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Senior Program Specialist - Women’s Economic Empowerment And Growth In Low-Income Countries

11:21:00 AM
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Ottawa, Canada.
Closing date: July 17, 2013.

Job Overview:

Location: Ottawa, Canada
Salary Range (CAD): $93,749 - $117,186
Duration: Term until June 28, 2018
The Supporting Inclusive Growth (SIG) Program supports rigorous and policy-oriented research that generates new insights and options for promoting policies that facilitate inclusive growth.  SIG will house a new initiative on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Growth in Low-Income Countries (WEEG). This initiative is jointly supported by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and IDRC with an approximate value of CA $15 million over 5 years. It aims to enhance knowledge and inform policies on barriers to women’s economic empowerment, the role of the care economy, and on the links an between women’s economic empowerment and economic growth. An important component is the development of a portfolio of research projects (15-20) focusing on Low-Income Countries, awarded on a competitive basis.
Under the guidance of the SIG Program Leader and supported by a Knowledge Translation Officer, as the Senior Program Specialist for this new initiative you will take the lead on:
  • Managing the WEEG program: overseeing the competitive call process; providing advice and guidance to colleagues supporting implementation including the Knowledge Translation Officer; directly managing a portfolio of approximately 10 research projects as well as working closely with SIG Program Officers responsible for other WEEG projects; leading the development of a monitoring system and reporting to partner agencies; and overseeing program implementation to ensure its overall cohesion and appropriate use of funds.
  • Promoting research quality and scientific merit: strengthening capacities to design and implement cutting edge, policy relevant, and rigorous research through ongoing engagement with research grantees, including site visits; providing intellectual leadership to foster deeper understanding of the WEEG issues; and contributing to the shaping of theoretical and conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches to guide future research.
  • Facilitating program learning and synthesis across projects: working with research grantees and, where applicable, external advisors, to promote sound methodologies and strengthen analytical skills; forge linkages with other research programs; and encourage and support dissemination of research findings at research and policy fora as well as publications in peer reviewed journals.
  • Supporting research uptake: developing and implementing a Research Uptake Strategy in consultation with the SIG Program Leader; managing ongoing synthesis of key research findings from projects; and promoting dissemination of research to key audiences.
  • Contributing to governance: developing and implementing the Program’s Advisory Strategy in consultation with the SIG Program Leader; managing the recruitment and contracting of Advisors including their inputs; and providing timely updates to the WEEG Executive Committee.

Candidate Profile:

Education
  • PhD and a record of research and publication in a relevant social science discipline such as economics, international development, gender studies OR Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and significant work experience.
Experience
This position requires a minimum of eight years’ relevant experience, which includes:
  • program research management involving multiple stakeholders;
  • leading, managing and conducting research projects in developing regions on issues related to gender and economic growth;
  • assessing and strengthening research capacities through mentoring and supervising;
  • establishing and building partnerships with research organizations and end users  
  • consulting with decision-makers and policy actors to identify research needs;
  • working in developing regions; and
  • working in a policy research or grant-making organization is an asset.
Note:  Candidates with less than eight years' experience may be considered and appointed at the Senior Program Officer level (CA $88,155 - CA $106,211).
 
Language
  • Bilingual position (English/French) at an intermediate level
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of current debates and research agendas in the areas of women’s economic empowerment, care economy, gender equality and economic growth in low-income countries
  • Understanding of a range of disciplines, approaches and methods relevant to the WEEG program and ability to promote multi-disciplinarily views
  • Sound understanding of research uptake processes and challenges

Competencies:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including sensitivity towards individual, gender and cultural differences
  • Strong leadership and team work skills
  • Results-oriented with superior organizing, problem-solving, negotiating, implementing and monitoring skills
  • Solid analytical and writing skills
  • Proven creativity, initiative and ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to establish, manage, guide and monitor relationships with various stakeholders
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and partially virtual team including diverse cultures, expertise and experiences
  • Ability to effectively represent WEEG and IDRC externally
Additional Information
  • A willingness to travel, mostly internationally, an average of 60 days per year.
  • For information on generic responsibilities for this position, view Job Details.

How to Apply:

Position #: 874
Please provide a cover letter along with your CV, setting out precise examples of how your experience, qualifications, and skills match those required for this position. For more information, please visit:
Closing Date (DD/MM/YY): 17/07/13.

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