Job Openings at African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) - Human Capital Synergies

Introduction

ACTS is currently recruiting for the position of Programme Director (PD). The (PD) is responsible for leading and shaping the programmatic work of ACTS, reporting to the Executive Director, with an ex-officio post on the Executive Committee of the Governing Council. In collaboration with the Senior Researchers, the PD supports the development, and oversees implementation of a portfolio of research programmes and projects in line with the ACTS Strategy. The PD has: a broad knowledge of programme management principles; has a strategic mindset; is able to develop and lead expert teams and individuals in a collaborative way; and is delivery oriented. The PD ensures every programme is delivered successfully and timely, and adds the highest possible value to the organization. The PD is keen on operational details and has experience in managing research programmes. Past research emphasis in Science, Technology and Innovation policy is an added advantage.
The candidate will be joining a team and global network of excellent / award winning researchers in the area of science, technology and innovation policies. ACTS was in 2016 rated among the top three global think tanks in Climate Change, and number one in Africa.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the coordination and administration of research operations including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling programme activities.
• Develop and implement tools and systems for effective programme management including planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation and reporting.
• Nurture a culture of continuous development of individuals and teams to optimize internal capacity and competence of ACTS in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation policy research.
• In consultation with the Executive Director and Financial Director, develop and/or oversee a conducive policy framework for effective and efficient programme and research operations.
• Support the development and nurturing of strategic partnerships and relationships with governments as well as with national, regional, and international organizations and other key players to maximize opportunities, effectiveness and impact.
• Provide hands-on technical support in the design, reviews and implementation of a business development strategy for ACTS. The PD must be able to initiate new projects in collaboration with the research staff and in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Provide technical support to the Executive Director in monitoring and analyzing trends relevant for continuous strategic alignment of the organization’s mission and programme goals with the external environment including the changing development priorities of countries and development agencies, while protecting the identity and brand of ACTS.
• Carry out continuous assessment and development of research capacity of ACTS through staff training and development, and by securing resources and expertise required to deliver on short and long term research objectives
• Develop and instill a sense of accountability among individuals and team members by modeling tight oversight of individual and organization performance standards
• Represent the ACTS Secretariat as an ex-officio member in its dealings with the Executive Committee of the Governing Council on programme matters.
• Represent ACTS Secretariat by invitation in its dealings with the Governing Council on programme matters.

Profile of the candidate

• The desired candidate has a strong technical background in the relevant area;
• Proven ability to manage programmes, operations and budgets, as well as plan for an organization of the size of ACTS.
• The desired candidate has advanced degree in a relevant subject;
• At least five years’ experience in a similar position in a reputable organization.
• The candidate has thorough understanding of program management techniques and methods; excellent knowledge of performance evaluation techniques and key metrics; reporting and budgeting; business acumen with strategic ability;
• Excellent organizational and management skills; analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities; and excellent communication skills.

Introduction

ACTS is currently recruiting for the position of Executive Director (ED). The ED is the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, is responsible for ensuring sustained progress towards achieving ACTS purpose and mission, and reports to the Governing Council.
The ED is expected to provide overall scientific leadership of the Centre; set the direction of its research and dissemination programmes; develop and articulate strategies and operational plans and managerial leadership; provide strategic and operational leadership; build and maintain superior external partnerships; mobilize and manage resources in support of all operations of the Centre.
The ED will be joining a team and global network of excellent / award winning researchers in the area of science, technology and innovation policies. ACTS was in 2016 rated among the top three global think tanks in Climate Change, and number one in Africa. It is an exiting challenge for the new ED to maintain these standards and drive ACTS higher.

Job Function: Executive Management, Management

Key Responsibilities include the following

• Overall leadership of ACTS, setting the direction of its research and dissemination programmes, developing and articulating strategies, operational plans, staff recruitment and staff evaluation.
• Overall managerial leadership of ACTS, including financial, operational and programme delivery functions; creation and management of the budget, supervision of the finance and administration functions, planning and control systems that measure success, encourage the delivery of results on time and are cost effective.
• Build and promote the Center’s reputation as a world-class science, technology and innovation research, training, advocacy and communications institution.
• Develop and implement an overall funding strategy for the Centre that delivers short and long term financial security and lead resource mobilization efforts that grow and diversify the Center’s funding.
• Provide clear direction in financial resource allocation consistent with the Center Strategic Plan and operations.
• Build a strategic positioning of ACTS globally and ensure that the Center’s unique contribution to science, technology and economy is clearly communicated and recognized in the wider community.
• Promote an open corporate culture based on excellence of delivery, characterized by high standards of critical and output oriented research, highly motivated staff, collegiality, a sense of urgency, participatory decision making, delegation of authority with responsibility, nurturing professional growth and commitment to ACTS ultimate purpose.
• Establish and nurture close links with partner organizations and represent ACTS in regional and global fora: the ED will maintain and reinforce relations with governments as well as with national, regional, and international organizations and other key players to maximize effectiveness and impact.
• Contribute to the overarching vision and strategic approach in the planning and development of Science, Technology and Innovation research in Africa, involving national research systems, the private sector as well as other regional and international research organizations.
• Establish a positive and empowering work environment in conformity with organizational values, policies, and procedures.
• Provide a consistent and empowering vision that supports the sourcing and development of human resources, and create a culture that motivates staff for high professional achievement.
• Represent the ACTS Secretariat in the Governing Council and the Executive Committee of the Governing Council as an ex-officio member.
• Participate in the ACTS Endowment Foundation Trust as an ex-officio member.

Profile of the candidate

• Applicants should preferably be in their mid-career, an energetic person with experience in research, policy analysis, advocacy and resource mobilization
• Have relevant degree and at least 5 years’ experience of running an organisation or team of similar size and scope as ACTS.
• Candidate must have strong leadership and management skills;
• Candidate must have experience of strong and effective relationships with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector; positive and pro-active strategies for building trust, confidence and productivity with partner organizations, and to working with countries, regional and international organizations; and highly developed abilities in resource mobilization.