Strategic Objectives of the Division (in which the position is located)
To provide centralized management, harmonization and quality control for the design, development, delivery, revision and review of curricula; monitoring and evaluation of the curricula implementation; and assessment and/or test development, as well as specialist services for technical and vocational studies, for the Community Colleges Network (and other institutions as necessary) in accordance with the national development agenda and regional needs.
Job Purpose
The Researcher Officer is responsible for managing the research, assessment, evaluation, review and forecasting processes relating to problems in curriculum development and instructional improvement and apply the findings of research and studies to improve the content, sequence, and outcomes of the teaching/learning process. S/He will provide research services effectively and efficiently to inform the Director, Curriculum Development on matters relating to various portfolio issues to facilitate effective decision making. This will include fostering relationships with relevant stakeholders and establishing/maintaining an extensive database that will provide timely and relevant information to support the decision making. Ultimately, the Research Officer will undertake research and evaluation activities that provide the CCCJ with evidence required for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of curriculum policies.
Key Outputs
o Database maintained.
o Reports produced and disseminated.
o Surveys and research papers prepared.
o Technical documents and presentations prepared.
Performance Standards
o Annual statistical and other statistical products are produced and disseminated within agreed parameters to approved users/entities.
o Market research and needs assessment for programmes are initiated and completed in a timely manner and agreed formats and procedures.
o Databases are accurate, updated and maintained in accordance with established procedures, practices and standards.
o Surveys, research papers and other technical documentation and tools are prepared to quality standards, and within agreed procedures, format and timelines.
Key Responsibility Areas
TECHNICAL/PROFESSIONAL
1.Manage the research, assessment, evaluation, review and forecasting processes relating to curriculum development and instructional improvement.
2. Compile comprehensive study reports with clear findings and recommendations.
3. Apply the findings of research and studies to improve the content, sequence, and outcomes of the teaching/learning process.
4. .Identify research priorities for the CCCJ and the community college sector in general and develops a comprehensive research agenda.
5. Implement the research agenda and ensure smooth coordination with other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, other higher education bodies (e.g., JTEC), community colleges and research institutions.
6. Provide relevant, timely, and high-quality briefs to inform policy direction and planning.
7. Develop, update and maintain a comprehensive research profile/database of all studies that have been conducted on the community colleges sector in Jamaica and related areas.
8. Develop and maintain a portal to update the research profile/data base on a regular basis.
9. Manage quality assurance and dissemination of research on higher education and the community college sector organized by CCCJ.
10. Undertake strategic analyses of workforce needs and issues and make recommendations that can inform the strategic actions required by the CCCJ and community college sector to meet those needs.
11. Monitor and evaluate implementation of the CCCJ and higher education policies through tracking of specific performance indicators and compiling comprehensive reports on the state of the higher education at community colleges in Jamaica.
12. Scan the political, economic, social, technological and environmental landscape both locally and internationally for emerging trends and analyses implications on research and development to ensure effective response from the higher education sector.
13. Participate in other curriculum development activities as needed to support the Department.
14. Maintaining the Quality Management System.
15. Perform any other job-related duties assigned by the Director, Curriculum Development.
Authority
o Conduct research to inform Council’s academic programmes and forecast the viability of new programmes.
o Issue statistics and other research data, reports, etc. as directed.
o Liaise with stakeholders and issue surveys.
o Recommend policy changes on curricula and other areas of CCCJ portfolio as needed.
o Undertake research and policy, procedure and standards proposals.
Internal and External Contacts (specify purpose of significant contacts)
INTERNAL
| CONTACT | PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION |
| Executive Director Director, Curriculum Development | • Receive policy directives and agree overall strategic direction as well as the treatment of new and/or evolving matters and implications for future programmes and/or projects. • Provide technical advice and/or information and/or recommendations to advance the mandate of the CCCJ based on evidence gained from research. |
| All other staff | • Receive advice and/or information and/or recommendations on curricula, instruction and other portfolios matters. • Collaborate on CCCJ strategic objectives and research matters. |
EXTERNAL
| CONTAC T | PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION |
| Ministry of Education Ministry Agencies and/or Department s that influence and monitor tertiary education | • Exchange information on community colleges and workforce development needs as necessary to advance research that will inform CCCJ curricula and instruction agenda. |
| Principals Registrars, College and/or other Tertiary Institutions Faculty, including CCCJ’s Coordinators on campuses | • Exchange information to enhance service delivery, inform statistical data and improve research procedures and practices. • Promote and collaborate on research activities and other events for community colleges and the CCJ. |
| Academic and administrative personnel at other tertiary institutions and/or agencies regulating tertiary education (locally and internationally). | • Exchange information on higher education and the community college sector as necessary in keeping with and to advance the CCCJ mandate. |
| University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) | • Collaborate on and exchange information on curricula and other matters to inform research as necessary in keeping with and to advance CCCJ mandate. |
| Consultants Researchers | • Liaise with and execute quality assurance to ensure the CCCJ receives the best possible research outcomes for joint ventures and/or outsourced research. |
Minimum Required Education and Experience
o Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Social Sciences preferably with a major in research methods or equivalent qualification
o Five (5) years’ related work experience in education or at a tertiary institution
Required Competencies
Core
• Working knowledge and understanding of CCCJ policies and procedures.
• Excellent human relations/interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Excellent decision-making skills.
• Excellent initiative, judgment, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• High level of familiarity with principles and practices of administrative decision-making.
• Superlative attention to detail and a positive attitude and ability to plan and adapt to change.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with college departments and cross-functional teams.
Technical
• Sound understanding and working knowledge of government policies, practices and regulations on higher education.
• Sound knowledge of legislation governing tertiary education and best practice techniques in education.
• Sound knowledge of the higher education sector in Jamaica.
• Sound knowledge and experience of research methods and practices, statistical techniques, social policy and specialist computer software (including databases).
• Sound knowledge in research planning and administration.
• Sound knowledge of research design and implementation and statistical tools.
• Working knowledge of project management and strategic management.
• Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with the ability to use digital technology to support business processes and record keeping, analyze complex problems and recommend and execute appropriate solutions.
• High negotiation, presentation and influencing skills.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with an ability to think innovatively.
• Ability to analyze and interpret large data sets.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems.
• Ability to work without close supervision.
• Ability, capacity and willingness to adapt quickly to changing pressures and demands; to apply experience to new or unfamiliar challenges; to plan, prioritize and organize own workload effectively and that of others; to meet deadlines and get things done and to initiate and sustain improvements in service.
Special conditions associated with the Job
o May be required to work beyond normal working hours at times to meet critical deadlines, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
o Stress may be caused by the need to manage constant interruptions and multiple demands simultaneously, and complete tasks within tight deadlines. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.
o Extensive travel locally and some travel overseas required to meet with others
regularly, and represent the CCCJ at meetings/conferences, etc.
REMUNERATION
Salary scale: $ 5,198,035 – $ 6,990,799 per annum
Application, accompanied with resume, should be submitted
No later than Friday, 2026 September 04
to
Manager, Human Resource Management and Development
The Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica
37 East Street, Kingston
or
Email: hr@cccj.edu.jm
Subject: Research Officer
We thank all applicants for expressing an interest; however, only shortlisted candidateswill be contacted.
This description may not contain every conceivable duty or task associated with the job. The job holder may from time to time be required to perform other tasks and activities which are not enumerated but which are reasonably related to the overall purpose of the position.