General Information Regarding the Position
Position Title: Policy Research Specialist
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Flexible
Duration: 24 months (renewable based on performance evaluation)
Professional Experience: At least 5 years
Expected Start Date: January 15, 2024
Contract Type: Full-time Contract
Category / Salary: Depending on the candidate's profile (competitive scale).
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2023, at 23:59 GMT + 1
About ACED
ACED is a think-and-do tank that promotes and fosters equitable development in Africa, especially in French-speaking African regions. ACED supports policymakers and practitioners in decision-making processes to make them effective, fair, and inclusive. ACED's approach involves producing and facilitating access to evidence-based data on topics of interest to communities, engaging them and policymakers in a change process through evidence-based policy decisions and interventions. Our interventions focus on four main areas: food systems, nature economy, digital economy, and human development.
More information at https://acedafrica.org/
About the EIP Strategy
ACED's Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIP) strategy includes a set of five complementary programs designed for individuals, organizations, and countries to help them create and maintain a sustainable culture of producing and using evidence-based data in decision-making processes. For example, ACED launched a Center of Excellence on knowledge valorization and the promotion of evidence-informed policies in Francophone West Africa in November 2023.
About the Position
The Policy Research Specialist will support ACED in the following areas:
Knowledge valorization and promotion of evidence-informed policies (60%)
Capacity building for Knowledge Translation (KT) and EIP actors in Francophone West African countries
Identify and analyze actors, tools, and opportunities for Knowledge Translation (KT) and EIP in the region. Develop and implement a capacity-building plan in partner countries. Produce resources to integrate gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations into EIP approaches.
Support knowledge valorization in Francophone West African countries
Contribute to the regional helpdesk for evidence-based data. Provide technical support for the formulation, evaluation, and extension of policies, programs, and projects in partner countries. Coordinate the organization of EIP dialogues in partner countries.
Support the institutionalization of EIP in Francophone West African countries
Develop strategies to institutionalize EIP in each partner country. Assist partner countries in implementing activities to initiate or strengthen the institutionalization of EIP.
Facilitation of co-learning and knowledge sharing among Francophone West African countries
Establish EIP national networks and a regional community of practice. Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences on EIP among partner countries and other countries. Plan and implement regional forums dedicated to EIP.
Resource Mobilization (20%)
Identify and establish new partnerships; Contribute to the identification, formulation, and submission of program and project proposals; Contribute to research and execution of consultancy and advisory contracts.
Knowledge Valorization and Dissemination (20%)
Ensure the visibility of activities and capitalize on the achievements of developed initiatives; Identify practices and knowledge to valorize for each initiative; Contribute to the development of knowledge valorization materials in the implementation of initiatives; Assist the team with other relevant tasks.
About You
The candidate sought has the following profile:
Qualifications and Experience
Master's or doctoral degree in social sciences, public policy, project management, or a related field. Specialization in Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIP) or Knowledge Translation (KT) is an asset. At least 5-7 years of experience in coordinating projects or programs, specifically in the field of EIP, KT, or related areas. Experience in Francophone West African countries is preferable. Proven experience in developing and implementing training programs, including masterclasses, short courses, and online training. Experience in conducting diagnostic studies, ecosystem mapping, and public policy analysis. Ability to manage projects involving diverse actors and partners, including governments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
Technical Skills
In-depth knowledge of EIP and KT principles and practices. Ability to translate evidence into concrete policies and practices. Ability to conduct applied research, analyze data, and formulate evidence-based recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain national networks and communities of practice and facilitate knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders. Excellent project management, strategic planning, and event organization skills, such as regional forums. Understanding of gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues and the ability to integrate these considerations into EIP approaches.
Other Skills
Flexibility, ability to work in a team in a multicultural and high-pressure environment; Demonstrate good organizational quality, rigor, and justify good moral qualities; Familiarity with project planning and management tools; Proficient in office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.); Strong critical and prospective analysis skills; Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment; Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; Fluency in French and good knowledge of English; Strong interest in ACED's mission.
Contractual Information
The proposed contract is for a fixed term of two years, renewable, with a three-month probationary period. The commitment is full-time with travel in West Africa. We offer a friendly, stimulating, and flexible working environment, competitive remuneration, and benefits (see benefits listed below).
Benefits offered by ACED
Friendly and flexible working environment Competitive remuneration Additional compensation in the form of performance bonuses Training and development plans paid by ACED 24 days of annual leave 10 additional days of leave per year (in December) Health insurance for the family, life insurance, and liability insurance.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
ACED is strongly committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and diverse environment. We believe that the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and ideas fosters innovation and enriches our activities. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of their race, color, gender, age, origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or any other characteristic. Our goal is to create an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and able to contribute fully to our common mission.
Submission Information
Applications must be submitted online at this link [link]. Only applications submitted online via the aforementioned link will be considered. Submissions via email or other means will be disqualified.
The application package must include:
A one-page cover letter addressed to the Executive Director A CV of maximum 5 pages with at least 3 reference persons
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written test followed by an oral interview. The final selection will be based on the scores from the application package, the written test, and the interview.
ACED reserves the right to follow up or not on this recruitment notice.
For additional information, please write to [email protected].