Knowledge Platform Expert – PhD Economist (Consultancy)

Objectives of the Role

The Knowledge Platform Expert will:

• Contribute to the organization’s mission of conducting rigorous, policy-relevant economic research.
• Build and manage a knowledge platform that influences policy decisions and drives economic transformation in Africa.
• Focus on advancing key thematic areas, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and coordinating high-level policy dialogues to ensure research findings lead to tangible policy impacts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Management of the Knowledge Platform and Related Activities

• Knowledge Mapping: Identify and draft an overview of existing policy knowledge on selected key themes (e.g., digitization, labor markets, youth and women’s empowerment).
• Research Synthesis: Summarize and synthesize both existing research and new knowledge generated under current AERC/INCLUDE projects, sharing it in accessible formats for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
• Policy Dialogues: Lead the establishment of at least two new African Policy Dialogues (APDs) annually, ensuring these dialogues are research-driven, informed by stakeholder consultations, and aligned with policy priorities.
• Partnerships: Raise the profile of APDs through strategic partnerships and collaborations with other evidence-informed institutions (e.g., think tanks) in Africa.
• APD Facilitation: Organize and facilitate debates and discussions under the auspices of African Policy Dialogues, including policy-relevant research and synthesis reports.
• Barrier Mitigation: Identify and minimize language, cultural, and timeline barriers to meaningful exchange between knowledge producers and policymakers.
• Resource Mobilization: In collaboration with AERC’s resource mobilization team, proactively engage with donor agencies and funding bodies to ensure the financial sustainability of the Platform.
• Administration: Maintain clear records of Platform activities (e.g., workshops) and outcomes.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the AERC Research Department, led by the Director of Research.
• Other Duties: Perform any other related tasks as requested by the Director of Research.

2. Research and Knowledge Generation

• High-Quality Research: Conduct rigorous, original research on economic development issues relevant to Africa (e.g., labor markets, climate change, trade, fiscal policy, poverty alleviation, sustainable development).
• Publications: Develop in-depth research papers, policy briefs, and reports, contributing to both academic literature and practical policy solutions.
• Collaboration: Partner with other researchers, institutions, and think tanks to ensure comprehensive, high-impact analysis of priority economic issues.

3. Publishing and Academic Contribution

• Academic Journals: Publish research findings in reputable international academic journals, ensuring both quality and policy relevance.
• Presentations: Share findings in conferences, workshops, and seminars, actively seeking peer feedback.
• Research Agenda: Build a research agenda aligned with AERC’s strategic goals and contribute to strengthening its academic reputation.

4. Visibility of the Knowledge Platform and AERC

• Outreach: Establish visible links with key institutions (African Union Secretariat, ECA, UNDP, UNCTAD) to enhance the profile and impact of the Knowledge Platform.
• Dissemination: Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge platform for sharing research outputs, best practices, and policy insights.
• Media Engagement: Use various channels—blogs (e.g., bimonthly), webinars, social media—to ensure accessibility of research findings to diverse audiences.

5. Strategic Planning and Advisory

• Strategy: Contribute to AERC’s strategic priorities and research agenda, ensuring relevance to economic trends and policy needs in Africa.
• Advisory: Provide guidance to senior management on policy developments, emerging trends, and implications for future engagement.

Qualifications/Person Specification

• Education: PhD in Economics or a closely related field from a reputable institution.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of post-PhD experience in economic research (academic, research institute, or think tank).
  • Demonstrated success publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and government engagement.
  • Proven ability to facilitate policy dialogues that influence public policy.
• Skills:
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research capabilities, with proficiency in relevant software (e.g., STATA, R, Python).
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills for both academic and non-academic audiences.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong networking skills to build relationships with policymakers, donors, and other stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Able to synthesize complex data and provide actionable policy recommendations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to clearly and persuasively convey research findings.
• Policy Impact: Deep understanding of African policy environments and the capacity to translate research into impactful policy solutions.
• Collaboration: Skilled at partnering with a wide variety of stakeholders to maximize research impact.

Performance Indicators

• Research Output: Number and quality of peer-reviewed publications (particularly during 2020-2024).
• Policy Influence: Number of policy dialogues organized and measurable impact of research on policy decisions.
• Knowledge Platform Engagement: Growth in user engagement and distribution of research outputs.
• Networking and Partnerships: New partnerships and collaborations formed with international research institutions, universities, and policymakers.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience.
2. A current CV.
3. A research portfolio or list of publications.
4. Contact information for at least two professional references.

Deadline for applications: 9th February 2025