Pursue a Career with Impact
Starting in 2015 with funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in sub-Saharan Africa works with Councils in 15 countries to: 1) deepen Councils’ ability to manage research; 2) deepen Councils’ capacity to design/monitor research programs and to formulate/implement policies based on the use of robust STI indicators; 3) manage research competitions on areas of interest to the private sector and for development; and 4) build networks among Councils and with other science system actors. Additional funding from Sweden’s International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and IDRC is deepening and extending activities under the SGCI to mid-2023, in particular to increase opportunities for Councils to run research competitions and to strengthen attention to research excellence, including research that promotes gender equality and inclusivity.
SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST – SCIENCE GRANTING COUNCILS INITIATIVE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
FOUNDATIONS FOR INNOVATION
Term to June 30, 2023 – Nairobi, Kenya
As a Senior Program Specialist, reporting to the Program Leader, Foundations for Innovation (FI), you will work closely with FI colleagues based at IDRC’s Regional Office for sub-Saharan Africa (Nairobi, Kenya) on the SGCI. You will help design, manage, monitor and evaluate various aspects of the Initiative. This will involve working closely with a number of implementing organizations (Collaborating Technical Agencies) as well as the Councils and governments in participating countries. It involves active engagement with counterparts at South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) as well as the other funding partners on program implementation and reporting, respectively.
We are particularly interested in candidates with proven research and/or programming experience in low- and middle-income countries notably in sub-Saharan Africa, in science, technology and innovation (STI) systems, and the organizations and institutions that underpin such systems as well as STI funding. Candidates should be bilingual at an advanced level in French and English. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Overview of Qualifications
· A PhD and a record of publications in a field related to science, technology and innovation (STI), STI policies and the role of STI in development
· Eight years’ relevant experience which includes research, research management and/or programming in developing regions, particularly in Africa, on issues related to STI/ related policies as well as the organizations that support STI
· Bilingual position (French and English) at advanced level – Portuguese is an asset
· Knowledge of the role of STI in development, including the contribution of STI to the private, not-for-profit and public sectors; as well as the role of STI in Africa 2030
For more information about this rewarding career opportunity and to apply, please visit our website at idrc.ca/careers.
Application Deadline: October 8, 2018 at 11:59pm EST
Part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods in the developing world. Bringing together the right partners around opportunities for impact, IDRC builds leaders for today and tomorrow and helps drive change for those who need it most.
IDRC values a diverse workforce and is committed to achieving employment equity. So, if you are an Aboriginal person, a member of a visible minority group, a person with a disability or a woman, don’t hesitate to apply and identify yourself!
More Information
- Job City Nairobi