The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-governmental development and foreign policy think tank, focusing on South Africa and Africa’s international relations. Its goal is to contribute to the achievement of a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable, and globally engaged Africa. It has been consistently ranked among the top think tanks in Africa. SAIIA seeks to appoint a Programme Head for its Economic Diplomacy Programme.
The role
This programme focuses on South Africa and Africa’s engagement with the global economy through a broad spectrum of emerging issues, including the continent’s various regional economic integration efforts. With a solid track-record of successful fundraising partnerships and policy and research networks, you will generate funding for the team’s research initiatives and future projects. You will have established expertise in at least one of the following areas: global economic governance, finance and macro-economic policy, South African and regional economic policy, trade and investment, or African economic development.
As Programme Head you will be responsible for the implementation of the three-year IDRC-funded programme on COVID-19 Macroeconomic Policy Research in Africa, which will analyse the macroeconomic impact and recovery from COVID-19 in six African countries, specifically exploring building more inclusive economies through the lens of marginalised groups, environmental sustainability and the potential for a green recovery. Proposal writing skills, knowledge of funder reporting requirements and M&E forms an essential part of the role. As an established authority on South Africa and Africa’s economic and trade relations, you will conduct innovative and rigorous research and analysis on key topics related to the region’s economic positioning. You must have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure, strong management skills, particularly the ability to manage a diverse group of researchers in the field and their outputs and pay meticulous attention to detail. This position is based in Johannesburg; however, regular regional and international travel is anticipated.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Managing the IDRC project outlined above
- Identifying and taking principal fundraising responsibility for team projects
- Preparing and submitting applications to funders and sponsors for research projects
- Establishing and running innovative research projects on own areas of expertise, in conjunction with other programme staff, and ensuring achievement of deliverables
- Undertaking ongoing strategic engagement and networking
- Ensuring events and policy dissemination of programme have optimum impact
- Managing programme budgeting and finances
- Being responsible for monitoring, evaluation and programme reporting
- Managing, mentoring and developing the team
- Maintaining relations with existing core programme funders
Experience and skills
- PhD degree is preferred in a relevant field (an economics degree would be an advantage).
- Proven publishing record and expertise in some of the above-mentioned fields
- Five to ten years’ management experience and well-established networks in the aforementioned research areas.
- A proven track record of project fundraising – minimum of five years’ experience.
- Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Project).
Other useful information
Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter stating why they are the best choice for this position and quoting clearly reference number (No: PHEDIP20). They should include a comprehensive CV, 3 recent examples of written work together with the names of three referees with their contact details and forward these to Shannon Gard: [email protected] As part of the application procedure candidates that make it through the first round would be required to draft a two-page concept outline of the areas that they believe this programme should focus on in the next five-year period with a fundraising strategy linked to the concept note.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. For more information on SAIIA and its research agenda, please visit www.saiia.org.za. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
3-year fixed term contract, competitive salary.