at Meetings, Conferences, Courses, Committees, Seminars and Workshops.</li><li>To prepare, vet and comment on Notes for Cabinet and prepares Policy, Programme and Planning documents/Reports on the activities of the Policy and Programme Planning Development Division.</li><li>To participate in the design and maintenance of an appropriate knowledge Management System to advance the objectives of the Division.</li></ul><div><br></div>
Key Competency
<ul><li>Extensive knowledge of the principles and methodology used in the Social Sciences in areas such as Policy Analysis and Programme and Project Planning and Development and of sources of Policy, Planning and Research Materials.</li><li>Considerable knowledge of Research Methodologies to be able to conduct both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of Government Policies.</li><li>Ability to plan, organize and coordinate the activities of a group of professional and technical subordinates engaged in Policy and Programme Planning and Development.</li><li>Ability to identify, analyse and solve problems and make appropriate recommendations.</li><li>Ability to analyze and interpret data and prepare Policy Evaluation Reports.</li><li>Ability to coordinate implementation of Policies, Programmes and Projects and to identify obstacles to planning and implementation and recommend solutions.</li><li>Working knowledge of Computers and related Software Applications.</li><li>Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><div><b>QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:</b></div><ul><li>Extensive experience in Social Planning and Policy Development, including considerable experience in the preparation, Administration and Evaluation of Policies, Programmes and/or Projects and Training as evidenced by an Advanced Degree in one of the Social Sciences from a recognized institution.</li></ul></div>