Latest Openings at African Institute for Development Policy 

Project Management, Data Science, Research, NGO, Non-Profit, Finance, Accounting, Audit,

Senior Research and Policy Associate

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support to policy, research, and advocacy efforts related to cross-sectoral development issues, including population dynamics, health, environment and climate change, and sustainable development.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform policy recommendations and programming initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in government, civil society, and the private sector to advance our project objectives.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of cross-sectoral programming initiatives, including project proposals, work plans, and progress reports.
• Provide capacity building support to partners and staff on cross-sectoral development issues and approaches.
• Write analytical research reports and contribute to authoring research papers.
• Develop and disseminate policy-oriented knowledge products.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as international development, demography, public health, environment, climate change or other social sciences.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in cross-sectoral development policy, research, and programming.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues to a range of audiences.
• Experience in designing and implementing cross-sectoral development programming initiatives.
• Experience in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in French desirable.

Gender and Youth Integration Specialist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the project gender and youth integration strategy across all project activities.
• Conduct research and analysis on gender and youth issues in sustainable development, including positive youth development.
• Provide technical assistance to project teams to ensure gender and youth considerations are incorporated into project design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Lead capacity building efforts for partners and staff on gender and youth integration, including developing training materials and facilitating workshops.
• Support advocacy efforts around gender and youth issues, including policy development and engagement with decision-makers.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as gender studies, international development, social sciences or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in gender and youth integration in international development, including experience working with government agencies, civil society organizations, and community groups.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with a focus on gender and youth issues.
• Deep experience developing and implementing gender and youth integration strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality technical assistance and training on gender and youth issues to partners and staff.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Fluency in English is required, with proficiency in French desirable.

Grants Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grants Design and Solicitation

• Work closely with project leadership and technical staff in the activity design process including, but not limited to, supporting the development of Notification of Funding Opportunities (NOFO), facilitating the process of evaluation of grant applications to ensure adherence to grants management policies, and advising on appropriate grant mechanisms and creative, and compliant, uses of grants. Work with partners to develop grant budget estimates and review for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency, as well as compliance with applicable USAID regulations and AFIDEP’s policies.
• Assess administrative and financial capacity of grant applicants.
• Incorporate learnings, best practices and innovative approaches into grant design so as to build on previously tested uses of grants.
• Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for grant agreements, ensure the proper type of grant selected, review and select the correct standard and as applicable provisions, work with grantee and technical team to finalize grant agreement for approval, and draft approval documents necessary to requests approvals from USAID.
• Generate and review all aspects of grant agreements at kick off meetings, and during implementation, with grantees, including schedule and facilitate meetings to define roles, responsibilities, and timelines for grantees.
• Work as a problem solver with the technical team to learn, adapt and improve throughout the grant design and solicitation process.
• Identify with the Finance Manager and technical teams appropriate special award conditions and/or necessary capacity building for the grantee to strengthen the results, minimize risk, and ensure compliance.

Grant Activity Management

• Work with grantees, AFIDEP Finance Team and broader BUILD Team to ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with activity design and terms and conditions of the grant. Provide guidance in the implementation of the grants activities, including closure and disposition plans.
• With direction from the Project Director, serve as the focal point for a portfolio of grantees. Share information with grantees ensuring cohesion and supporting collaborative engagement. Attend meetings and events hosted by partners. Provide updates to and collaborate with BUILD staff on grant monitoring.
• Monitor submission of grant deliverables and reports. Coordinate with other members of the team for review and approval. Monitor and track procurement activities for in-kind grants and delivery status of goods/services.
• Develop and build the capacity of local organizations and grantees to ensure successful implementation and compliance with the grant agreement, as well as to support their sustainable development as an organization.
• Ensure complete backup documentation for payments to grantees is submitted to project’s finance team.
• Troubleshoot grants management challenges with grantees, technical staff, Finance Team, Project Director and USAID as requested/as needed.
• Track any leverage, contribution, or program income as required in the grant agreement and ensure compliance with audit requirements for grantees, as appropriate.
• Ensure timely and well documented close-out of grants, ensuring completeness and quality of grant files.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with approved AFIDEP and USAID regulations, policies and procedures, systems, internal controls, and applicable local laws and tax policy.
• Ensure that all grant activities are properly documented from the start of implementation to grant close-down using AFIDEP operations and grant management systems etc.
• Document and share learnings with the project team to ensure best practices and improvements are incorporated into future grant programming.
• Perform regular spot audits of grant files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Support the delivery procedures and policy training, guidance, and interpretation for program staff as well as grantees, in consultation with the Project Director as appropriate.
• Support and use grant budget/funds monitoring tools.
• Submit progress and status reports as required.
• Track overall grant fund amounts in total, by buy-in, and by grant, including both awarded and obligated amounts.
• Work with the Project Director and MERL team to ensure the grants and their impact is aggregated, validated and disseminated.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a business discipline e.g. Finance, Accounting or related field. Masters Degree in a similar field, MBA, ACCA or CPA (K).
• 8+ years of experience working in international development and grants management, with experience in USAID grants management preferred.
• Experience in the administration of large, complex USAID-funded grants under contracts, and contracts is required.
• Proven expertise in process management and creative problem-solving.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of USAID rules and regulations and ability to flexibly and creatively apply these rules and regulations for tailored fit-for-purpose procurement processes and contracts or agreements.
• Ability to identify time sensitive demands & inquiries and respond effectively.
• Demonstrated exceptional customer relations (both internally & externally); provides sound business judgment and contractual oversight.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills across all levels
• Excellent organizational skills with a willingness to take initiative and be proactive in the procurement process.
• Excellent communications, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English. Proficiency in French is an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a fast-moving, fluid team setting with multiple stakeholders.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement monitoring, evaluation, research and learning systems for the project, ensuring that they are aligned with program objectives, donor requirements, and best practices in the field.
• Conduct needs assessments, baseline studies, and impact assessments to inform program/project design and implementation, and measure program outcomes.
• Provide technical support to program staff and partners on monitoring, evaluation, research and learning, including data collection, management, and analysis.
• Develop and manage databases, dashboards, and other tools to track program progress and results.
• Coordinate and lead program evaluations and learning events, including design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors, program staff, and other stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to program staff and partners on monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as international development, economics, statistics, demography, public health, environment, climate change or other social sciences.
• At least 7 years of experience in MERL of cross-sectoral development programs, preferably in an international context.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MERL systems, including data collection, management, and analysis.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including experience with statistical software such as SPSS, Stata or R.
• Experience in managing databases and developing data visualization tools, such as dashboards.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills, with a proven ability to communicate complex data and analysis to diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in French desirable.
• Experience working with funders such as USAID, DFID, or the World Bank, and a strong understanding of MERL expectations.

Program Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide overarching management and direction throughout the entire program lifecycle from start up through close out.
• Develop procedures to increase performance by implementing sound quality management processes.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with project partners and stakeholders. Drive customer satisfaction with on-time delivery, exceptional performance, and aaccountability.
• Address contractual and technical programmatic issues with partners, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures related to programmatic activities, duties and responsibilities.
• Oversee development of project plans, including timelines, budgets, and work plans, and ensure that the project activities are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Ensure necessary resources are provided to meet program requirements, directing, controlling, and ensuring procurements are made in accordance with organizational and donor policies and requirements.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring that they are accurate, up-to-date, and in line with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Ensure that the project activities are implemented in compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and local laws and regulations.
• Manage project staff, including consultants and partners, and ensure that they are adequately trained and supported to deliver high-quality work.
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of projects and prepare timely and accurate reports for donors and other stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders, and represent the organization in meetings and events.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as international development, public policy, and other social sciences.
• At least 10 years of experience managing complex, multi-sectoral development projects in international settings.
• Must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills, be very detailed orientated, flexible and have strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working with funders such as USAID, DFID, or the World Bank, and a strong understanding of funders’ rules and regulations.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop and manage budgets, work plans, and timelines.
• Strong skills in cross sectoral policy advocacy and communication.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills, with experience developing high-quality project reports and other written materials.
• Experience managing staff, consultants, and partners across different geographies, and the ability to provide effective leadership and support.
• Must be proficient in financial management, personnel management, and sub-award management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to effectively collaborate, cooperate and interface with multiple levels of stakeholders to achieve results.
• Deep understanding of, and work experience in, many of the project’s hub countries and regions.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in French desirable.

Project Manager, Eastern & Southern Africa Hubs

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop project plans, including timelines, budgets, and work plans, and ensure that the project activities are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring that they are accurate, up-to-date, and in line with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Ensure that the project activities are implemented in compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and local laws and regulations.
• Manage project staff, including consultants and partners, and ensure that they are adequately trained and supported to deliver high-quality work.
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of projects and prepare timely and accurate reports for donors and other stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders, and represent the organization in meetings and events.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as international development, public policy, and other social sciences.
• At least 10 years of experience managing complex, multi-sectoral development projects in international settings.
• Experience working with funders such as USAID, DFID, or the World Bank, and a strong understanding of funders’ rules and regulations.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop and manage budgets, work plans, and timelines.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with experience conducting research and analysis on a range of development issues.
• Strong skills in cross sectoral policy advocacy and communication.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills, with experience developing high-quality project reports and other written materials.
• Experience managing staff, consultants, and partners across different geographies, and the ability to provide effective leadership and support.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of, and work experience in, Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in French desirable.

Method of Application

To apply for this position, please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@afidep.org  including the position title “BUILD Project – Senior Research and Policy Associate” on the subject of the email by 26th May 2023. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in this position. Your CV should include three relevant referees. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.