Background

Established in 1988, African Economic Research Consortium is a premier capacity building institution in the advancement of research and training to inform economic policies in sub-Saharan Africa. AERC’s mission rests on two premises: first, that development is more likely to occur where there is sustained sound management of the economy; second, that such management is more likely to happen where there is an active, well-informed cohort of locally based professional economists to conduct policy-relevant research. AERC builds this cohort through a programme that has three primary components: research, training, and policy outreach. The organization integrates high quality economic policy research, postgraduate training, and policy outreach within a vast network of researchers, universities, and policy makers across Africa and beyond.

Overall, Job Purpose 

AERC is looking to recruit three (3) mid-career research fellows in economics will work closely with the Director of Research and the two Research Managers on core activities of research capacity building, translation of research into policy messages, and convening of flagship events. The incumbent will ensure efficiency, effectiveness and high-performance standards are achieved and maintained. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Review research proposals submitted to the Research Management System (RMS) regularly and communicate decisions on time with all researchers.
• Review and vet final research reports before they are published as AERC working papers.
• Support the secretariat in handling regular research and related communication with a wider AERC network of researchers, and resource persons (e.g. review work handled by resource persons).
• Produce accessible and non-technical research summaries of collaborative research projects as well as key policy messages (e.g. policy briefs).
• Write regular blogs on key emerging and ongoing research areas of concern for African policy makers.
• Develop a metrics/indicator to capture policy impact (e.g. gathering citation data, compiling policy impact testimony statements, etc).
• Participate in research paper writing and publication in highly reputable economics journals.
• Raise the profile of AERC through strategic partnerships and collaboration with other institutions within and outside Africa (e.g. in policy engagement and influence events).
• Organize and facilitate policy dialogues and round tables using professional and personal contacts.
• Organize and facilitate a series of policy dissemination activities such as seminars and workshops.
• Provide support in preparing and managing the activities of the secretariat (e.g. the flagship biannual workshops).
• Carry out any other duties as may be requested by the director and research projects.
• Act as a point of contact between the manager, and key stakeholders and researchers as required.
• Keep abreast of latest economic research and policy making across the globe suggest to AERC ways of improving it research and policy influence work in the context of Africa.
• Provide of input into the preparation of the necessary documentation for meetings at the secretariat as may be required.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in Economics and any sub-field of economics preferably in development economics
• Track record of reputable publications in development journals focusing on African economic problems (e.g. Journal of African Economies, Journal of Development Economics, Journal of Development Studies, etc)
• Priory policy advisory/engagement work is essential.
• Experience in research project management.
• Experience in translating research findings into succinct and powerful policy messages.
• Experience of reviewing research proposals, refereeing journal articles, etc.
• Prior experience in an international organisation and an economic think tank is an advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies 

• Strong interpersonal skills and a good team player.
• High level of integrity, commitment, and professional responsibility.
• Excellent communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with guidelines and clear expectations.
• Ability to engage and interact with different people from different cultures and backgrounds.

The fellowship program is for initial 6 months period.

Application

All applications must include a cover letter and a resume which has at least three referees addressed to the Manager, HR & Administration; using the following link:
For enquiries, please send an email: recruitment@aercafrica.org by 12^th May 2024.
All information will be treated with utmost confidence. Due to the expected volume of applications, AERC will only enter further correspondence with short-listed candidates.
The AERC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.