Africa Research and Impact Network

The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) is a network of over 200 researchers and policy makers across more than 36 African countries aimed at promoting research excellence and dialogue on best research and impact practices. ARIN provides one of the unique convening platforms for science-policy interface in Africa building on evidence. It recognizes that Africa is home to multiple researchers, innovations and best policy practices but these remain poorly shared and learnt from to inform impactful Research and Development Agenda. ARIN therefore provides a peer review platform where best research and impact practices from different African contexts are shared, profiled and leveraged to inform transformative policy actions.

Research and Development Specialist  (VACANCY NO: RDARIN2022/2)

ARIN seeks to recruit a Research and Development Specialist who will provide intellectual leadership and leading edge thinking in line with Science Technology and Innovation (STI) trends across Africa and beyond while ensuring that ARIN take STI trends into account in refining strategic research impact directions. S/He will oversee all knowledge management and research operational aspects at ARIN in line with the network’s strategic plans and model. The terms of reference for the position are listed below. This position provides an opportunity for International career growth in research and broader networking among the various ARIN networks in Africa and abroad.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Support the convening of relevant STI discussions across different African countries working closely with the ARIN regional focal points and fellows in the various African countries.
2. Keep abreast ARIN’s global strategic engagement level in a way that translate to research-impact while enhancing the quality, quantity and diversity of research in STI topics that are relevant to the Network’s themes.
3. Support STI research and analysis including working with various stakeholders such as governments, Universities to collect and monitor ST&I data, best practices and impacts
4. Develop and nurture strong relationships with stakeholders and work with fellows coordinate data collection, peer learning on STI activities in various African contexts.
5. Lead the convening of periodic ARIN peer learning and exchange seminars on best research and impact practices in different African contexts.
6. Work with junior specialists and provide supervisory and mentorship support where necessary
7. Coordinate policy convenings on knowledge and uptake bringing together ARIN fellows and policy makers including STI Agencies in various innovative dialogues.
8. Support evidence synthesis from various body of research and generate briefing notes and knowledge translation frameworks and learning
9. Coordinate knowledge, management platforms including databases, publication linkages amongst others.
10. Develop and broker partnerships and network with Universities, Science Councils, local innovators, industry, local media and academia to nurture STI opportunities for African Member States (e.g. funding, capacity building, data etc.)
11. Contribute to technical writing of various knowledge products including journal articles, working papers, info briefs, evidence briefs among others.

Competencies

 Able to conceptualize and convey strategic vision relevant to STI for development, drawing on extensive substantive knowledge of the theme.

1. Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire and motivate other researchers and fellows within the network.
2. Demonstrated ability to work across professional, thematic and organizational boundaries and to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders with greatly varying backgrounds.
3. Flexibility and adaptability to be able to function well in an environment of experimentation, innovation and change.
4. Well-developed interpersonal, people management and team building capacities.
5. Excellent outreach skills and drive to reach out to a diverse range of stakeholders both South and North, policy makers, civil society, private sector, communities etc.
6. Ability to work to close deadlines and under pressure.

Qualifications

1. PhD or advanced Masters in the area of Innovation Studies, Knowledge Systems, Research systems, Research Communication, Development studies, Public policy or relevant field.
2. Proven track of at least 4 Years of relevant professional experience in the research and development space; experience with international development organizations is an advantage. Experience in facilitating STI related projects is an asset.
3. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, additional knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage
4. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in working in research and policy environment and ambitious career goal around research and development.

Benefits:

ARIN is committed to the nurturing research talent in Africa. Successful candidates will benefit from exposure to a fast-paced, world-class research environment. They will get to significantly contribute to the design and execution of research projects. By the end of their assignment, the successful candidates will have strengthened their research, policy analysis and communication skills. It is also anticipated that they will also strengthen their leadership skills, in preparation for successful professional careers.

Duration:

The duration of the assignment will be 2 years, with a possibility of extension for exceptional candidates. The successful candidates will be expected to work from the ARIN Secretariat. Working remotely can be considered in exceptional circumstances possible.

Application:

Please send (1) one-page cover letter; (2) CV of not more than 6 (six) pages-including 3 (three) relevant referees (3) A 1 (one) pager proposal on your understanding of the roles and responsibilities. Application letters should have the title of the position as the subject as well as subject of email for email applicants. Applications should be sent to info@arin-africa.org; and copy arinnetwork.an@gmail.com;

Selection Process:

Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Upon being shortlisted, candidates will be invited to an online or remote interview. Selection for the interview will be subject to performance from a written task for the shortlisted candidates.

Please note the application deadline for this position is 22^nd February 2022, 11:59 East African Time (EAT).

ARIN is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply.

Inquiries: All inquiries should be directed to info@arin-africa.org;