The Jamaica House Fellowship Programme is a prestigious opportunity for exceptional and highly motivated Jamaicans to work on, support and implement high priority initiatives in the public sector over a period of two (2) years.
The Jamaica House Fellowship Programme (JHFP) was established in 2016 by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), in recognition that there are many talented Jamaicans who are interested in the development of their country, and if given the opportunity, would make a meaningful impact.
Selection as a Jamaica House Fellow is an honour and a privilege. Under the JHFP, the Fellows spend two (2) years as full-time, paid Fellows assigned to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Government, working alongside senior GOJ technocrats. Fellows work in a fast paced and collaborative environment with tasks that are complex.
The JHFP is not an internship nor akin to any form of summer work programme.
Jamaica House Fellows will spend two (2) years as paid full-time personnel assigned to the OPM, or other GOJ offices as may be determined necessary, where they will work alongside senior government technocrats. Working under the direct guidance and supervision of the Chief Technical Director in the OPM, Fellows can expect to be involved in a wide range of high impact projects, in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. Candidates are also required to work in a collegial and cooperative manner with colleague Fellows and other Ministry staff to address some of the issues and challenges which impede Jamaica’s growth and development.
Fellows are provided with firsthand, high level exposure to and experience in the operations of the public sector
Fellows are better placed to take up positions within the GOJ and private sector
Fellows make a positive contribution to communities and the nation
Fellows develop a greater appreciation and respect for the public service
Fellows assist in reengineering the processes to make the public sector more efficient
Provide analysis and support to aid in decision-making at the highest levels.
Help in coordinating and monitoring the progress of initiatives across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, in a timely and efficient manner.
Gathering and analyzing data, and reviewing costs, benefits and the possible impact of policy options.
Researching information to support the evaluation of policy options.
Designing and implementing government policies.
Delivering oral and written analysis of opinions and recommendations.
Briefing senior government officials.
Participating in meetings, negotiations, conference calls and briefing sessions as required.
Coordinating initiatives across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Implementing decisions as required.
Delivering presentations on national Programmes and Projects being pursued by the Government of Jamaica
Although assignments may vary among Fellows, they will have the shared experience of hard work, rigorous discussion and impactful contribution to the future of the nation.
GENERAL
Fellows are engaged on two (2) year contracts.
No. Fellows may however seek out job opportunities while in the government service and participate in a competitive processes for selection.
The engagement is a full-time job however with permission, Fellows may engage in other part-time work. So however that there is no conflict of interest or other infringement on the Fellows’ full-time job responsibilities.
Fellows are entitled to:
No. Fellows are contracted only for a two (2) year period.
Yes. Fellows are assigned based on identified need within the GoJ and where there is expressed interest in serving in a particular area. This is subject to availability.
Fellows are compensated in keeping with the GoJ rates prescribed from time to time.
Fellows will interact with Government Ministers and Senior Officials throughout their engagement..
Fellows will spend a mandatory three (3) month period working at the OPM upon engagement and prior to reassignment. Assignment to the OPM will be determined by the needs of the organization.
Fellows will be required to: - provide analysis and support to aid in decision-making at the highest levels; - help in coordinating and monitoring the progress of initiatives across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, in a timely and efficient manner; and - Promote the Jamaica House Fellowship Programme through organized events and generally in their work.
Fellows are contracted to work Mondays to Thursdays 8:30 a.m – 5:00 pm and Fridays 8:30 a.m. – 4:00p.m. Fellows may be required to work outside of normal business hours and on weekends as necessary to support the objectives of the Ministry, Department, Agency, Project or Programme to which they are assigned.
Yes. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years at the time of application submission.
Yes, subject to the termination clause in the contract of employment.
All work done by Fellows during their tenure remains the property of the GoJ.
Yes. The opportunity is open to Jamaican citizens who reside in Jamaica or in the diaspora. Persons holding greencards or who are otherwise permanent residents of other countries may apply provided they have retained their Jamaican citizenship
The Fellowship is a full-time, onsite engagement and must be carried in Jamaica.
The duration of the selection process is 3-4 months
Yes. All persons engaged in the Government service are subject to a routine security background check.
No. All costs associated with the selected Fellow’s participation in the Programme shall be borne by the selected Fellow
The mission of the Jamaica House Fellowship Programme is to empower individuals through hands-on training in public policy decision making, to make further contributions to their communities and the nation. Fellows are expected to apply what they have learned throughout their service to become even greater leaders in their respective fields, communities and in the public service.A Tracer Study will be conducted five (5) years post service to gauge continued involvement in public service.
Phase 1 – Assessment of Minimum Requirements
Phase 2 - Assessment of Professional Achievement and Community Service
Phase 1 - Powerpoint Presentation
Phase 2 - Panel Interview
Tel: (876) 927-9941-3 (switchboard)
(876) 946-4475 (straight line)
1-888-429-5543 (Toll-free)
Shereika Hemmings-Allison
E-mail: [email protected]
Melissa Haynes
E-mail: [email protected]
The Jamaica House Fellowship Programme 1 Devon Road Kingston 10