Position Overview
The overall aim of the Senior Programme Officer (Social Sciences, Humanities, & Arts (SSHA)) is to support the delivery of a vibrant social sciences and humanities research leadership capacity development programme on the continent. In the short term, this will be delivered as a component of existing programmes at the AAS, promoting excellence in social science, humanities, and Arts research leadership capacity in Africa. The long-term goal of the role is to develop an independent SSHA flagship programme at the AAS.
The Senior Programme Officer (SPO) will focus on the publication and dissemination of knowledge products focusing on various aspects of the SSHA docket. The knowledge products shall be produced using data generated from a recently concluded scoping exercise to determine the status of SSHA research support in Africa. Additionally, the incumbent shall liaise with comparative research networks, as well as thematic and issue-specific research programmes, special initiatives, and projects to advance discourses on the advancement of SSHA research support in Africa. To this end, the SPO shall oversee implementation of various SSHA aspects of the programmes work at the AAS including several tasks as follows:
Leveraging sector-specific knowledge and skills in the effective implementation of programmes and the development of new initiatives.
Overseeing the development and implementation of pre-award, award, and post-award processes.
Mainstreaming gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies within the programmes work.
Designing and implementing risk assessment and management strategies for the programmes.
Working with the finance team on budget control and reviews to ensure compliance and alignment to project and donor requirements.
Working with the monitoring, evaluation, and learning team to produce project reports and other relevant knowledge products.
Initiate, develop and, where appropriate, manage new projects and programmes
The postholder will also be expected to work in close collaboration with other AAS managed programmes through the provision of operational and research support for the achievement of the AAS’ overall strategic goals.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Define and deliver the benefits of the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts component of the AAS programmes in time, within budget, and at the required quality
Assist in the provision of secretariat support to relevant steering groups
Assist in utilising the outputs, networks and relationships created through the AAS programmes to further the Academy’s strategic objectives.
Contribute, as required, to the development of evidence-based positions on research and innovation policy issues linked to the scheme
Contribute to the establishment of systems to enable the Academy to maintain and derive value from contact with past beneficiaries or alumni, and to manage these relationships where appropriate
Contribute to the effective use of administrative resources across the AAS, including the provision of clear and timely information about requirements for administrative support to colleagues
Contribute to the effective use of the AAS information management systems
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement at the AAS and to support line manager in achieving other teams, departmental and organisational objectives, as required
Research support
Perform programme relevant research to inform the development, implementation and delivery of the SSHA component of the AAS programs
Work in close collaboration with the AAS M&E team to identify, collate, track, assess quality, analyse and validate, and report on programme-related data
Identify and build relationships with relevant stakeholders involved in social sciences and humanities research and research leadership capacity development on the continent and globally but not limited to universities and other research institutions, relevant African government departments and policymakers, Africa based and international Think Tanks, and intergovernmental organisations etc
Prepare reports, articles and presentations during programme inception meetings, annual grantee meetings and site visits
Track and perform relevant analyses on various aspects of programme implementation to identify and address important challenges to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.
Key Results and Outcomes Area
Benefits of all assigned activities delivered within budget and timelines and consistent with commitments to funders and agreed targets
Schemes delivered following best practice in scheme management, steering group secretarial support, and effective use of the AAS Information Management Systems
Strong working relationships with all key stakeholders including staff, Fellows of the AAS, other delivery partners, and beneficiaries
Maintaining an attractive and accurate outward profile of activities through the website and other materials
Strong knowledge of AAS policies and procedures, and their application in programme management
Qualifications, Experience, and Expertise required
A PhD degree in a relevant Social Science, Humanities or Arts related research field obtained within the past 10 years
Demonstrable research leadership qualities and experience in the implementation of key research work for priority SSHA agendas
A demonstrable record of research capabilities in social science/humanities research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and other quality knowledge products
At least 3 years’ experience working in research/research leadership capacity development programme design and implementation in Africa
Knowledge of funding/how research is funded/grants or research management
A professional qualification and relevant experience in large scale programme/project management or training in research administration, ethics, leadership or related will be an added advantage
Excellent presentation and public speaking skills
Proficiency in standard office and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint
Project/ Programme management skills (essential)
Key Competencies
Communication: An effective communicator to all stakeholders within the organization and with external counterparts
Teamwork: Understands the roles of different business units and sub-units in won department; recognizes the importance of other business teams and their interdependence to achieve organizational objectives
Planning and organizing: Understands drivers and constraints of execution in terms of time and resource allocation, reviews and prioritizes activities in line with changing work requirement.
Achieving results: Continuously sets challenging goals for the teams and provides support to the team by proactively anticipating challenges and looking at means to overcome them.
Leading and supervising: Manages the performance of the team and promotes a culture of learning and development.
Knowledge sharing and learning: Takes an active interest in developing others by creating opportunities for capability building at the unit.
Judgement/decision making: Identifies, analyzes and discusses decision making alternatives with multiple stakeholders. Evaluates past decisions for insight and improved decision making.
Technical/Scientific credibility: Keeps abreast of latest developments and provides authoritative advice to senior management in the field of his /her expertise.
Commitment to continuous process improvement: Develops and applies effective approaches to programme development and implementation. Identifies ways to improve systems and structures to deliver services with streamlined resources.
Partnership building: Makes use of various forums (professional and social) to network within and outside the organization with a view to leverage these networks for organizational interests.
Analytical thinking: Draws analogies based on available information/data that result in increased understanding. Reframes issues and challenges so that they are input for future action/change.
All applicants must submit a filled application form from the AAS website available here, curriculum vitae/resume, and a cover letter submitted by email to recruitment@aasciences.africa, with the Position and Vacancy Number as the Subject no later than 29th March 2022 on or before 1700hrs. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Apply via :
recruitment@aasciences.afri
