Research issues and draft the policies, Cabinet submissions and briefs that guide government decisions. Policy analysts in ministries such as Health & Wellness review evidence, consult stakeholders, and monitor how policies are implemented.
Salary Breakdown
Graduate officer posts at Band 7 on the restructured scale ($3,501,526 - $4,709,163 per annum, 2025-2026) while gaining the public policy experience analyst posts require.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($4,105,345 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $4,105,345 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$123,160 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$82,106 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$89,599 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$519,956 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $3,290,522 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC English, Social Studies, History and Mathematics. CAPE Sociology, Law or Economics are useful.
5 years (Forms 1-5) - 2
Bachelor's in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics or Public Administration
Build strong research and writing skills.
3 years - 3
Public Sector Experience
Work three years in a public policy or public sector management setting, for example as an administrative or research officer.
2 - 3 years - 4
Policy Analyst (GMG/SEG 3)
Research issues, draft policy papers and Cabinet submissions, and consult stakeholders.
3 - 5 years - 5
Master's in Public Policy or Public Sector Management
Qualifies you for Senior Policy Analyst with four years' experience instead of six.
1 - 2 years - 6
Senior Policy Analyst / Director
Lead policy units (GMG/SEG 4 and above).
5+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC English, Social Studies, Mathematics, History
- Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Development Studies, Management Studies, Public Sector Management or Public/Business Administration
- Master's degree (for senior posts)
Common Local Certifications
- Policy analysis and Cabinet submission training (MIND)
- Public sector management training
Where to Train
Jamaica Theological Seminary
Offers Master of Social Work
International University of the Caribbean
Offers Master of Education – Educational Administration and Leadership
University of Technology, Jamaica
A recommended place to train as a Policy Analyst
University of the West Indies, Mona
A recommended place to train as a Policy Analyst
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - Department of Government / Faculty of Social Sciences
- Management Institute for National Development (MIND)
- University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)