Hiring: Senior Research Economist
Who are we?
The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is the first national-level body of its kind tasked with applying behavioural insights and other innovative policy tools in Africa to improve the design and implementation of government policies and programmes in Nigeria through lessons from behavioural and social science as well as other policy tools. We work with public bodies, the private sector, NGOs and the international community, to provide evidence for the design and implementation of programs and policies.
Overview
Do you have an experience that makes our mission meaningful to you personally? At PIC, you can contribute to our initiatives through engaging, meaningful work assignments. You'll work across different thematic areas in the organisation including Global Health, Education, Innovative Digital Solutions, Agriculture, Climate and Food Security, Poverty, Livelihoods, Jobs, Governance, and Gender Inclusion. We operate with a deep commitment to innovation, accountability, and inclusion and value our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences.
Your Role
The Senior Research Economist will lead research on key thematic areas related to social norms. This role involves managing research projects, conducting data analysis, and publishing findings. Responsibilities also include engaging with stakeholders, advocating for policy changes, and developing partnerships. Additionally, the Economist will support projects across the organisation, contribute to capacity building, policy development, and mentoring, with a focus on using evidence-based research to influence policy and drive institutional change.
Locations: Abuja
Employment Type: Fixed Term
Number of hours per week: 40 hours
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
How to apply: Click here to apply.
Job Responsibilities
Research and Analysis:
● Project Leadership: Lead or support the entire lifecycle of research projects, from conceptualisation, methodology design, data collection, and analysis, to report preparation. Ensure research outcomes align with the Centre’s strategic objectives and contribute to advancing gender equality in economics.
● Situational Analysis: Conduct comprehensive situational analyses to identify barriers and opportunities related to women’s participation in economics within academic institutions. Develop and apply evidence-based strategies to address these challenges.
● Econometric Modelling: Apply sophisticated econometric models and techniques to analyse large datasets, identifying causal relationships, trends, and impacts related to gender disparities in economics. Use these models to inform policy recommendations and strategic interventions.
● Big Data and AI Integration: Explore and integrate big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research processes to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scope of studies. This includes the use of machine learning algorithms for predictive analysis and trend forecasting in gender economics.
● Publication and Dissemination: Draft, review, and contribute to high-quality publications, including research reports, policy briefs, and blogs. Oversee the peer review, editing, and dissemination processes, ensuring that evidence products reach and influence key stakeholders.
● Evidence Representation: Represent the Centre’s research work at national and international forums, including conferences, working groups, and seminars. Advocate for policy changes based on research findings, positioning the Centre as a thought leader in gender economics.
● MEAL Support: Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team to develop and implement robust MEAL frameworks. Ensure research outputs are systematically monitored, evaluated, and integrated into broader learning agendas.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:
● Stakeholder Mapping and Advocacy: Conduct stakeholder mapping to identify key gatekeepers, champions (male allies and female leaders), and influential stakeholders. Lead advocacy efforts to promote women’s leadership in economics and build strategic partnerships.
● Strategic Engagement: Develop and implement multi-level stakeholder engagement strategies, creating and executing advocacy campaigns that promote institutional change and women’s empowerment in economics.
● Partnership Development: Build and sustain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations. Foster collaboration to amplify the impact of the Centre’s work.
● Institutional Dialogues: Organise and facilitate participatory dialogues that engage stakeholders in co-creating strategies for increasing women’s participation in economics. Develop and implement actionable plans and roadmaps for institutional change.
● Policy Brief Development: Lead the development of policy briefs that translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and institutions. Engage with legislative bodies to advocate for the adoption of gender-sensitive policies.
Capacity Building:
● Training and Mentorship: Design and deliver capacity-building training programmes that enhance the skills and knowledge of participants, with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches to economics. Mentor junior researchers and interns, fostering their professional development.
● Policy Development Support: Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and roadmaps aimed at institutionalising gender equality in economics. Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to partner institutions.
● Implementation Assistance: Support the implementation of developed roadmaps and policies, ensuring effective and sustainable institutional change.
● Innovation and Thought Leadership:
● Research Innovation: Lead initiatives to innovate research methodologies and approaches, integrating emerging technologies and interdisciplinary methods to advance the field of gender economics.
● Thought Leadership: Publish articles, participate in speaking engagements, and contribute to international forums to influence the global discourse on women’s participation in economics.
Resource Mobilisation and Fundraising:
● Grant Writing and Fundraising: Develop grant proposals and fundraising strategies to secure funding for research projects. Collaborate with the fundraising team to maintain relationships with donors and manage project finances.
● Budget Management: Oversee the budgeting process for research projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and projects are completed within budget.
Collaboration and Networking:
● Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to integrate research findings into broader organisational strategies. Facilitate knowledge-sharing across teams to maximise impact.
● Networking: Expand the Centre’s network by building relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for joint research initiatives.
● Conference and Workshop Facilitation: Organise and lead conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on gender and economics, bringing together experts to discuss challenges and co-create solutions.
Ethical Considerations and Integrity:
● Ethical Research Standards: Ensure all research activities adhere to the highest ethical standards, including obtaining necessary approvals and ensuring informed consent from participants.
● Data Privacy and Security: Implement robust data privacy and security measures to protect research participants’ confidentiality and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Requirements:
● Educational Background: PhD in Economics or a related field with a strong emphasis on gender and development issues.
● Research Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in conducting complex research and analysis, particularly in the context of women’s participation in economics. Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential.
● Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct comprehensive situational analyses, identify trends, and develop evidence-based strategies.
● Communication Excellence: Exceptional communication and writing skills, including the ability to produce well-structured, clear, and concise content; conduct thorough research; present complex ideas logically; and adhere to academic standards and citation practices.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation of dialogues, building strategic partnerships, and driving advocacy strategies.
● Project Management: Extensive experience in project management, including the development and implementation of action plans and roadmaps.
● Sector Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the Nigerian higher education system and the specific challenges facing women in academia, particularly in the field of economics.
● Gender Equality Commitment: A strong commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in economics, with a proven track record of contributing to institutional change.
● Available for a full-time role
● Minimum of 12 years experience as a research economist or similar role
● Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
● Ability to advance organizational mission
● Enthusiastic about a career in Research and Economics
Attributes:
● You are excited about working in a multicultural team environment
● You are self-aware
● You can think critically
● You are persistent and bold.
● You are a self-starter and ambitious
Benefits:
● We offer competitive compensation based on experience
● Opportunity to work with local and international impact organisations
How to apply:
Click here to apply. For more information about us check out our website
Deadline: 26 September 2024
NB
● Only qualified candidates will be contacted
● The Company may be unable to notify every applicant of the result of their application. If you have therefore not been contacted within 8 weeks of the closing date, then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. However, we may retain your data and contact you for future openings that match your skills and competencies.
● We are committed to equal opportunities and disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an opportunity. We therefore encourage all applicants to detail their needs on the application form so that reasonable adjustments can be made to the recruitment process.
