Southern Voice is a vibrant network of 51 think tanks across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It contributes to the global dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its ultimate aim is to address the existing ‘knowledge asymmetry’ and ‘participation deficit’ in the dialogue on development. It does this by producing, promoting, and disseminating evidence-based policy analysis by researchers from Global South countries.
The role
The Programme Officer position will support the research and policy analysis programmes of Southern Voice. It will support primarily the ongoing response of Southern Voice to COVID-19. Our response includes activities of research, communications, and policy dialogue. The main objectives are to position Southern Voice scholars in the global debates on COVID-19 recovery and also to enable peer learning and collaborations among our network and beyond. The activities of the network may keep evolving in the near future.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Closely coordinate with the Head of Programs the general activities for the implementation of Southern Voice programmes and research activities.
- Support the Head of Programmes, as necessary in the design of research programmes: call for research, selection of research teams, research workshop, peer-review and finalization of research.
- Support identifying new partnerships and opportunities that will increase the global impact of Southern Voice.
- Provide research support in the phases of programme development and grant preparation.
- Keep proactive communications with all partners involved in Southern Voice programmes to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
- Coordinate the day to day activities for the implementation of Southern Voice programmes and other research activities.
- Develop a system to monitor and follow-up on the activities and adjusting projects and initiatives in order to maximize the quality and timeliness of outputs.
- In coordination with the Head of Programs, organize meetings, calls, workshops, and other activities that support the implementation of programmes and projects.
- Coordinate with Southern Voice’s Communications team and Head of Programmes to: Prepare summaries of research and analysis key findings for dissemination.
- Support the preparation and conceptualisation of policy events, and dialogues, with the identification of speakers and audiences.
- Participate in conferences, policy dialogues and other spaces as required. Support the Head of Programmes preparing reports of programmes and projects.
- Support the Director with fundraising activities
Key experiences and skills
- A Master’s degree in social sciences and a keen interest in and knowledge of global development and related fields.
- Demonstrated capacity for effectively communicate, reach agreements with multiple stakeholders, and ensure that projects are being implemented in a timely manner.
- Excellent problem-solver, eager to share out-of-the-box ideas.
- Excellent organizational abilities including, managing day-to-day activities of projects and keeping reporting to others on the emergence of problems and new opportunities.
- Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Be a fast, flexible thinker who is able to shift gears on short notice, without losing attention to detail.
- Strong communications and inter-cultural skills.
- Excellent IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Must be comfortable working independently while coordinating with remote colleagues in different timezones over Slack, email, and teleconferences.
Previous experience valuable to the position
- Experience in coordinating multiple projects that involve various organisations simultaneously.
- Experience in producing high-quality research outputs in a short period of time and for different audiences.
- Experience working in a think tank or a policy research institute.
Language requirements
- Perfect command of spoken and written English is essential.
- French and other languages are an additional asset.
Other relevant experience
This is a remote working position on a long term consultancy basis.
The initial contract would be for one year, with an initial trial period of three months.
Diversity is important to us in everything we do. We encourage applicants from the Global South of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities.
To apply, please submit your CV, preferably not exceeding two pages, and a one-page cover letter about why you’re right for this job. The cover letter must be tailored to Southern Voice, showing a clear understanding of our work. It must also include a paragraph detailing how your experience would support the work of Southern Voice. You may also include up to two writing samples in your application.
Please send everything in one pdf file to [email protected] with the subject line: Programme Officer.