Manager, Impact and Research at TradeMark East Africa (TMEA)

Job description

The job holder will lead and/or coordinate activities related to TMEA’s research agenda, including managing the IMPACT model, overseeing and supporting project teams on data collection and research activities, managing and working with consultants and research partners, overseeing policy and scientific convenings, data and research coordination, and dissemination. In coordination with Results, Communications and Sustainable and Inclusive Trade teams, as well as with TMEA Programme teams, s/he will perform advanced and high-quality data analysis to produce policy briefs while establishing effective administrative, research management, and dissemination systems to meet TMEA research agenda. This is a challenging opportunity for candidates who are passionate about international trade and development as well as rigorous applied research and impact evaluations and have interests in policy and research related to the international trade, trade facilitation, and the economics of poverty. The incumbent should have a strong desire to expand and deepen his or her skills in research management, strategic planning, advanced data analysis, research output writing; and be energized to help build an exciting new research agenda while contributing to the long-term success of TMEA.

• Modelling
  • With direct supervision of the IMPACT and Research Director, manage and run the IMPACT Model to produce various reports that assess the anticipated impacts from TMEA’s Strategy 2 programme portfolio;
  • Liaise with the Manager, Organisational Performance to manage and update the cost benefit analysis (CBA) tool in the IMPACT model for new and existing projects and review CBA projections based on updated assumptions, performance information and amended targets;
  • Working closely with regional and country teams as well as TMEA’s research partners, obtain and update IMPACT model and data requirements ensuring accuracy and reliability of results reported by TMEA;
  • With the guidance from the IMPACT and Research Director, arrange and oversee the peer review of the IMPACT model.
• Applied Research
  • Support and manage data collection efforts across TMEA and conduct analysis and produce analytical policy and research outputs;
  • Oversee the harmonization of research projects in the various TMEA’s portfolios, including the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on the costs and outcomes of research studies;
  • Develop subject matter expertise in international trade and trade facilitation research and in its implications on poverty in developing countries, and stay up-to-date on relevant research and policy developments;
  • Assist in the setup of TMEA research projects within TMEA corporate and project portfolios as needed;
  • Conduct landscape assessments and other background research to guide the development of TMEA initiatives and communities of practice.
• Learning and Sharing
  • Maintain the organisational system for data management and impact assessment and use quantitative/qualitative tools, e.g. IMPACT model and results framework to inform strategy;
  • Working closely with the communications team, create and manage research dissemination efforts across TMEA, for example by synthesizing and translating key research findings for stakeholders through the TMEA website, articles, white papers, blogs, and other channels;
  • Create and manage shared information resources for TMEA’s research agenda, including data repositories and literature reviews;
  • Coordinate the design and implementation of TMEA-related policy and research conferences, workshops, and technical meetings;
  • Work closely with the Manager, Knowledge Management, to arrange and liaise with other
  • TMEA colleagues to implement a regular programme for formal and informal research andknowledge sharing within and outside of TMEA including topical seminars and talks on research findings among others.
• Management
  • Support the IMPACT and Research Director in managing the IMPACT and Research budget.
  • Manage framework contracts for research consultants, including developing terms of references, managing consultants and reviewing deliverables;
  • Manage the production and dissemination of research and knowledge materials including flagship publications, policy and research studies, economic research papers and policy briefs;
  • Assist in facilitating the cultivation of new and existing research partners; help in conducting outreach to policy-makers, implementing organizations, and other stakeholders; and
  • Work closely with colleagues to establish and entrench a research culture within TMEA and enhance the ability of staff to increase their uptake of evidence-based research for decision making and for developing and implementing their core project activities.
• Corporate Level Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with PCM guidelines throughout the project design and implementation cycle, including reporting and closure;
  • Ensure compliance with grant management procedures and guidelines including appraisal, selection, implementation, reporting and closure;
  • Apply the highest standards of controls and risk management practices and behaviours and embed a positive risk and control culture;
  • Demonstrate prudence, sound judgement and appropriate and timely escalations in management of all types of risk (including fraud risk) applicable to my role;
  • Understand and comply with the relevant end-to-end processes including applicable risks and controls;
  • Seek to identify, understand and escalate risk events/incidents/ issues on a timely basis focusing on fixing root-causes and taking ownership of identified mitigating actions;
  • Complete all relevant mandatory trainings within the stipulated timelines;
  • Participate in regular informal and formal reflection, knowledge sharing and learning events;
  • Document lessons learned and best practices for knowledge sharing and learning; and
  • Promote and adhere to TMEA’s core values and ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Maintain zero tolerance to bribery, fraud and corruption, and ensure the immediate reporting of any corruption or suspect behaviour that threatens TMEA’s reputation.
  • Adhere to the safeguarding policies and procedures and immediately report any safeguarding concerns.
  • Any other related responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager from time to time.