Research and Advocacy Officer Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN)

Background

The Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN), is a non-profit loose alliance of stakeholders, scholars and consultants who engage with social protection, through promoting, fostering, expanding and improving social protection in the SADC region and beyond. As a network, SASPEN links social protection experts and institutions. Activities of the network include country workshops, international conferences, seminars, publications, joint research and dissemination of information on social protection.

In SASPEN’s recent strategic drive for the period 2021-2025, research has been prioritised. SASPEN has positioned itself as an institution that will engage in research for evidence-informed policy engagement in the region to fulfill its objectives. Evidence-based research is a key pillar in the foundation and development of policy and legal frameworks. Through the regional expertise of the network, SASPEN aims to establish and strengthen itself as a regional research hub in line with our strategic objective to have well-generated, evidence-based information on social protection, influencing and informing policy options. SASPEN has established a research unit to coordinate research and advocacy-related activities of the network.

SASPEN is therefore looking to engage a Research and Advocacy Officer to coordinate the running of the research unit under the auspices of the SASPEN Secretariat.

Terms of Reference/Duties of Research and Advocacy Officer

Under the substantive guidance of the Network Coordinator, the Research and Advocacy Officer will coordinate the running of the research and advocacy unit.

Deliverables

• Consistent knowledge-generation and policy analysis for evidence-based policy influence and information sharing to influence SASPEN participation at all levels
• Policy engagement to reveal gaps and problems in existing policies being implemented including legislative frameworks.
• Policy engagement aimed at stimulating wider comprehensive debate by presenting informed policy recommendations to key stakeholders
• The establishment of partnerships and the promotion of networks in the region and beyond
• A sustainable basis for raising financial resources for the network through research activities
• Popularisation by means of public lectures, panel discussion and presentations at national and international conferences, as publications of study reports, policy briefs, the publication of books);

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

Research

• Identify research opportunities, plan, execute and coordinate research;
• Update and maintain a data base of regional experts on various thematic areas;
• Put in place mechanisms that encourage Network members and affiliates to initiate and develop individual and /or team research activities;
• Liaise on an ongoing and project basis with Network members and affiliates;
• Further the research profile of SASPEN and promote research at the institution by profiling all research projects and outputs of research on a regular basis;
• Put in place mechanisms that allow researchers the opportunity to disseminate knowledge and findings via various platforms, including but not limited to conferences and public lectures;
• Establish partnerships to identify relevant research opportunities and possible financial support for research;
• Policy and management plans for research are revised and adapted regularly;
• The basic principles of research ethics are adhered to;
• Provide timely updates and reports on research opportunities, ongoing research and any other updates related to research and advocacy

Ensure, via the Research Committee that;

• All research at SASPEN meets the requirements of generally accepted good governance and research ethics
• Available funds are awarded and managed in a transparent manner
• Research projects that are considered for financial support meet the relevant criteria and are feasible for undertaking
• The capacity of young researchers and upcoming organisations is strengthened through mentorship in proposal development and research
• Policy and management plans for research are revised and adhered to

Advocacy

• Assisting in the development and implementation of an advocacy plan for the unit;
• Preparing briefs, reports, presentations and other written and oral outputs in accordance with advocacy objectives;
• Establish partnerships with organizations with similar advocacy goals and strategies

Qualifications

• Education and experience: Bachelor’s degree plus at least three years of related experience preferred (master’s degree ideal)
• The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of experience working in a research capacity,
• Knowledge and understanding: broad knowledge of social protection issues and trends across the field;
• Understanding of quantitative and qualitative methodologies as well as summative and formative research models;
• The candidate should be a permanent resident/national of SADC with current permit to work in Zambia. SASPEN will not process any work permit application for any candidate.
• Strong written/oral communication skills:
• Prior demonstrated research and report generation from which action, policy or system change was an outcome;
• Comfortable with public speaking and meeting facilitation; and
• Ability to write impeccably