Chemonics seeks an executive director (director of research and operations) to lead an anticipated multi-year research and evidence synthesis programme to be funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO Evidence Fund (the ‘Fund’) is intended as a single, coordinated platform to commission new research and evidence related to East Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and South Asia, and to support knowledge generation, synthesis, translation and engagement. The Fund will focus on enabling research to inform policy and programmes of FCDO country teams and that of the United Kingdom’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) partners. The Fund will support a broad spectrum of evidence needs to generate operationally relevant research, analysis, evaluation, and syntheses to inform policy and programming decisions.
As executive director, you will be responsible for leading all activities of the Fund, bringing together a strategic vision for how the Fund can efficiently and effectively support HMG (Her Majesty’s government) research needs, and overseeing operational implementation to ensure successful delivery of the contract. You will bring significant expertise with research shaping and policymaker uptake of research and evidence, to guide the senior management team in their responsibilities to help maximize the Fund’s impact and value. You will have a critical role in interfacing with policymakers across HMG and with other international and host-country stakeholders and will be the public face of the programme.
The location of the position is flexible given the international nature of the programme. Project hubs are expected to be located in London, Nairobi, Beirut or Amman, and Islamabad or New Delhi. The role will require regular travel to/from London to the project hubs, and occasionally to other countries where research is being commissioned or promoted. The project is expected to start in April 2021. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Responsibilities include:
- Setting and overseeing overall strategy and direction of the research objectives of the programme and ensuring country specific trends, contexts, and strategies are factored into solutions for addressing country and FCDO needs
- Contributing to the design of high-quality and innovative research concepts, products and requests for research proposals
- Providing overall leadership and supervision of senior management team, technical and administrative staff, and sub-awardees
- Supervising procurement competitions for research and evaluation projects, oversee due diligence assessments on prospective sub-contracted Research Provider Pool providers, and lead programme team managing research projects implemented by sub-contracted research organizations
- Overseeing program work planning, financial management, performance management, monitoring and evaluation, strategic communications, and evidence generation
- Addressing issues and mitigating risks related to programme implementation in a timely manner and appropriately adjusting programme strategies, as required
- Supporting the production of high-quality, policy-relevant project performance indicators
- Initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with donors, implementing partners, academic and think tank organizations, and other development organizations
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree or equivalent in a social science, health, international development, technology or a related discipline is required. A doctorate is preferred
- Demonstrable experience in the field of government, academic or think tank funds management, research, or policy development for international development
- Track record of progressive responsibility, and at least three years of professional experience managing large (£10m+), complex, government or donor funds management, research, and/or international development projects similar in scale, scope, and complexity
- Thorough knowledge of the international academic/think tank and scientific research sectors.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in all outputs of the programme including funds management, research commissioning, grant/award making, use of evidence, and policy-oriented communications
- Strong ability to collaborate and build partnerships with host country governments, UK government agencies, donor agencies, international organizations, and the private sector
- Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
- Fluency in English is required
***Kindly note this role is contingent on award of the programme***
Application instructions:
To apply, please submit your application via the following link no later than Sunday, 6th December at 2359 pm GMT https://chu.tbe.taleo.net/chu02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CHEMONICS&cws=37&rid=3925 Please complete the required information and upload your cover letter and CV for consideration. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
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