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AFIDEP is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute whose mission is to institutionalize a culture of consistent use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation to address various development challenges in Africa. Our work focuses on five thematic areas namely: Population Dynamics and Demographic Dividend, Health and Wellbeing, Transformative Education and Skills Development, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and Accountability. The Institute is registered as a Non-Governmental Organization in Kenya and Malawi where it has offices and in the USA as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

POST DOCTORAL FELLOW - DEMOGRAPHER

AFIDEP is looking to recruit a Post-Doctoral Fellow to join our research and policy to work on the generation and translation of evidence, and policy analysis and engagement, in our various thematic areas. The position is based at AFIDEP’s Nairobi office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Take part in the conceptualization, 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 the 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 the application of research evidence in decision-making processes.
  • Develop capacity in translation, dissemination and use of research evidence for policymakers and other stakeholders at national and regional levels.
  • Contribute to proposal writing and fundraising.

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • PhD in Demography, Population Studies or related field.
  • At least two (2) years post-doctoral experience in policy research and advocacy in the development sector or a related field.
  • 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.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with effective team management skills.
  • Demonstrable mentorship abilities.
  • Strong adaptability skills to changing research evidence environment.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position, please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@afidep.org including the position title “Post-Doctoral Fellow – Demographer” on the subject of the email by 19th April 2024. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in this position. Your CV should include three relevant referees. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Download here: Post-Doctoral-Fellow_Demographer.pdf

COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute established in 2010 to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in development efforts in Africa. Our primary purpose is to contribute to sustainable development through the use of evidence and advocacy to strengthen political commitment and resource allocation for development issues; informing the design and implementation of effective interventions; and strengthening governance and accountability structures for tracking development challenges in Africa. AFIDEP is registered as a non-governmental organisation in both Kenya and Malawi (where it has offices) and as a non-profit institution in the USA with 501(c)3 status. For further details about AFIDEP and its work refer to www.afidep.org.

AFIDEP seeks to recruit a Communications and Policy Engagement Manager to be based in the Malawi Office. The Communications and Policy Engagement Manager will lead the work of AFIDEP’s communications and policy engagement department, overseeing the design and implementation of an innovative communication and policy-influencing strategy that will raise AFIDEP’s profile as a regional development policy institute and enhance the role of research evidence in development processes in Africa.

The successful candidate will have a master’s degree in communications, media or international relations. He/she must have at least 10 years’ experience in science and development communications in the development sector or a related field, including at least three years at an international level.  The candidate should also possess excellent communication skills in English. (Proficiency in oral and written French will be an added advantage).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications, Visibility, and Profiling

  • Design and oversee the implementation of AFIDEP’s communications and policy-influencing strategy;
  • Oversee the development of a recognisable AFIDEP brand as a leading policy institute in promoting and enabling evidence uptake in development efforts in all sectors;
  • Support evidence synthesis, packaging and use in six areas, namely: population dynamics and the demographic dividend; health and wellbeing; transformative education and skills development; environment and climate change; governance and accountability; and gender equality;
  • Identify and develop relationships with key media outlets to stimulate increased use of evidence in public policy debates;
  • Disseminate evidence and encourage critical debate on development issues based on evidence.

Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

  • Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with governments, academic institutions, research institution, implementing agencies and funders;
  • Build relations with potential end users of evidence and other institutions that generate and promote use of research evidence;
  • Contribute to AFIDEP’s fundraising plans through concept and proposal development.

Capacity Strengthening

  • Support internal and external capacity strengthening efforts aimed at improving the communication and utilisation of research evidence in decision-making in development efforts.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Master’s degree in communications, media or international relations.
  • At least 10 years’ experience in science and development communications in the development sector or a related field, including at least three years at an international level.
  • Excellent writing and technical editing skills, especially in policy-oriented publications and media products.
  • Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
  • Technical skills in publications design, website management, and social media management.
  • Ability to dialogue effectively with a wide range of audiences/constituencies and to represent the organisation with authority and credibility.
  • Excellent understanding of public policymaking and legislative processes and the role of research in these processes.
  • Proven skill in translating research and evidence into effective advocacy strategies that have achieved policy change at a national or international level.
  • Proven success in developing and delivering effective country, regional, or international policy engagement and influencing strategies.
  • Proven understanding of African socio-political contexts and global developments, and how this influences decision-making in the areas of health, population, and development.
  • Competency in facilitating national and international advocacy activities.

To apply: Please visit our website (www.afidep.org) for a detailed advert to see the full description of this position before applying. Please send a cover letter and detailed CV with three relevant referees to: recruitment@afidep.org including the position title “Communications and Policy Engagement Manager” not later than 26th April 2024. Include the job title in the email subject. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

To download the full job description: Click Here Communications-Manager-Advert.pdf