Principal Research Officer

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Job Description

The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga) was established in 1876, with the primary purpose to serve as an advisory body on Indigenous affairs, ensuring traditional leadership structures were acknowledged and integrated into the governance system. The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) being independent plays a crucial role in advising on matters related to Good Governance and Wellbeing of the iTaukei.

The Principal Research Officer ensures that the Executive Chairman and the Great Council of Chiefs Office (GCCO) is supported by comprehensive and accurate research, data management, policy analysis, and knowledge sharing. This role is crucial in advising and informing policy decisions and cultural initiatives, maintaining research integrity, and fostering collaboration with academic institutions. The role reports to the Manager Operations.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Supervising Research Projects
Provide oversight and advise on research projects, ensuring: Research is conducted to inform policy decisions and cultural initiatives, ensuring that all recommendations are based on thorough and accurate data. Research methodologies are applied to gather relevant information, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings. Literature reviews are performed to identify gaps in current knowledge and to support the development of new research projects. Research proposals are developed and submitted for approval, ensuring alignment with the GCCO's strategic objectives. Fieldwork is coordinated and executed, ensuring that data collection is comprehensive and accurate. Research findings are documented and reported, providing clear and actionable insights for decision-makers. Ethical standards are adhered to in all research activities, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the research process.
2. Data Management Ensured
Develop and implement data management framework; Databases and archives of research materials are maintained, ensuring that all data is organized, accessible, and up-to-date. Data integrity is ensured through regular audits and updates, supporting the accuracy and reliability of research outputs. Data analysis tools are utilized to interpret research findings, providing meaningful insights. Review data security protocols and agreements ensuring: Data security protocols are implemented, ensuring the confidentiality and protection of sensitive information. Data sharing agreements are established with stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and information exchange.
3. Policy Analysis
Review and Develop relevant policies and procedures: Policy changes are monitored and analysed, providing insights into their implications for the GCCO and its stakeholders. Policy recommendations are developed, reflecting current legal standards and best practices, ensuring alignment with the GCCO's strategic objectives. Policy briefs are prepared and disseminated, summarizing key findings and recommendations Stakeholder feedback is incorporated into policy analysis, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. Impact assessments are conducted to evaluate the potential effects of policy changes on the iTaukei community.
4. Informed management and other stakeholders
Provide technical and professional advice to Executive GCC Chairman Provide technical / professional advice to clients and other stakeholders Review research and compile reports for management
5. Organisation's image and value standards demonstrated and promoted
Collaborate with other teams in the organisation for the benefit of the organisation Monitor and encourage team members to uphold image and value standards Uphold and demonstrate the organisation's image and values
6. Teamwork and cooperation
Cooperation within the team and greater function / department Cooperation across functions / departments Work collaboratively to achieve the set targets and goals Collaboration with academic institutions and researchers is maintained, fostering strong relationships and effective communication. Research findings are shared with stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are informed and able to make evidence-based decisions. Workshops and seminars are organized, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building. Research publications are produced and disseminated, contributing to the broader academic and policy discourse. Knowledge management systems are developed, ensuring that research outputs are accessible and utilized effectively
Product's Stakeholders
1. Operational and statutory compliance
Statutory compliant to laws and regulations Health and safety compliance Environmental compliance Operationally compliant to the organisation's policies and procedures

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Strategic Development	Establish the strategic direction and steer the organisation towards its goals
Business Performance	Manage the performance of the organisation.
Risk Management	Analyse and manage risk.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Customer
Commercial Focus	Optimize the commercial viability of the organisation.
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
Organisational Values	Display the organisation's image and value standards.
Social and Cultural Awareness	Respond respectfully and effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds.
People
Leadership	Utilise a leadership position to influence people and events and to increase performance.
Team Orientation	Work in a team towards a common aim.
Problem Solving	Develop practical solutions to a situation.
Negotiation	Reach agreement through discussion and compromise.
Self-Management	Manage your priorities and objectives efficiently and effectively
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Financial Application	Apply financial principles and practices.
Research	Apply formal research methodologies.
Technology Application	Apply technology.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Management Studies	Such as Social Sciences, Public Policy, Law, or a related discipline
Preferred
Masters Degree	Management/Planning/Policy

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Minimum of 5 years of experience in research or a related field where research work has been undertaken
2. Wide Experience in Research Methodologies, demonstrated understanding and application of various research methodologies and processes
3. Proficiency in Data Management, experience with data management, including the use of databases and other online resources
4. Minimum 5 years experience in Policy Analysis Experience, proven ability to monitor, analyse, and develop policy recommendations
5. Experience working with academic institutions and other stakeholders to share knowledge and research finding

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Excellent command of English
Excellent command of the iTaukei language both written and spoken
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Police Clearance

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
All employees
External
Regulators
Stakeholders
Community
Ministry of iTaukei Affairs
iTaukei Affairs Board
Educational Institutions
Provincial Councils

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Achiever	Puts in effort to achieve a desired result or goal and is motivated by this end and the overall accomplishment.
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Interpersonal Styles
Forthright	Speaks out frankly without hesitation, showing a direct manner.
Empathic	Has the ability to understand somebody else's feelings or difficulties.
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Thinking Styles
Conscientious	Demonstrates a sense of right and wrong and a personal obligation to do the right thing.
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.