Overview:
- The Senior Research Scientist for Women & Youth Economic Opportunity & Security will provide strategic direction on research, technical assistance, evaluation in the field of women’s and youth economic empowerment (WEE). The incumbent will lead proposal development and research design and implementation, mentor junior staff members, identify and secure resources for team projects. Other anticipated responsibilities include leading high-quality scientific and non-scientific publications, conference presentations, media appearances, project financial planning and budgeting. The incumbent may also be required to contribute to work on other ICRW focus areas such as health, climate vulnerability, and gender norms, among others.
Education:
- Master’s degree in Economics or International Development. Ph.D. and other relevant professional qualifications are a plus.
Experience:
- Minimum ten (10) years of experience in multidisciplinary research and evaluation work and policy analysis related to WEE.
- Demonstrated experience of research in Africa.
- Strong academic publication experience.
- Prior experience supporting policy translation, advocacy, and engagement activities.
- Proven experience in providing training, capacity strengthening and technical assistance for research and programming activities on WEE.
- Significant experience in project, partnership, and budget management as well as donor stewardship.
Primary Duties:
- Research Leadership: Design, direct and supervise research studies, often in partnership with local and/or international teams; Develop methodologies and analytical tools; Supervise the analysis and interpretation of data; Develop high-quality reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations; Lead research dissemination and evidence-to-policy translation efforts.
- Strategic Leadership and Program Development: Provide overall strategic direction and technical oversight of the ICRW Africa’s Women and Youth Economic Opportunity and Security program, including setting program priorities; Develop and oversee project budgets, liaising with appropriate project teams and ICRW support units; Identify and cultivate appropriate partnerships and alliances to ensure program success and sustainability.
- Grantsmanship: In collaboration with the Director of Research & Programs, the Africa Director, and other relevant ICRW units, lead the development of relevant solicited and unsolicited research proposals and concept notes, including the identification of new opportunities.
- Internal Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other staff, including the Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation Researcher and the Communications Manager, to ensure that program goals are met, and that evidence is communicated properly and in a timely manner.
- Representation: Maintain professional reputation and recognition outside of ICRW through publishing and speaking in relevant forums; Represent ICRW in the media, coalitions, and in engagements with partner-organizations, donors and other stakeholders.
Skills:
- In-depth understanding of current issues and debates in the field of women and youth economic opportunity and well-being.
- Expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research, as well as proficiency in one or more of the following analytical software packages: SPSS, STATA, SAS, Atlas.ti, NVivo, or similar applications.
- In-depth understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles, concepts, and methodologies.
- Ability to effectively manage and juggle multiple projects, including staffing, work plans, deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
- Maturity and diplomacy in dealing with multiple stakeholders as well as capacity to work independently.
- Ability to supervise and mentor staff and consultants.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to translate and communicate research findings to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.
- Team player with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with professionals at various levels, including colleagues, partners, and donor organizations.
- Fluency in English (required); proficiency in French will be an additional advantage.