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: SN23010

Position Title: Director, Capacity & Deployment

Department: Capacity & Deployment

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Duration: Three (3) years renewable

Position Summary

This position is responsible for leading the organization's capacity-building activities and collaborative initiatives. The incumbent will spearhead efforts to mobilize, train, and deploy local experts to provide data and analytical services that drive advancements in agricultural and economic development policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for the Capacity and Deployment department, aligning with AKADEMIYA2063's overall goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure the department's role in positioning AKADEMIYA2063 as a leading organization in Africa's development sector.
• Develop technical, statistical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related tools, methodologies, systems, and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery, and monitoring of the programmes of work, products, projects and services.
• Design and oversee implementation of skills development plans for technical staff, focusing on methodological innovation and maintaining organizational excellence.
• Develop and implement capacity development plans for local experts to establish AKADEMIYA2063 as a regional leader in data and analytics.
• Lead strategic partnerships with renowned institutions such as IFPRI and other expert centers to strengthen AGRODEP's membership, activities, and outputs. Collaborate proactively with IFPRI's team to leverage AGRODEP's resources, expand its reach, and enhance AKADEMIYA2063's impact on clients through data and technical support.
• Work closely with the Executive Office to secure resources and funding that sustain a robust portfolio of activities within the Capacity and Deployment department.
• Seek out grant opportunities, partnerships, and sponsorships that align with the department's objectives and contribute to its growth.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and development partners, to foster collaborative efforts and promote AKADEMIYA2063's expertise.
• Supervise the effective execution of skills development plans, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative projects. Ensure alignment of departmental activities with broader organizational objectives and standards of excellence
• Monitor and assess the outcomes and impact of capacity-building efforts and collaborative activities, adjusting strategies as needed. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and demonstrate the department's contributions to the organization's success.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from capacity-building programs and partnerships.
• Maintain accurate documentation of strategies, plans, and outcomes for internal and external communication.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed publications.

Selection Criteria

• Ph.D. or Doctorate degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in leadership roles, including capacity development, project management, and partnership engagement.
• Proven knowledge and experience in programming of CGE models, preferably in GAMS.
• Proven track record of successful collaboration with international institutions and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong experience building and managing teams.
• Experience in resource mobilization, fundraising, and grant proposal writing.

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.

Submission of Applications

If you are interested in this position, please send your detailed e-mail application, CV, and cover letter, in English, by November 30th, 2023, to careers@akademiya2063.org . Please include the position title in the subject line.