Director, Policy Innovation At AKADEMIYA2063

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

AKADEMIYA2063 is an Africa-based non-profit research organization with headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda and a regional office in Dakar, Senegal. Inspired by the ambitions of Agenda 2063 and grounded in the recognition of the central importance of strong knowledge and evidence systems, the vision of AKADEMIYA2063 is an Africa with the expertise we need for the Africa we want. This expertise must be responsive to the continent’s needs for data and analysis to ensure high-quality policy design and execution. Inclusive, evidence-informed policymaking is key to meeting the continent’s development aspirations, creating wealth, and changing livelihoods for the better. AKADEMIYA2063’s overall mission is to create, across Africa and led from its headquarters in Rwanda, state-of-the-art technical capacities to support the efforts by the Member States of the African Union to achieve the key goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 of transforming national economies to boost growth and prosperity. Following from its vision and mission, the main goal of AKADEMIYA2063 is to help meet Africa’s needs at the continental, regional and national levels in terms of data, analytics, and mutual learning for the effective implementation of Agenda 2063 and the realization of its outcomes by a critical mass of countries. AKADEMIYA2063 strives to meet its goals through programs organized under five strategic areas—policy innovation, knowledge systems, capacity creation and deployment, operational support and data management, digital products, and technology—as well as partnerships and outreach activities. For more information, visit www.akademiya2063.org.

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Number: SN23009

Position Title: Director, Policy Innovation

Department: Policy Innovation

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Duration: Three (3) years renewable

Position Summary

The position is responsible for leading and coordinating AKADEMIYA2063’s efforts to identify, replicate, and expand successful policies for transforming agrifood systems and driving economic growth in Africa. The incumbent also manages and oversees the Malabo Montpellier Panel program and the DERPIn project, ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of their objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the entire process of program deliverables, ensuring their timely production, maintenance of high quality, and a clear and impactful design. This includes coordinating expert consultations through email and phone, active participation in the drafting, reviewing, and editing of report sections, including country case studies, and ensuring written outputs meet quality standards.
• Conceptualization and management of events, comprising the biannual Malabo Montpellier Forum and various workshops, dialogue events, or conference side events. This involves developing event concept notes, agendas, preparing speeches and presentations, managing speaker coordination, ensuring invitations are sent promptly, and cultivating partnerships to enhance the impact of these gatherings.
• Guide and mentor team members by offering technical guidance and mentorship to scientists, interns, and administrative staff, and leading regular team meetings that facilitate effective communication, foster a culture of collaboration, and promote knowledge exchange through cross-departmental interactions.
• Identify strategic areas for engagement and partnerships aligned with departmental goals, actively seeking opportunities for collaborations to enhance the implementation of programs and initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with Malabo Montpellier Panel members, stakeholders, and partners, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure alignment and goal realization.
• Lead the management of the DERPIn project, ensuring partner engagement and timely deliverables. Collaborating with other departments to complete milestones, handling contracting arrangements, and maintaining consistent communication with funders.
• Represent AKADEMIYA2063 at events and conferences, advocating the institution’s objectives, and directly engaging with primary stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission.
• Review and contribute to various communication materials, such as blogs, press releases, and social media content. Additionally, evaluating post-event feedback to gauge the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Stay informed on pertinent developments in Africa and Europe that impact the institution’s work, including identifying and leveraging major events and conferences proactively.
• Build and nurture a network of partners across Africa and Europe, contributing to collaborative efforts and enhancing institutional impact.
• Collaborate with the management team to explore strategic directions and opportunities, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and contributing to the formulation of the departmental business plan.
• Craft compelling funding proposals and technical reports for projects, including responsiveness to requests from program and project donors.
• Contribute to a variety of written outputs, including reports, articles, and blogs, to enhance the institution’s knowledge dissemination efforts.

Selection Criteria

• PhD in international development/relations, public policy, (agricultural) economics or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of work experience post-PhD.
• Minimum 4 years of management experience
• Experience working in a policy advisory role/environment (public sector, NGO, international organization or similar). At least 2 of those years spent working in an African country.
• Proven track record in managing complex, multi-partner projects with substantial budgets, particularly in international research contexts.
• Exhibit a deep understanding of food, nutrition, agricultural, climate and rural development challenges and opportunities in Africa.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of project management methodologies and techniques, driving successful project outcomes.
• Bring a strategic mindset to the role, aligning initiatives with AKADEMIYA2063’s overarching vision and objectives.

Additional Considerations

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• This Job Description only serves as a guide for the available position. AKADEMIYA2063 reserves the right to change, revise, omit, and add in part / in whole to this document.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• AKADEMIYA2063 is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and challenging working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.
• By sending an application, candidates give consent for their personal data to be processed solely for applicable recruitment procedures.
• We thank all applicants for their interest in working for AKADEMIYA2063, due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.