OECS Secretariat

ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES

 VACANCY

 RESEARCH  OFFICER

OECS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified Nationals from its Member States and CARICOM to fill the position of Research Officer, Social Development Unit.

BACKGROUND

The Social Development Unit of the OECS Secretariat was established in 1998 as a key resource for OECS Member States to understand social and demographic trends and to assist in the development of evidence-based social policy.  Working closely with development stakeholders (development agencies, academic institutions, national public and private entities and NGOs) to build and maintain a strong social knowledge and social skills base, the Unit monitors and analyses social and demographic trends, and promote wider public understanding on social issues and assists in formulating policy at the sub-regional level.

With a mandate to promote and service the needs of its Member States through the provision of strategic intelligence and research material that will, inter alia, guide social planning and development policy formulation in the Eastern Caribbean, the OECS Secretariat is seeking to recruit a Research Officer with a sound social development background to be assigned to its Social Development Unit.  The overarching goal is to strengthen the technical capacity of the Social Development Unit whereby it is better equipped to provide information and material, statistical data and analysis, as well as to coordinate the dissemination of information in support of the human and social development agenda of its Member States.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Head of Unit, the Research Officer will assist the Social Development Unit in all aspects of its substantive work.  The principal duties will include undertaking research that will serve to support the work of the unit in areas relating to (a) programme development and policy formulation, (b) project development and management and (c) programme coordination.

The Research Officer will also assist with the monitoring and reporting obligations of the Social Development Unit in accordance with approved deliverables and will also perform a range of management functions including the management of project contracts, coordination of implementation activities of the SDU and participation in the unit’s strategic planning processes as a key resource person.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Undertake research assignments that are in keeping with the social strategic focus of the region as well as the programmatic areas of focus of the Secretariat in respect of social and human development issues. 

• Prepare detailed and up-to-date research briefing on social issues relevant to the region. 

• Assist in the prioritization of research activities. 

• Assist in planning, organizing and managing the collection, compilation, analysis of social statistics to inform policy formulation and planning initiatives.

• Assist in updating and providing support in collecting and disseminating social statistics data of the Member States on a timely basis.

• Collect, analyse and manage information from a wide variety of sources to investigate aspects of social issues relevant to any current or planned programme initiative or thematic areas of focus in Member States as well as future social development impacts with the region.

• Assist in the overall management and implementation of all projects/programmes and operational activities under the Social Development Unit.

• Cooperate with staff members of the Secretariat in the management of databases of the various Units and the production of documentation necessary for the effective executive of the social development mandate of the Organisation.

• Generally assisting and contributing to the work of the Secretariat including rapporteuring functions at meetings organized by the Secretariat and preparing reports on such meetings.

• Assist in ensuring that planned activities and monitoring and financial reporting obligations are effectively and efficiently executed.
• Assist in the development of annual work plans, operational strategies, and set resource development targets.

• Assist with the resource mobilization efforts of the Social Development Unit.

• Carry out the other related duties as may be assigned or required from time to time by the Head of Unit.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS 

The Candidate should have a good understanding of the OECS region and the mandate and work of the OECS Secretariat, as well as be able to work on a broad range of social issues in a multi-disciplinary environment.  In addition, the candidate should have:

• At least a first degree in social sciences or a related field with a strong statistical background.
• Three to five years of relevant work experience in social research and policy development, data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• Excellent research, report writing and communication skills.
• Training in computer applications relating to the use of the data-base and word-processing software packages.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
• Ability to organize and manage a diverse range of assignments with high efficiency and follow-through.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, both oral and written.

TERMS OF APPPOINTMENT

The appointment will be on the permanent establishment with a three month probationary period.  In addition the successful applicant will be entitled to basic tax-free salary on the MPP-1 salary scale (EC$52,130.00-65,580.00 p.a.), plus housing and car allowance. The successful applicant will also be entitled to membership in the Organisation’s non-contributory Group Health and Life Insurance Scheme.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted for the attention of:  The Human Resource Unit, Post of Research Officer, Social Development Unit, OECS Secretariat, Morne Fortune, P. O. Box 179, Castries, Saint Lucia and should reach us by 15 February 2013.  Applications should include Curriculum Vitae stating nationality as well as the contact information of the present or most recent employer and that of two referees.  Copies of relevant certificates should be submitted with applications.

Applications can also be sent via e-mail to oesec@oecs.org.

Only applications under consideration will be acknowledged.