Open to opportunities

Dayna Stewart

@daynastewart

Policy analyst and researcher at the Government of Jamaica, turning applied research into insights for national policy and planning.

Jamaica

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What I'm looking for

I'm seeking meaningful collaboration with individuals and organizations working to advance human dignity, strengthen communities, and shape a more just and resilient society. I'm especially interested in policy reform, institutional modernization, and cultural preservation.

At the Government of Jamaica, I conduct applied research and data analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. I translate qualitative and quantitative findings into briefs, reports, and actionable insights for senior technical and executive leadership.

My policy work has included research on tourism investment models, sectoral leakages, and value-chain dynamics, as well as analysis of peer-to-peer accommodations and community-based tourism. I also contribute to benchmarking, analytical frameworks, and monitoring tools that inform policy direction and government programmes.

At the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, I supported UNDP-related COVID-19 impact research, analyzed datasets using SPSS, and built surveys in KoboToolbox. I'm currently pursuing a Master of Science in International Public and Development Management at The University of the West Indies, Mona, and remain interested in policy reform, institutional modernization, and cultural preservation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Researcher and Analyst

Current

Government of Jamaica

Jan 2026 - Present (9 months)

I conduct applied research and data analysis to support evidence-based decision-making within the Government of Jamaica. My work involves designing and carrying out qualitative and quantitative research, analysing sectoral and administrative data, and translating findings into clear, actionable insights for senior technical and executive leadership.
I lead and contribute to benchmarking and compar

Research And Policy Analyst

Policy Formulation and Technical Coordination- Ministry of Tourism Jam

Jun 2025 - Jan 2026 (7 months)

Assigned to the Policy Formulation and Technical Coordination Division, where I support the research, analysis, and documentation of tourism-related policy issues. My current focus areas include the regulation of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations (e.g., Airbnb), prospects for effective community-based tourism, and strategies for integrating smaller tourism players into the formal economy.

I also

Apprentice Research Assistant

Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies

Jan 2025 - Apr 2025 (3 months)

As an apprentice researcher at SALISES under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Johnson, I contributed to impactful research projects centered on national and regional development. I supported the analysis of complex datasets, particularly UNDP-related COVID-19 impact assessments, while also gaining practical experience in survey design and digital data collection.

Analyzed and interpreted large nati

Camp Counsellor & Programme Organizer (Volunteer)

Social Development Commission (SDC)

Jul 2017 - Aug 2021 (4 years 1 month)

I volunteered as a camp counsellor and programme organizer for the Kingston Western Division Summer Camp, an initiative aimed at the personal development and protection of at-risk inner-city youth. I helped plan and coordinate youth-centered activities in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Social Development Commission (SDC), community leaders, and faith-based organizations. My responsibi

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

The University of the West Indies, Mona

Master of Science - MS, International Public and Development Management

2026 - 2028

University of California, Davis

Fundamentals of GIS

Mar 2026

The World Bank Group

Geo-Enabling for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS)

Mar 2026

The University of the West Indies, Mona

Bachelor of Science - BS, Public Policy and Management

2021 - 2024

During my time at UWI Mona, I served as President of the Students for Life club, leading advocacy initiatives for vulnerable women and girls and mobilizing life affirming efforts on campus. As Cultural and Creative Coordinator for UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship), I organized events that fostered faith, expression, and unity. I was also a member of the Governance Society and s