RESEARCH OFFICER

Invest Barbados is an economic development agency of the Government of Barbados. Its purpose is to seek, secure and support sustainable investments that enhance the economic and social development of Barbados.

Purpose of the Job: To provide evidence-based research that can inform policy and management decisions by collecting, analysing and interpreting data; developing robust data management systems; creating reports based on findings; communicating high-quality data and evidence to management; assisting with establishing and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to determine business initiatives. 

Essential Job Results: 

1. Supports Management by among other things: leveraging statistics, trends, client feedback and the performance of sectors to contribute to comprehensive plans and assist with building IB’s corporate strategy; identifying potential risks and challenges to IB’s business and devising strategies to mitigate these risks.
2. Collaborates with the Investment Promotion and Facilitation (IPF) Division and the Research and Communications Division by among other things: working with leadership to determine and rank the needs of various sectors; prioritising IB’s information needs and aligning to the business objectives and developing strategies for IB’s data platform.
3. Develops Automated Processes to Manage Data by among other things: designing scripts and establishing methodology to process and extract large volumes of data from digital sources; creating databases to store and organize data efficiently and effectively and designing and implementing systems that will clean the data to ensure the accuracy, consistency and integrity of the data.
4. Performs Complex Statistical Analyses on Datasets by among other things: collecting data from various data sources; inputting data into software; using statistical methods to identify and examine trends, patterns and correlations; drawing conclusions and making predictions using predictive modelling.
5.  Interprets Data and Communicates Findings to Stakeholders by among other things: building interactive dashboards; creating visual representations (such as charts or graphs) and generating comprehensive reports that present complex data in a more simplified and digestible manner.
6. Assesses Performance of Tools and Technologies by among other things:  assessing the performance of predictive models; testing the accessibility and functionality of databases; identifying opportunities for process updates/improvements to optimize database performance.
7. Maintains and Secures Data by among other things: evaluating data security and identifying potential vulnerabilities; reporting data breeches to management and taking steps and/or recommending ways to protect data.
8.  Measures Stakeholder Satisfaction by among other things: developing and conducting surveys to track feedback and satisfaction in meeting stakeholder needs.
9. Assists with Setting and Evaluating KPIs by among other things: collaborating with the SRO and Director/Manager Research and Communications to identify and align the business metrics with the strategic goals; monitoring key business metrics (such as revenue and operational efficiency) to measure progress and ascertain if the objectives are achieved.
10. Demonstrates Professionalism by among other things: presenting a suitable appearance; displaying a positive attitude to attendance at work; participating in professional associations; maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of IB’s services, policies and procedures and demonstrating general knowledge of the various functions and procedures for all departments and divisions of IB.
11. Contributes to the Invest Barbados Team Effort by among other things: working as a resource for your team; developing and preserving good working relationships with colleagues; accomplishing other job-related results as needed.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics/Finance/Data Analytics or a related discipline plus a minimum of three (3) years’ practical, related experience in a similar role, or Diploma/Certificate in Economics/Accounts/Finance/Data Analytics or a related discipline plus a minimum of six (6) years’ practical, related experience in a similar role.
• Experience in implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Practical experience using statistical software (such as MS Excel, SPSS and SAS) and mastery of data analysis terminology including SQL, Python and R.

Professional and Technical Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of best practices related to Data Protection.
• Proven knowledge of state-of-the-art practices in the field.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to think critically and systemically.
• Ability to gather data, compile and interpret information and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain results through others.
• Evidence of ability to manage multiple demands and priorities. 
•  Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Skills Required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Adept at simplifying complex data insights for audiences without a technical background.
• Strong problem solving, planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, mathematical and statistical skills and commitment to delivering outstanding results.
• Exceptional time and priority management skills.
• Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint and other statistical applications.

Required Traits:

• Demonstration of a high degree of integrity, reliability, punctuality, commitment, and drive.
• A history of displaying the attributes of a team player.
• Proven track record of ability to work under pressure; meet deadlines and respond to rapidly changing environments.
• Being self-directed and results-oriented.

Working Conditions & Environment:

This position requires the incumbent to:

•  Work normal working hours of 40 hours per week.
•  Work occasional overtime due to the exigencies of the operations.
•  Work in an office environment.

Suitably qualified candidates interested in this opportunity should demonstrate in their Curriculum Vitae how their experience, achievements and qualifications would be a good match for this role. Kindly also include the names and contact details of two business references.  The CV should be sent no later than April 11, 2025.