Analyst and Research Lead, Somali Dialogue Platform (SDP) At Rift Valley Institute

Job Title: Analyst and Research Lead, Somali Dialogue Platform (SDP)
Location: Nairobi, with regular travel to Somalia
Employment type: Full-time
Duration: One year, renewable and subject to programme funding
Reporting to: Team Leader, SDP

JOB PURPOSE

The Analyst and Research Lead is responsible for producing timely, accurate and accessible analysis of the political context in Somalia and ensuring the effective design and delivery of the Somali Dialogue Platform’s (SDP or ‘the Platform’) research products. This includes products to inform SDP’s own programming and more effective dialogue between Somali stakeholders. The Analyst and Research Lead also provides support for the dissemination of the Platform’s research and analysis, including organising events. The post-holder is responsible for ensuring the relevance and quality of the research and analysis products of SDP’s Somali partners, as well as supporting their long-term capacity development in this area.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the delivery of contextual political analysis to inform the Platform’s programme and other stakeholders (50%)

• Monitor political developments and trends in Somalia and maintain an up-to-date analysis of the context, drawing on both open sources and a network of contacts.
• Produce quality, timely and accessible analysis products on political issues in Somalia to inform the SDP’s programme and other stakeholders, including both ad hoc and regular pieces.
• Manage and coordinate SDP’s local Somali researchers and input from partners for the Platform’s analysis products.
• Provide input for and support the quality assurance of all the Platform’s analysis products.
• Ensure the effective dissemination of SDP’s analysis products, including organising in-person and online briefings.

Lead the development and delivery of the Platform’s research work (30%)

• Lead on the design and management of research products commissioned through external consultants.
• Support partners in the design and implementation of their research and analysis products and provide quality assurance for these, as well as coordinate the necessary review, editing and approval processes.
• Support and coordinate effective dissemination processes for both SDP and partner research products to ensure policy up-take by target audiences, including the development of audio-visual products as relevant.
• Lead on SDP’s capacity building support to partners to ensure their delivery of high-quality analysis and research products which contributes to the sustainability of their organisations.

Programme management (20%)

• Support the Deputy Team Leaders in the planning and budget development processes for the Platform’s analysis and research activities (with limited delegated financial responsibility).
• Support the Deputy Team Leaders in ensuring the Platform’s analysis and research activities are delivered on time and on budget and in compliance with established procedures and good practice.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning partner to ensure effective reporting and evaluation processes for the Platform’s analysis and research activities.
• Manage and ensure the quality of the inputs from SDP’s local researchers.