Location: Kingston
Reports to: Associate Director of Programs and Advocacy
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Policy, and Research Officer will have the following responsibilities:
- Conduct independent research, monitor and carry out policy analysis on issues affecting the Trans community including HIV, mental health issues, unemployment, barriers to housing and access to essential public services so as to inform strategies and documentation
- Influence and partner with stakeholders to develop and implement policy and advocacy strategies aligned with TransWave Jamaica’s strategic plan
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop legislative initiatives that support the self-determination of Trans gender non-conforming and non-binary persons including gender-recognition legislation
- Collaborate with stakeholders to reduce violence and discrimination against Trans persons by creating inclusive and affirming spaces and promoting acceptance in families, schools and community institutions
- Develop policy briefs with policy options and recommendations on issues affecting the Trans community so as to inform and influence decision-making among key stakeholders involved in the governance process
- Prepare submissions and position papers outlining the organisation’s position on relevant pieces of policy, legislation and thematic issues
- Convene meetings with key decision-makers to dialogue around reforms needed to improve the supporting and enabling environment for Trans people
- Coordinate capacity building interventions (sensitisation sessions, trainings) for key duty-bearers, CSOs and the private sector
- Develop and implement advocacy toolkits focused on core areas
- Remain informed and responsive in strategy and communication to policy developments that impact the sector and present opportunities for TransWave Jamaica to take a leadership position
- Measure the effectiveness of policy work/initiatives; define and lead change to meet objectives
- Build partnerships with various advocacy networks across the region and internationally as well as with relevant staff in various local organisations.
- Participate in committees, technical working groups and other fora to influence human rights issues, programmes, policies and pieces of legislation with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the Trans community.
- Effectively collaborate with the Communications and Development teams to enable and facilitate TransWave Jamaica’s positioning across its core areas of focus and increase engagement of stakeholders through the strategic use of diverse media platforms
- Provide content for key communications material including website, newsletters and annual report
- Participate in team meetings, the development of strategic and operational work plans and other internal processes as required
- Evaluate programmes, policy and legislation to improve the organisation’s knowledge base for continuous improvement
- Serve as ambassador of TransWave Jamaica’s mission and policy and advocacy priorities.
- Represent TransWave Jamaica to policy and decision-makers, private sector leaders, medical practitioners, think tanks, academia, the media and the public on policy issues related to Trans health and wellbeing
- Manages projects that fund TransWave’s advocacy work including liaising with donors and ensuring that objectives and expenditure targets are being achieved
- Prepare reports for the relevant donors as stipulated by grant agreements in consultation with the grants and M&E Officer
- Prepare and submit a monthly report outlining achievements for the relevant reporting period to the Executive Director for review and usage
Required QUALIFICATION, SKILLS and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience;
- Prior experience in advocacy is an asset
- Three years’ experience in a non-profit organization
- Strong interpersonal, planning, organizational and analytical skills;
- Strong network of colleagues and an established interest in social justice work
- Demonstrated ability to plan and operate strategically, work effectively within a diverse team
- Proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, community leaders, and decision makers
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills
- Strong negotiation and collaboration skills
- Unflappable in the face of multiple challenges; pragmatic, grounded, authoritative, decisive and disciplined; mentally flexible and creative as circumstances demand
- Ability to maintain balance and perspective, and a proactive “can do” attitude that can motivate others.
Applications must be submitted via email no later than January 20, 2022 to:
Director, Human Resource Management & Development
Ministry of Health & Wellness
10A Chelsea Avenue, Kingston 10
Email address: jobapplications.moh@gmail.com
Please note that responses will be sent to short- listed applicants only.