Research & Planning Manager

The Research & Planning Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a research, planning, monitoring and evaluation plan that facilitates the systematic collection, analysis and feedback of data about the programmes and interventions administered by the Children’s Authority.

THE CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

JOB DESCRIPTION – RESEARCH AND PLANNING MANAGER

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Job Title:               Research & Planning Manager

Department:           Research & Planning        

Section:                 Corporate Services

Reports to:            Deputy Director, Corporate Services

Direct Reports:      Senior Research and Planning Associate.  

Indirect Reports:  Research Associate    

Contract Term:     One Year

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JOB SUMMARY

  The Research & Planning Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a research, planning, monitoring and evaluation plan that facilitates the systematic collection, analysis and feedback of data about the programmes and interventions administered by the Children’s Authority.  The incumbent ensures that the outcomes from the implementation of this plan inform policy-development, decision-making and the operational activities of the Authority to the benefit of stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

         i.         Develops and implements an effective system of collecting and analyzing data using appropriate research methods that ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable information for use by the Authority and its stakeholders. 

        ii.        Develops a research agenda for the Authority, conducts and manages research projects on relevant subject matters and issues, and presents findings and recommendations in an attractive, user friendly actionable format. 

       iii.       Establishes a dissemination system for the research results through written reports, publications and presentations to a variety of stakeholders. 

       iv.       Provides research and planning support to the Authority’s management team and across the organization. 

        v.        Establishes and oversees a monitoring and evaluation framework the results of which will inform the Authority’s development priorities and results, capacity building and the delivery system for high-quality childcare, nationally; all leading to the continuous improvement of childcare practices.     

       vi.       Establishes and maintains a proper record-keeping system that enables efficient and effective data processing and tracking of programme, project and intervention performance indicators, allowing the Authority to take timely corrective actions, when necessary.     

      vii.      Works closely with the Deputy Director, Corporate Services and other section managers to ensure that the research, planning, monitoring and evaluation process and services are transparent, time-conscious, adheres to the Authority’s quality standards, and are responsive to customers’ needs and environmental changes. 

      viii.     Provides professional advice, and presents regular reports, through the Deputy Director, Corporate Services to the Director and the Board of Management on the operational activities of the Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Section. 

       ix.       Builds, maintains and develops effective relationships and collaboration with agencies and organizations within communities throughoutTrinidad and Tobagoin order to easily access community data, meet community needs and ensure better service delivery to child protection clients. 

        x.        Develops and conducts comprehensive induction, on-going training programmes and regular professional development opportunities for stakeholders (including Authority staff) to ensure that they have the tools and mechanisms for collecting reliable data, and the knowledge and skills to action the recommendations therefrom, in providing excellent services to their clients. 

       xi.       Supervises, coaches and mentors the staff of the Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Section including scheduled performance reviews and implementation of personal improvement plans. 

      xii.      Fosters an environment of teamwork and unity of purpose among staff within the Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Section, and between the Section and other Sections and Departments of the Authority. 

      xiii.     Represents the Authority in an official capacity, as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Management or related field from a recognized university is essential. 

• A post-graduate certification in Statistics would be an asset. 

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in statistical work at a professional and supervisory level. 

• Any other equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Demonstrated competence in the establishment and monitoring of qualitative and quantitative standards.
• Demonstrable interest in children, their needs and rights.
• Excellent working knowledge of the practice of statistical research methods, tools and techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of research, planning, monitoring and evaluation methods in dealing with childcare issues.
• Demonstrated competence in establishing, monitoring and evaluating project, programme and intervention indicators.
• Ability to work with professionals in various fields toward a single goal.
• Experience working with children and families, and in court.
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Ability to build trust, credibility and effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the organization, and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to counsel and advise senior executives, managers and all levels of staff on sensitive research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and appropriate courses of action.
• Knowledge of social services project, programme and intervention monitoring and evaluation strategies.
• Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, mature judgement and creative problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of the laws relevant to the protection and safety of children.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written).
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Competent in computer usage and the Microsoft Office Suite of programmes (including Word, Excel and Power Point), as well as computerised statistical software such as SPSS.

Interested persons are asked to adopt the following guidelines when submitting an application:

• Kindly submit your Resume and Cover Letter in one (1) document in either a word or pdf file.
• Applications are to be titled as the Candidate’s name, i.e. First Name and Last Name.
• Clearly identify the position applied for in the Cover Letter and Subject of the email.
• Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
• Only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted.