Research Officer

Job Description:

The Research Officer within the Policy Unit supports the Social Care Standards Authority in developing, reviewing and evaluating policies, regulatory instruments, standards and related initiatives. The postholder undertakes qualitative and quantitative research, analyses evidence and stakeholder input, and translates findings into clear, practical and evidence-informed policy advice that supports the Authority’s statutory functions and strategic objectives. The role contributes to policy coherence, continuous improvement and sound decision-making by monitoring relevant developments, preparing policy documentation and supporting consultation, implementation and evaluation activities.

Principal Responsibilities

- Collect, validate, organise and analyse data and evidence from appropriate internal and external sources, identifying trends, gaps, risks and implications for policy.

- Prepare research reports, policy briefs, options papers, impact assessments, consultation documents, briefing notes, presentations and recommendations for management consideration.

- Support the development, review and updating of the Authority’s policies, strategies, regulatory standards, operational guidelines and procedures.

- Assist in evaluating the effectiveness, consistency and practical impact of existing policies, standards and regulatory measures, and propose evidence-based improvements.

- Support stakeholder mapping, consultation and engagement with internal units, public entities, service providers, professionals, persons using services and other relevant stakeholders.

- Analyse consultation feedback and prepare accurate summaries, response reports and proposed policy amendments.

- Work collaboratively with the Authority’s units, committees and project teams to ensure that policy proposals are informed by operational experience, compliance findings and sector needs.

- Maintain policy and research records, evidence logs, reference material, project schedules, action trackers and version-controlled documentation.

- Support the planning, coordination and monitoring of approved policies, guidelines and research findings to internal and external audiences.

- Contribute to the identification of performance indicators and methods for monitoring policy implementation and outcomes.

- Handle information responsibly and conduct all research and consultation work in accordance with applicable ethical, confidentiality and data protection requirements.

- Undertake continuous professional development and remain informed of developments relevant to the post.

- Carry out any other duties that may be assigned by the officer responsible for the Policy Unit or the Chief Executive Officer, consistent with the nature and level of the post.

Business Skills and Competencies

- Strong research, analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to assess evidence objectively and draw well-supported conclusions.

- Excellent written communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly, accurately and concisely.

- Ability to draft policy documents, briefings, recommendations and presentations suited to different audiences.

- Good numerical and data-literacy skills, including the ability to organise, interpret and present quantitative and qualitative information.

- Good organisational and project-coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

- Effective interpersonal, consultation and stakeholder-engagement skills.

- Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and independently with limited supervision.

- High attention to detail, sound judgment, integrity and commitment to professional ethics.

- Adaptability, initiative and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Knowledge and Technical Proficiency

- Understanding of policy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes.

- Knowledge of research methods, evidence appraisal and data-analysis techniques.

- Awareness of the Maltese public administration, and regulatory context; knowledge of the social care sector is considered an asset.

- Ability to understand and interpret legislation, policy documents, regulatory standards and technical material.

- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

- Proficiency in other research, data-analysis or visualisation tools is considered an asset.

General Requirements

- Proficiency in written and spoken Maltese and English.

- Good organisation skills, strong ethical values and high integrity.

- An analytical and evidence-based approach to work, with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

Eligibility Requirements:

By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must be:

i.

a. citizens of Malta; or

b. citizens of other Member States of the European Union who are entitled to equal treatment to

Maltese citizens in matters of employment by virtue of EU legislation and treaty provisions dealing

with the free movement of workers; or

c. citizens of any other country who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters

related to employment by virtue of the application to that country of EU legislation and treaty

provisions dealing with the free movement of workers; or

d. any other persons who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters related to

employment in terms of the law or the above-mentioned EU legislation and treaty provisions, on

account of their family relationship with persons mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c); or

e. third country nationals who have been granted long-term resident status in Malta under regulation

4 of the Status of Long-Term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations, 2006 or who have been

granted a residence permit under regulation 18(3) thereof, together with family members of such third

country nationals who have been granted a residence permit under the Family Reunification

Regulations, 2007; or

f. in possession of a residence document issued in terms of the “Residence Status of United Kingdom

Nationals and their Family Members in Malta in accordance with the Agreement on the Withdrawal of

the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy

Community Regulations”.

The advice of the Citizenship Unit within Community Malta Agency and the Expatriates Unit within

Identita’ should be sought as necessary in the interpretation of the above provisions.

The appointment of candidates referred to at (b), (c), (d) and (e) above would necessitate the issue of

an employment licence in so far as this is required by the Immigration Act and subsidiary legislation.

Jobsplus should be consulted as necessary on this issue.

ii. must be proficient verbally and written in the Maltese and English Language.

iii. In possession of two (2) reference letters

AND

iv.

A. Individuals who are in possession of a recognised Diploma qualification at MQF Level 5

(subject to a minimum of 60 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent) in Research, Business

Administration, Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences or a comparable professional

qualification determined by Management. or

B. Individuals who are in possession of a recognised Diploma qualification at MQF Level 4 in

Research, Business Administration, Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences or a

comparable professional qualification determined by Management, plus three (3) year

relevant work experience;