Policy and Research Officer at World University Service of Canada

Job Role

Under the supervision of the Nairobi-based DREEM Senior Project Manager Director, the Policy and Research Officer will work closely and in collaboration with the WUSC team in Kenya, the WUSC team based in Canada and the Mastercard Foundation team.

Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the DREEM and Mastercard Foundation teams, develop research and policy strategies that are aligned to the objectives of the DREEM project and the Foundation’s vision for refugee inclusion in East Africa and beyond;
• Identifies academic and research institutions and other NGO partners to build effective research partnerships on particular areas of refugee inclusion that are of common interest;
• In partnership with the MERL Manager and Senior Project Manager, coordinates DREEM research projects, from inception of partnerships to design of study and dissemination of findings to broader audiences;
• Track, research and analyze policy and research developments in stakeholder organizations and current events, and contributes to Mastercard Foundation and WUSC’s (global and Kenya) body of knowledge by sharing summaries and presenting reports, studies, legislative updates, on issues of policy and research within the displacement context;
• Builds strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders including UNHCR, higher education institutions, refugee led organizations, private sector, NGOs, INGOs, and government entities;
• Seeks strategic opportunities for the network of partners to support policy action within countries or in the region;
• Coordinates and convenes strategic policy discussions and other events with multiple stakeholders nationally and regionally to advance policy goals related to refugee inclusion;
• Work collaboratively with DREEM team members to shape the strategic direction for the project and translate strategy into action plans that prioritize continuous learning and adaptive management;
• Coordinates/manages other policy and research activities as identified over the course of the project.

Qualifications:

The ideal applicant will combine technical expertise in one or more of DREEM’s sectors (higher education, durable solutions for refugees, vocational and technical training, support to entrepreneurs and businesses), a familiarity with the East African refugee context, a strategic and analytical mindset, excellent listening and interpersonal skills, and an ability to get things done.

Specific competencies:

• At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (International Development, Public Policy, International Relations, Refugee Studies);
• Three to five years of relevant working experience
• Experience working on displacement issues in Kenya and/or East Africa
• Superior research, writing, and editing skills in English are highly desirable
• Experience working in research or policy oriented institutions
• Project management experience is highly desirable
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WUSC
• Candidates with lived experience of displacement are encouraged to apply
• Must be motivated, entrepreneurial in mindset, hardworking, optimistic, and a team player

Other requirements

• The role may require regular travel (up to 20%) to field sites in Kenya, and international travel for conferences, workshops and meetings;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.