JOB DETAILS
Job title: Policy Writer and Research Manager [Nairobi, Kenya]
Line Manager title: Director, Development and Partnerships
Grade: JG 6
Direct reports: None
Department: CEO ‘s office
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
JOB SUMMARY
1. The job holder will lead and/or coordinate activities related to TMA’s research agenda, including managing the research initiatives, overseeing and supporting project teams on data collection and research activities, managing and working with consultants and research partners, support policy and scientific convenings, data and research coordination, and dissemination.
2. In coordination with the Results, Communications, Business Development and as well as with TMA Programme teams, s/he will perform advanced and high-quality data analysis to produce policy briefs while establishing effective administrative, research management, and dissemination systems to meet TMA research agenda.
3. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who are passionate about international trade and development as well as rigorous applied research and impact evaluations and have interests in policy and research related to the international trade, trade facilitation, and the economics of poverty.
4. The incumbent should have a strong desire to expand and deepen his or her skills in research management, strategic planning, advanced data analysis, research output writing; and be energized to help build an exciting new research agenda while contributing to the long-term success of TMA.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Applied Research
1) Develop and implement appropriate research methodologies and methods, and research tools to support programme surveys and evaluations;
2) Support and manage data collection and analysis efforts across TMA ensuring that appropriate methodologies are used;
3) Develop high quality analytical policy and research outputs based on completed surveys and research undertaken by programme team and also drawing from TMA project data;
4) Undertake secondary impact assessments of programming generated as a result of TMA interventions to identify longer term effects of TMA programming;
5) Provide necessary data required for strategy development, fundraising purposes and for the design of new programmes at the request of the Senior Leadership Team and the business development unit;
6) Identify and synthesise key research subject matter in international trade and trade facilitation to keep TMA abreast with research that effectively shows its implications on poverty in developing countries, stay up to date with relevant research and policy developments;
7) Develop and regularly update standard quarterly outlooks on the state of trade dynamics in Africa using agreed data sources;
8) Undertake regular capacity building trainings for programme teams on research tools and methodologies;
9) Conduct landscape assessments and other background research to guide the development of TMA initiatives and communities of practice.
Learning and Sharing
1) Maintain the organisational system for research, data management and impact assessment and use quantitative/qualitative tools, e.g. statistical modelling and results framework to inform strategy;
2) Working closely with the communications team, as well as with the partnership unit, create and manage research dissemination efforts across TMA, for example by synthesizing and translating key research findings for stakeholders through the TMA website, articles, notes, white papers, blogs, and other channels;
3) In collaboration with the Director Strategy and Partnerships provide input to the development of concept Notes, programme and project proposals for fundraising purposes;
4) Identify opportunities for TMA to effectively participate in think tanks and knowledge platforms related to its portfolio to promote TMA as a thought leader;
5) Create and manage shared information resources for TMA’s research agenda, including microsite, data, repositories and literature reviews;
6) Coordinate the design and implementation of TMA-related policy and research conferences, workshops, and technical meetings;
7) Work closely with the Manager, Impact and Organisational performance with guidance from the Director,Results and Impact to arrange and liaise with other TMA colleagues to implement a regular programme for formal and informal research and knowledge sharing within and outside of TMA including topical seminars and talks on research findings among others.
Management
1) Support the Director of Results and IMPACT in managing the Research budget.
2) Manage framework contracts for research consultants, including developing terms of references, managing consultants and reviewing deliverables;
3) Manage the production and dissemination of research and knowledge materials including flagship publications, policy and research studies, economic research papers and policy briefs;
4) Assist in facilitating the cultivation of new and existing research partners; help in conducting outreach to policymakers, implementing organizations, and other stakeholders;
5) Work closely with colleagues to establish and entrench a scientific culture within TMA and enhance the ability of staff to increase their uptake of evidence-based research for decision making and for developing and implementing their core project activities.
1. The job holder is further expected to promote and adhere to TMA’s core values and ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. The job holder will:
2. Apply the highest standards of controls and risk management practices and behaviours and embed a positive risk and control culture.
3. Demonstrate prudence, sound judgement and appropriate and timely escalations in management of all types of risk (including fraud risk) applicable to my role.
4. Understand and comply with the relevant end-to-end processes including applicable risks and controls.
5. Seek to identify, understand and escalate risk events/incidents/ issues on a timely basis focusing on fixing root-causes and taking ownership of identified mitigating actions.
6. Complete all relevant mandatory trainings within the stipulated timelines.
7. Manage relationships and communicates with internal and external stakeholders including donors, partners and service providers and clearly articulates project and programme scope, timeline, budget, risks and deliverables.
8. Ensure implementation of minimum standards on reporting gender disaggregated data
9. Contribute to the development/revision of tools and procedures to document and share knowledge, incentivise staff/teams and enforce compliance and standards.
10. Promote and adhere to TMA’s core values and ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures.
11. Maintain zero tolerance to bribery, fraud and corruption, and ensure the immediate reporting of any corruption or suspect behaviour that threatens TMA’s reputation.
12. Adhere to the safeguarding policies and procedures and immediately report any safeguarding concerns.
13. Undertake any other related tasks that may be assigned by the Line Manager from time to time.
14. Effectively communicate programme progress and results to internal and external stakeholders and support in delivery of high-quality outputs to ensure that TMA’s mission and vision are well communicated to investors and stakeholders, and that TMA’s work motivates and inspires donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
|
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. An undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree in a quantitative discipline, including Economics, Public Policy, International development with a bias in international trade, trade policy and economic development;
2. Solid understanding of international development, theoretical and empirical economics of international trade, trade policy and facilitation and impact evaluation methodologies;
3. Strong applied micro-econometrics and data analysis skills.
Work experience
1. For postgraduate degree holders, five years relevant experience and for undergraduate degree holders, seven years relevant experience in an academic, non-profit, or social enterprise setting;
2. At least 4 years’ experience as a data analyst in social science disciplines;
3. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse teams and effectively communicate complex information;
4. Demonstratable advanced competency with MS Office (including solid understanding of Excel) and proficiency in GIS applications (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS with some basic python coding skills), STATA, and R statistical software;
5. Proficiency and experience in using computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI) especially CSPro, Survey Solutions software and Open Data Kit (ODK);
6. Familiar with and understands Big Data Analytics and the use of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence tools for data analysis;
7. Experience in writing analytical research papers, policy briefs and blogs, and experience in interacting with donors; and
8. Experience coordinating empirical research projects in a developing country, such as overseeing field data collection and analysis.
Technical skills and behavioural competencies
1. Commitment to driving scientific, evidence-based policy insights;
2. Exceptional communicator, both verbally and in writing;
3. Well-organized, with strong administrative skills and outstanding attention to detail;
4. Self-directed, intrinsically motivated; proven capacity to manage work independently, multitask and be responsive to time-sensitive deadlines;
5. Strong skills in short-term and long-range planning, analysis, problem-anticipation and - solving; ability to independently investigate solutions to challenges and anticipate leadership needs;
6. Strong and effective interpersonal skills in working with colleagues at all levels.
7. Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality;
8. Cultural and gender sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work diplomatically with people from different backgrounds;
9. Ability to remain flexible and adapt to change;
10. Ability to prioritise and organise workloads while maintaining the required standards;
11. A positive attitude and initiative in approaching challenges and uncertainty; and
12. Good understanding of the African trade and policy environment and context.
|
English 
FRENCH
