opm.gov.mt CDRT Research Assistants Scheme Malta : Center For Development Research & Training

Organization : Center For Development Research & Training
Type of Facility : CDRT Research Assistants Scheme
Country: Malta

Website : https://opm.gov.mt/en/services/

CDRT Research Assistants Scheme

1. Basis:
This scheme is applicable to Public Officers holding a qualification at least at MQF Level 5, specifically the Diploma in Public Administration (DPA) from the University of Malta or at MQF Level 6 (any Bachelor’s Degree).

Related : Public Administration HR Office OPM ESP Employee Support Programme Malta : www.statusin.org/8742.html

The following parameters shall apply:
(i) An Expression of Interest for Public Officers wishing to participate in research assignments related to public administration issues in the role of research assistants will be issued by the CDRT. The Selection process shall include an interview of eligible applicants. It is to be noted that research assistant is a role, it is neither a post nor a position.

(ii) Successful applicants will form part of a pool, respectively awaiting to be allocated to specific research assignments.

(iii) The areas of research will be determined by the CDRT in line with the needs of the Public Administration and after consultation with the Principal Permanent Secretary, line Ministries, and/or the Management Efficiency Unit.

(iv) Research participations will be based on timeframes not exceeding 6 months depending on the duration of the research assignments to which the research assistants may be assigned.

(v) Public Officers selected to participate in the CDRT Research Assistants Scheme in the role of research assistants may be tasked to carry out the following duties:
a) Document and data searches, collection and aggregation;
b) Information gathering and development;
c) Assisting in basic research analysis;
d) Participation in meetings with relevant stakeholders as identified by
CDRT and/or MEU as required through the course of any assignment;
e) Assisting in the drawing up of reports and papers emanating from the
findings from the data and information gathered;
f) Assisting the rest of the research team by providing possible insights towards recommendations and conclusions arising from the research;
g) Involvement in any other basic research related duties as assigned and directed by CDRT during the term of the assignment;

(vi) A research assistant may be involved in more than one assignment at any time during the release period with CDRT.

(vii) During the release period, Public Officers will be entitled to continue to receive their basic salary including any fixed allowances that they have. No special allowance applies for participation in the CDRT Research Assistants Scheme.

(viii) Public Officers chosen to participate in this Research Assistants Scheme shall remain subject to the PSC disciplinary procedures, for any misconduct during the period of attachment.

(ix) In those instances where a research assistant is deemed to manifest inefficiency in the role, or is found guilty of any misconduct and infringement under the PSC Disciplinary procedures, CDRT may terminate his/her release under the Scheme with immediate effect..

(x) Public employees on reduced hours and teleworking may, if accepted, avail themselves of this scheme on a pro-rata basis. Employees on any form of special leave may not avail themselves of this scheme.

2. Application Procedure:
2.1 Further to the issuance of an invitation for Expressions of Interest by CDRT, an interested Public Officer, is required to submit an Expression of Interest to CDRT, endorsed by his/her Director/Head and copied to the respective line Permanent Secretary. The Expression of Interest should include a motivational statement, curriculum vitae, copies of qualifications and/or testimonials, and an updated Service and Leave Record Form (GP47).

2.2 Eligible applicants shall be called for an interview, and eventually notified in writing of the interview result, which will also be published on the CDRT notice board and website.

2.3 Appeals regarding the interview result are to be addressed to the Head (CDRT) by not later than 10 working days from the issuance of the result. The Appeal decision by the CDRT will be final.

2.4 When a Public Officer is selected to participate in the Scheme, the CDRT shall notify the officer concerned in writing copying his/her Director/Head, the line Permanent Secretary and the Public Administration HR Office.

3. Duration Period:
3.1 Participation in the CDRT Research Assistants Scheme will be up to a maximum of 20 hours per week for a period not exceeding 6 months depending on the nature of the research assignments to be involved in. During the release period, the Public Officer concerned will make use of office facilities at CDRT and/or possibly MEU as the case may be. The assignment period may be renewed by further periods.

3.2 Prior to the commencement of a release period, the CDRT shall consult the Public Officer and the respective line Director/Head before finalising the arrangements regarding the schedule to be followed.

4. Ownership:
4.1 The ownership of any research involved under this Scheme shall pertain to CDRT and/or MEU, even if the Public Officer concerned is credited with such involvement.

4.2 The research may be made available to the Permanent Secretary responsible for the area in which the research has been conducted and any Public Service Department and/or Public Sector Entity for which such research may be deemed relevant.

4.3 The research may also be hosted electronically on the CDRT and/or MEU websites, as well as any other websites of Departments or Entities within the public administration.