Southern Voice is a network of 50 think tanks in Africa, Asia and Latin America that serves as an open platform to promote and generate high-quality evidence-based analyses for the global dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals. Southern Voice (SV) Secretariat seeks a motivated and detail-oriented researcher to support our research on the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Secretariat is the central hub of the network. It is a nimble structure that leads the collective work of the network globally. The Secretariat is hosted by the Centre for Policy Dialogue, Dhaka. However, the team of the Secretariat works globally.
The researcher will join a small global team supporting research programmes implemented across Africa, Asia and Latin America and will have the opportunity to engage in policy debates around key issues of the 2030 Agenda.
The position
The researcher will be part of a vibrant community of researchers from the global South and he/she will support the production of solid and high-quality research on the SDGs and its cross-cutting themes, including research reports, policy briefs and background notes. The researcher reports to the Director and works closely with the rest of the staff in the Secretariat.
The priority research areas for Southern Voice in 2018 are:
- Leave no one Behind (also the overarching theme of the ‘State of the SDGs’)
- Development Finance
- South–South Cooperation (SSC)
- Data for Development
- Delivery of the SDGs
Researchers with previous experience in these areas of work are encouraged to apply.
Key roles and responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Director and the Programme Officer, the Researcher will:
- Compile background information relevant to Southern Voice research initiative, including ongoing collection of information and literature linked to the research as necessary;
- Conduct independent analysis at the global level and consulting literature in the regional and global context;
- Review the progress of the SDG delivery at the global level and report it periodically;
- Support the drafting process of Reports and other products such us policy briefs, online articles and occasional papers;
- Prepare material and contributions for trainings and workshops which will be held within the scope of the research project and compile the protocols afterwards;
- Edit, fact-check, and proofread draft texts;
- Provide concise and accurate information and findings to inform global debates on development that support Southern Voice’s communication strategy;
- Undertake interviews or other research efforts as required by the project;
- Keep track of possible future funding options and draft research grants if required;
- Keep up to date information related to the project, accessible to all partners;
- Work collaboratively with all members of the network and ensure flow of information between different partners, staff and persons involved;
- Support the Programme Officer in different phases of the research programme;
- Set a workplan with deliverables and provide periodical updates on the state of the research;
- Implement other tasks as advised by the Director
Experience and skills
- Advanced degree (MA or PH.D. or equivalent) in international relations, political sciences, economics or related field;
- Strong synthesis and analytical skills;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of Spanish and French is considered an asset;
- Knowledge of the SDGs global debate;
- Excellent organization skills and capacity to work with a global team;
- Experience in collaborative research programmes;
- Experience working for research centers or think tanks in an international setting is an advantage;
- Working knowledge of NVIVO, STATA, R or similar software is an advantage;
- Ability to respond positively and to resolve day to day challenges as these arise;
- Experience dealing with international actors, representatives from governments and international organizations;
- Ideally, located in the Global South.
Other information
This is currently a part-time position with the possibility to scale to a full-time position. Ideally, the candidate should engage with Southern Voice for a year, but different arrangements can be discussed with exceptional candidates.