Regional Director Job at International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Position Overview

The Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, is the focal point of IDRC’s management in the Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing the coherence and relevance of IDRC’s programming in the region. Reporting to the President, you will provide regional intelligence, coordinate the scientific and technical delivery of IDRC’s programming in the region, manage the regional office and represent IDRC in the region. Within IDRC, you will play a key role in speaking for the region and contributing a regional perspective to the development of strategy and priorities at an international level.

Candidate Profile

Experience

To be a strong contender for this high profile and challenging leadership role, you will have extensive professional work experience with an emphasis on developing regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, in the following areas:

• research management in a field related to one or more of IDRC’s Program Areas (such as Agriculture and Environment, Inclusive Economies or Technologies and Innovation);
• as an articulate and persuasive spokesperson for a research program or institution;
• as a creative and innovative manager capable of leading and engaging a highly skilled team in a matrix environment and administering financial resources; and
• consulting and negotiating with stakeholders from different backgrounds.

Language

• Bilingual (English and French) at an advanced level
• Working knowledge of another language in use in the region is an asset

Knowledge

• Of development issues in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and understanding of their implications for IDRC’s work
• About translating research into policy and practice
• Of development cooperation in general and of Canadian foreign and development assistance policy, in particular, is an asset

Competencies

• Passion for IDRC’s Values, Vision, and Mandate: as IDRC’s representative in diplomatic, political, and international circles, communicates its values with conviction
• Value-Based Leadership: embraces and champions change, effectively represents IDRC values, and supports corporate strategies
• Management Excellence: manages research and human and financial resources to meet current and future organizational needs; communicates effectively in a variety of cultural settings and different fora, adapting message to suit audience; and at ease working within a matrix management system
• Strategic Agility: contributes to defining IDRC’s strategic directions by analyzing and communicating information gathered from various networks and partners in the field
• Engagement: reinforces collaboration and creates a sense of direction and purpose that inspires, motivates, and guides the regional office team
• Demonstrates superior interpersonal and communication skills to influence and engage with diverse audiences

Education

• Post graduate degree (PhD or Master degree) in a discipline related to the work of one of IDRC’s Program Areas.