Research and Policy Analyst - Economics at African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP)

AFIDEP is looking to recruit a Research and Policy Analyst who will join our research team in conducting costing and cost-benefit analyses of development interventions and conduct or review systematic reviews and programme evaluations to draw policy and programme design lessons on a wide range of development issues including: population, health, education, environment and climate change, and governance. Applicants should be holders of a PhD in Economics, or Development Economics, with a minimum of three years’ postdoctoral experience in conducting complex quantitative analyses. The candidate should also have demonstrable experience in qualitative analysis, policy analysis and policy engagement, and in writing quality research reports, policy-oriented products, and journal publications. Applicants should have a track record of scientific publications in reputable journals. This position could be based at either AFIDEP’s Nairobi office or Lilongwe office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the conceptualisation, design and implementation of research, capacity building and policy engagement programmes.
• Conduct research evidence syntheses and translation into policy-oriented advocacy materials and accountability tools.
• Conduct systematic reviews of research and related forms of evidence
• Conduct secondary analysis of various data sets to answer defined policy questions
• Promote application of research findings in decision-making processes at national, regional, and international levels.
• Scientific writing for various research knowledge consumers and publishing policy-oriented research in journals.
• Engage policymakers to promote application of research evidence in decision-making processes.
• Build capacity in translation, dissemination and use of research evidence for policymakers and other stakeholders at national and regional levels.
• Lead proposal writing and fundraising.

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Economics or Development Economics, or related field in economics, with specialization in gender equity and economic empowerment of women.
• At least five (5) years’ post-doctoral experience in policy research and advocacy in the development sector or a related field, including at least three (3) years at a senior management level in a research or academic setting;
• Experience in the management and coordination of research programmes and partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation of programmes;
• Experience in multidisciplinary approaches aimed at results for sustainable development.
• In-depth knowledge of current emerging issues in African development;
• Excellent writing skills, including policy-oriented reports and scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Programme management skills;
• Deep and strategic thinking, with close attention to detail;
• Evidence translation and policy/programme analysis;
• Policy engagement with senior policymakers;
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills;
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (additional skills in French desirable);
• Strong interpersonal skills with effective team management skills;
• Grants proposal writing and fundraising skills;
• Demonstrable mentorship abilities;
• Strong adaptability skills to changing research evidence environment.