Research Fellow II Zambia Institute For Policy Analysis And Research

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) is the leading think tank in Zambia, with a distinctly international character. The Think Tank provides an environment for creative thinking and conducting policy analysis and research, promotes dialogue and advocacy, and delivers capacity building and training. Overtime, the Institute has grown to become a critical reference in the social and economic policy discourse in Zambia.

To support the Executive Director to effectively engage with stakeholders to promote evidence-based policies in a sustainable manner, ZIPAR seeks a dynamic and experienced person to fill the position of Research Fellow II-Emerging Themes

Job purpose

Under the supervision of Research Fellow I, the Job holder will be required to assist in the development, coordination and undertaking of policy analysis, research and modelling on a wide array of Environment and Development, Water, Land and Energy Development, Political Economy, and cross-cutting issues relevant to the development context of Zambia.

Moreover, the job holder is expected to influence public policy by being proficient and providing quality and timely policy advisory services as well as provide capacity building and training services that address critical bottlenecks to influencing public policy reforms. Therefore, the Job holder will be expected to support the generation and synthesing of empirical evidence and avail policy recommendations to decision makers through various dissemination and policy dialogue podia.

Key Result Areas & Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Research

Conducting and coordinating research projects and relating the findings to practical policy implementation;
Undertaking economic simulations to establish economy wide impacts of policy shifts and economic shocks;
Drafting and editing policy documents, research reports, policy briefings, memoranda, literature reviews and ‘popular’ versions of research findings appropriate for users and beneficiaries;
Overseeing the organisation of events and seminars including policy briefings, consultative workshops and deliberative forums as requested;
Working with others in raising funding for research projects including writing proposals for core funding, for consultancies and external research funding;
Devising and managing budgets and work plans in line with ZIPAR strategic plan;
Prepare ZIPAR quarterly and annual reports.
Policy Dialogue and Dissemination

Supporting dissemination activities of ZIPAR research outputs;
Undertaking media work where required by for example writing press releases and drafting media articles;
Publishing the findings of research projects in appropriate outlets including peer review journals;
Representing ZIPAR at national, regional and international events as requested by the Executive Director.
Attending ZIPAR research meetings, seminars, workshops and other meetings as necessary.
Capacity Building

Supervise and mentor subordinate researchers in the Unit;

Reviewing and proof reading of reports and working papers;
Participating regularly in professional development opportunities; and
Assisting other researchers with various tasks, including data entry, field research, statistical analysis and presentation preparation.
Building of Relationships and Networking

Develop and actively manage a network of contacts in the Government, the region, development partners, academia, private sector and civil society;
Fundraising

Be responsible for project development work and maintaining relationships with existing funders;
Maintain customer accounts;
Supporting general fundraising activities for ZIPAR.
People Management

Supervising Associate Researchers
Responding to ad-hoc requests by the Executive Director or Unit Head, working with requestor to clarify their needs and optimize the utility of research results.
Job Specifications

1.Required Education

a) Essential Qualifications

Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent;
Masters’ degree in Economics, Development Studies, Agriculture Economics, Environmental Studies or any closely related field; and
A peer-reviewed publication solely attributed to the candidate is a further added advantage.
b) Preferred Qualifications

Nil
2.Essential Professional Memberships

Registered and paid-up member of the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ) or any relevant professional body
3.Required Experience:

a) Essential Experience

At least four (4) years of post-qualifying experience preferably in a research and policy environment.
b) Preferred Experience

At least three (3) years of work and research experience in the field of Environmental Studies and Energy will be an added advantage.
4.Required Knowledge/Technical Skills/Competencies

Excellent grasp of economic theory;
Excellent knowledge of the Zambian economy and the contemporary social, economic and environmental policy issues requiring remedial actions;
Proven skills and experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research;
Economic or environmental modelling/simulations an added advantage;
Excellent technical writing and analytical skills, that is, edits and writes innovative and cutting-edge articles and reports to a standard ready for publication;
Excellent communication skills, written and oral in English;
Demonstrable ability to present research findings in various formats and for different audiences;
Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office, statistical packages such as SPSS, Stata, R and internet search engines;
Proven project management and team leadership skills including the ability to manage a number of projects at one time;
Keen attention to detail and demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
An ability to organize consultative, dissemination and training events such as seminars, workshops, expos, briefings and validation events;
Demonstrable ability to lead and manage a team, to work independently and as a member of a team;
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate confidently and positively with a range of people both internally and externally;
Self-motivated, self-directed, creative, organized, and deeply committed to personal and organizational excellence.