Monique Lewis
Summary
Analytical and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience supporting senior government leadership within the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Government of Jamaica. Currently serving on an overseas diplomatic assignment in the United States, supporting labour mobility programmes and international employment partnerships. Skilled in research, government relations, stakeholder engagement and briefing preparation for senior public sector officials. Proven ability to coordinate international stakeholders, prepare cabinet submissions, and support administratively policy implementation related to labour mobility and employment programmes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Assistant to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2021.03 - Current
- Collaborate with Senior Directors and Ministry leadership to track and monitor the implementation of Cabinet decisions, policy directives, and strategic initiatives issued by the Permanent Secretary, ensuring timely execution across departments.
- Prepare Cabinet Notes and Cabinet Submissions that support national policy decision-making and facilitate the approval of key labour and social policy initiatives.
- Produce high-level briefing notes, analytical reports, and executive summaries to inform the Permanent Secretary’s strategic decision-making and oversight of Ministry operations.
- Conduct policy research, data gathering, and analysis to support programme development, policy evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making within the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
- Develop and maintain a tracking database for strategic initiatives and policy actions, improving monitoring and reporting on the progress of activities under the Permanent Secretary’s portfolio.
- Coordinate local and international travel arrangements, ensuring efficient logistics and preparation for official meetings, conferences, and diplomatic engagements.
- Manage the executive calendar and scheduling of high-level meetings, coordinating engagements with government officials, stakeholders, and partner institutions.
- Facilitate the timely distribution of official correspondence, policy directives, and briefing materials to relevant departments and stakeholders.
- Prepare executive presentations, meeting minutes, and action trackers for meetings chaired by the Permanent Secretary, ensuring clear documentation and follow-up on strategic decisions.
- Government of Jamaica.
Research and Administrative Officer to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2024.10 - 2026.09
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on topics relevant to the Overseas Employment Programme for both the US and Canada.
- Analyze data and prepare comprehensive reports that provide insights and recommendations for policy development and program enhancement.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and presentations on research findings.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date databases of research materials and information relevant to the Overseas Employment Programme (US and Canada).
- Ensure that all research activities comply with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Provide research support for the development and evaluation of policies affecting Jamaica and its diaspora.
- Monitor global trends and developments that may affect the Programme.
- Assisting in drafting policy documents, proposals and strategic plans.
- Liaise with government agencies, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to gather relevant information and data.
- Represent Jamaica at meetings, conferences and other forums in relation to the Overseas Employment Programme.
- Draft and edit reports, policy briefs, and communication materials for internal and external dissemination.
- Provide regular updates on research progress to the Permanent Secretary.
- Coordinate diplomatic and administrative correspondence between the Ministry and international stakeholders.
- Prepare official reports, policy documents, and briefing materials for high-level government discussions.
- Coordinate and arrange government-to-government and employer engagement related to labour mobility initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with government policies and international labour programme requirements.
- Government of Jamaica. Overseas diplomatic assignment supporting Jamaica’s mobility and employment programmes in the United States.
Director – International Labour Agencies & Information
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2023.12 - 2024.01
- Prepared reports on Jamaica’s implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and Recommendations.
- Responded to ILO questionnaires and international labour policy inquiries.
- Coordinated with government ministries, legal experts, employers, and labour organizations to obtain related information for international agencies.
- Prepared travel budget, hotel and travel bookings, procurement of transit and short-term visas, accreditation and courtesies.
- Government of Jamaica.
Executive Assistant to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2019.08 - 2020.09
- Draft and prepare official correspondence, reports, memoranda, meeting agendas, and minutes for the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
- Manage incoming and outgoing communications, ensuring timely responses and proper record management.
- Coordinate high-level meetings and official engagements, including scheduling and logistical arrangements.
- Liaise with Senior Directors and government departments to prepare and submit reports and documents to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
- Monitor and follow up on directives and action items issued by the Permanent Secretary to ensure timely completion.
- Review and proofread official documents and correspondence to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
Research/Accounting Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2020.06 - 2020.08
- Review the financials on listed companies.
- Create S.W.O.T reports for given companies.
- In-depth look at research papers and investment proposals.
- Write summaries on equity and macro-economic reports.
- Conducts research to support equity portfolio.
- Reconciliation of employee overtime payments.
- Cheque book entry of investment and rent income.
- Accounting software entry of data to update accounts receivables.
Administrative & Human Resource Support Roles
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2013.01 - 2019.12
- Progressively responsible roles within the Human Resource and Work Permit Departments involved:
- HR administration and staffing coordination.
- Preparation of employment contracts and official correspondence.
- Document management and regulatory compliance.
- Coordination of recruitment processes and interview documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance and Management
Excelsior Community College
2020-01
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Excelsior Community College
2018-01
Skills
- Government Administration
- International Labour Mobility Programmes
- Cabinet Submission Preparation
- Diplomatic Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Briefing Preparation
- Report Writing
Timeline
Research and Administrative Officer to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2024.10 - 2026.09
Director – International Labour Agencies & Information
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2023.12 - 2024.01
Administrative Assistant to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2021.03 - Current
Research/Accounting Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2020.06 - 2020.08
Executive Assistant to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2019.08 - 2020.09
Administrative & Human Resource Support Roles
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
2013.01 - 2019.12
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Excelsior Community College
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance and Management
Excelsior Community College
Professional Development
- Making Effective Public Policy, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), 2024-01-01
- Preparing Cabinet Submissions, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), 2021-01-01
- Workplace Etiquette and Customer Service, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), 2019-01-01
- Secretarial Qualifying Examination, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), 2015-01-01