(IPAR –Rwanda)
1. BACKGROUND
The Institute of Policy analysis and Research (IPAR –Rwanda) is a dynamic
institution that has grown to 20 staff since it became operational in May 2008.
It is an indigenous, independent, not-for-profit Rwandan Institution that seeks
to enhance evidence based policy making and to promote a culture of debate and
dialogue on policy issues in Rwanda, by conducting timely, relevant,
high-quality, policy-oriented analysis and research.
IPAR Rwanda is dedicated to the pursuit of a flourishing economy and a fairer
society. The Institute seeks to strengthen the evidence base available to
government, civil society, the private sector and development partners about
the social, economic issues facing Rwanda and the region, and to provide real
time evidence based solutions to the challenges.
Funded by ACBF and IDRC IPAR Rwanda is seeking to recruit experienced and
highly motivated Director
of Research. Qualified
Rwandan nationals residing in Rwanda or in Diaspora are highly encouraged to
apply.
The Director of Research would apply her/his expertise in research and
leadership to help the Executive Director drive these objectives through IPAR´s
research agenda. He/she would support the organization to gain domestic and international
recognition for its achievements. She/he would transfer his/her valuable and
diverse skills set to the growing IPAR research team. A strong professional
role-model for the team, the Research Director would lead by example,
delivering and coordinating high impact, international standard research
projects and offering training, coaching and mentoring to the research team.
a.
Objectives of the Director of Research role
•To provide intellectual leadership to the organization alongside IPAR´s Executive
Director, and to ensure IPAR´s research output is quality, timely, relevant and
high impact
•To design, lead and deliver research programmes, consultancy assignments,
projects and policy briefs that contribute to meeting IPAR´s core objectives
•To provide leadership in research project management: developing sustainable
means to ensure that IPAR´s research is quality assured, submitted to rigorous
deadlines, and that budgets are properly designed and managed
•To design, develop and coordinate the implementation of a training programme
for IPAR researchers in research methods and management that demonstrates
sustainable results
•To provide on the job mentoring and coaching of IPAR research staff in all
areas of their work
•To develop funding proposals and drive the organization´s ability to access
new and diverse funding source
•To contribute to building the public profile of the organization by creating
opportunities to participate in various forms of dialogue with public,
not-for-profit, private and donor stakeholders and by public speaking and
contributing to print and broadcast media.
•Through the organization, to generate capacity building interventions to
increase the quality of evidence-based policy making in Rwanda
b. Desired Profile of the
Director of Research
•Highly motivated research professional with at least 10 years relevant
experience, active in consultancy or think tank
•PhD in Economics, Political science, social science, and any other relevant
fields from a top-tier university is desired.
•Self-starting and entrepreneurial individual with experience of making policy
change happen in governments and/or international institutions with a firm
understanding of policy analysis and how to influence the policymaking process
•Record of high quality research output demonstrable by publications in
prestigious outlets including high quality journals, policy documents and
newspapers
•Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods and the ability and
willingness to transfer those skills to others
•Strong and demonstrable research administration and budget management skills
and the willingness to transfer those skills to others
•Leadership track record with experience of managing people, mentoring and
skills transfer within a multi-disciplinary research environment
•Experience of undertaking a similar role in a public policy research institute
or think tank shall be an advantage – and experience of developing working
partnerships with similar bodies locally, regionally and internationally
•Experience of international development, and/or regional research experience
is strongly desirable, but not essential
•Fluency in English is essential, working knowledge of French and/or
Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.
•Highly numerate, with strong skills in macro-economic and statistical
analysis, with expertise in statistical software (e.g. SPSS, STATA) very
desirable
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
c.
Reporting structure
The Director of research will report to the IPAR executive Director. He will
have responsibility for leadership of a research team of up to 12 Research
fellows, and Research assistants.
Formal ´Terms of Reference` that clearly outlines delivery expectations will be
agreed upon. Regular progress reports shall be submitted on the agreed
intervals to be specified at the beginning of the contract, with a strong focus
on delivery. External reporting will also be required to IPAR´s board and
funders.
2. DURATION OF CONTRACT
The positions are available for immediate start and the duration of the initial
contract shall be 24 months, with possibility of renewal upon satisfactory
performance.
3. REMUNERATION
A competitive salary is available for these positions, commensurate with
experience and qualifications.
4. HOW TO APPLY?
Interested candidates should send a short cover letter and CV to
recruitment@ipar-rwanda.org and to info@ipar-rwanda.org by 28th June, 2013 at 5pm.
Shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed shortly afterwards. Should you
have any further questions please e-mail Annet Mahoro in the above e-mail with
´Director of research` in the subject line.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Antonia Mutoro
Executive Director