Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of SOCIAL PLANNING OFFICER III, II, in the Department of Planning and National Development (National Development).

A.    RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Responsible for monitoring of the implementation and outcomes of social policy initiatives.

2.    Works under the general direction of and reports to the Chief Economist – National Development.

3.    Required to respond to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Planning and National Development or any other duly authorized officer on matters related to work in progress. 

B.    DUTIES AND TASKS

1.    Conducts research on social sectors to facilitate policy formulation.

2.    Works on programme planning and project design for the social sectors.

3.    Monitors and tracks social indicators; for example labour force, demographic, health, education, etcetera.

4.    Provides policy analysis to support the development of the Medium Term Economic Strategy and the National Planning Process.

5.    Monitors the implementation of capital initiatives within the social sectors.

6.    Screens and scopes proposed projects for land acquisition and displacement of livelihoods for implementation of necessary social safeguards.

7.    Develops and coordinates the development of sub-project Resettlement Plans (RAPs) in coordination with relevant agencies to support implementation of capital projects.

8.    Conducts field supervision, monitoring and inspection of individual sub-projects to ensure compliance with safeguard policies and the Laws of Saint Lucia.

9.    Reports on project activities and social issues/concerns as they arise to serve as documentation of compliance and to support periodic reporting to the Project Monitoring Committee. 

10.    Coordinates with agencies of Government responsible for handling various social risks/impacts associated with project design and project implementation.

11.    Designs and implements community engagement and consultation activities associated with project design and implementation.

12.    Performs any other related duties as may be assigned from time to time.

C.    CONDITIONS

1.    Required to function in accordance with the Laws of the State, Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Staff Orders and any other relevant Collective Agreement and established norms and practices of the Public Service.

2.    Institutional support will be provided through appropriate Civil Service Regulations, Statutory Instruments and Departmental guidelines.

3.    Required to comply with the standard operating procedures and guidelines of the Department of Planning and National Development.

4.    Congenial administrative office accommodation will be provided.

5.    Salary will be paid in accordance with the terms stipulated for the relevant grade in the Government of Saint Lucia Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.

6.    Vacation leave will be provided in accordance with Public Service guidelines. 

7.    This post is not pensionable.

D.    EVALUATION METHOD

Work performance will be evaluated on the basis the following among other issues:

1.    Timely completion of reports and meeting task deadlines.

2.    Overall quality of reports presented as reflected by accuracy of findings, clear representation of the facts and quality of policy analysis.

E.    SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

1.    Have a good understanding of social policy issues.

2.    Have a working knowledge and ability to interpret and apply legislation which impacts social policy and social safeguards.

3.    Good working knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing and statistical software packages. (e.g. STATA, SPSS)

4.    Possess strong analytical skills.

5.    Possess effective written and oral communication skills demonstrated through the preparation of high quality documentation and presentations.

6.    Possess strong and positive inter-personal skills and be able to function effectively within local communities.

7.    Demonstrate creative thinking and problem solving skills.

8.    Possess the capacity to work both independently and within a team environment.

9.    Working knowledge of the Creole Language will be an asset.

F.    QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The candidate should possess the following:

Grade 13

1.    Diploma in the field of Sociology, Social Policy, Social Planning, Social Research or a related discipline from a recognized University plus one (1) year experience in a post at Grade 12.
            
                        OR

2.    Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Sociology, Social Policy, Social Planning, Social Research or a related discipline from a recognized University plus four (4) years experience in a post at Grade 10 and above.

                OR

3.    Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Sociology, Social Policy, Social Planning, Social Research or a related discipline from a recognized University plus one (1) year Post Qualifying experience.

Grade 15

1.    A Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Sociology, Social Policy, Social Planning, Social Research or a related discipline from a recognized University plus two (2) years experience in a post at Grade 13 and above.

                        OR

2.    A Master’s Degree in the field of Sociology, Social Policy, Social Planning, Social Research or a related discipline from a recognized University plus two (2) years experience in a post at Grade 12 and above.

                        OR

3.    A Master’s Degree in the field of Sociology, Social Policy, Social Planning, Social Research or a related discipline from a recognized University plus two (2) years Post Qualifying experience.

Qualifications and/or experience in Project Management would be an asset.

G.    SALARY

Salary is at the rate of:
Grade 15, Step 1 - $65,789.93
Grade 13, Step 1 - $58, 322.37

Applications should be made on the prescribed Government application forms along with certified copies of documents pertaining to qualifications, plus two (2) recent references and one (1) passport sized photograph.

The same should be addressed to:

The Secretary
Public Service Commission
Sir Stanislaus James Building
The Waterfront
Castries, St. Lucia

To reach her no later than October 9, 2015

Unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged.
    
Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.