Reports To: Manager, Technical Services

Salary scale: Z 10-3

Summary Description:

Conducting research on topics relevant to BAC; assisting with the successful implementation of projects, programmes, and activities related to the Quality Assurance and Framework Services of the Barbados Accreditation & Qualifications Authority; maintaining all relevant BAC databases; liaising with BAC stakeholders on research and statistical matters; supporting BAC staff in the development of project inputs & outputs; and undertaking research and evaluation to provide analyses and reports for corporate knowledge, policy formulation, and decision- making.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• A degree in the Social Science and not less than two years’ relevant experience; with a working knowledge of (i) preparing project proposals, (ii) the use of Project Management software; and (iii) statistical software e.g. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) would be an asset.

or

• A postgraduate qualification in the Social Science and not less than one year’s relevant qualification: with a working knowledge of (i) preparing project proposals, (ii) the use of Project Management software; and (iii) statistical software e.g. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) would be an asset.

Duties:

1. Undertake research activities in relation to the tertiary education and training environment in Barbados and related issues and to determine the demand for the Quality Assurance and Framework Services of the BAQA.
2. Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date databases and develop efficient data analysis processes on every aspect of BAC Services to ensure accurate and timely analysis and reporting, and of BAC External Evaluators to ensure an up-to-date pool of evaluators is available for selection.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and programmes and provide analyses and reports for policy formulation and decision-making.

1

• Prepare project documents’ drafts, work plans, budgets, progress reports, policy briefs, position papers, and proposals on specified topics.

• Identify needs and priorities and drive the formulation of the programme of data collection, methodological development, and capacity building to support the research work.

• Contribute to corporate knowledge and communications by providing articles and other related reports. Providing content for publications, newsletters/Websites, and press releases.

• Support senior staff and the Executive Director in all phases of projects, prepare and, or as required, contribute to the preparation and delivery of written outputs, including speeches, briefs, background and working papers, technical reports and studies, presentations, as well as research-based reports to governing and technical bodies.

• Liaise with local and national bodies, Ministries, Departments, and statutory boards on relevant matters.

• Coordinate and assist in preparations for and servicing of meetings, by assisting with the preparation of the required documentation and reports and assisting with the logistical aspects.

1. Work with relevant BAC staff to respond to internal and external requests for data and present research findings, for stakeholders as directed.

1. Keep abreast of, review and analyze research/policy developments, developments in stakeholder organizations, information and reports from governmental institutions, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations (IGOs/NGOs), media reports, and other relevant sources.

1. Carry out quantitative & qualitative data collection and analysis of data collected through surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, or other methods, using Excel and/or SPSS where necessary.

1. Produce periodic statistical and analytical reports data for use by internal and external stakeholders, being accountable for accuracy and timeliness of the analysis and presentation.

1. Plan, support, carry out and coordinate substantive research programmes and projects using appropriate tools on issues relevant to BAC with the aim of providing information and analysis on the issue and its development and present outputs for a range of audiences including analysis, report writing, and presentations where necessary.

1. To assist in the selection of Evaluators from the pool to ensure that suitably experienced evaluators are assigned on each evaluation exercise.
2. Carry out any other relevant duties as assigned from time to time by the Executive Director, and other authorised personnel.

HOURS OF WORK:

Normal Working Hours: 8.15a.m. to 4.30p.m. – Monday to Friday with one (1) hour for lunch. The hours of work may vary outside of normal working hours.

GENERAL:

The Research and Development Officer I must be able to cope with stressful working conditions, which may prevail at times. In addition, he/she must be able to work without close supervision.

The officer will need to own a vehicle or have access to a vehicle to conduct the Council’s business. Travelling allowances will be payable in accordance with the prevailing rates as determined by the POLTA.