Senior Research Fellow at Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR) (Deadline: 09/12/2021 at 5 pm)

TERMS OF REFERENCE TO RECRUIT A SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW (2 positions)

1.BACKGROUND

The Institute of Policy analysis and Research (IPAR -Rwanda) is a fast growing indigenous, independent, and not-for-profit Rwandan Institution. IPAR seeks to enhance evidence based policy making by conducting timely, relevant, high-quality, policy-oriented analysis and research.

It also promotes a culture of debate and dialogue on policy issues in Rwanda.

To be able to meet the increasing expectations from its stakeholders, IPAR is seeking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated staff at the level of   Senior Research Fellow

2. Objectives of the Senior Researcher role

• To provide intellectual leadership to the research team and to ensure IPAR’s research output is quality, timely, relevant, and high impact
• To provide on the job mentoring and coaching of IPAR research staff in areas of their work
• 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 develop funding proposals and drive the organization’s ability to access new and diverse funding sources
• 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

3. Desired Profile of the senior Research Fellow

• Highly motivated research professional, with a Ph.D. in Environmental sciences and or natural resources management; agriculture or other related domains from a top-tier university, with at least 5 years of relevant research experience in a think-tank or active policy research Institute.

• Self-starting and entrepreneurial individual 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 willingness and ability 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
• Fluency in English is essential, working knowledge of French and/or Kinyarwanda is an added advantage
• Highly numerate, with strong skills in microeconomic and statistical analysis, with expertise in statistical software (e.g. SPSS, STATA) very desirable
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Qualified women are encouraged to apply

4. Expected Output

• Reports, proposals, and articles written as needed
• Budgets that area developed and adhered to
• Presentations of research findings made to policymakers, media, and other public audiences
• Funding adequate to support research operations
• Detailed documentation and a database for all work performed
• Deadlines for research projects met within established time frames

5. Reporting structure

The senior research fellow will report to the Director of Research IPAR. He/she will have responsibility for leadership of a research team of up to 12 research assistants.

Delivery expectations will be agreed upon with the senior research fellow when recruited. 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.