Senior Program Specialist, Supporting Inclusive Growth

At the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), we support research in developing regions of the world, financially and through capacity-building, to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most. Join our dynamic team of diverse professionals and build a career that will impact the world.

Senior Program Specialist
Supporting Inclusive Growth
Cairo, Egypt

The goal of the Supporting Inclusive Growth (SIG) Program is to support rigorous and policy-oriented research that generates new insights and options for promoting policies that facilitate inclusive growth.  The program focuses on two thematic areas: the enhancement of enterprise development, entrepreneurship and innovation; and the facilitation of growth with decent jobs. 

As the Senior Program Specialist, reporting to the SIG Program Leader in Ottawa and the Regional Director in Cairo, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative multi-disciplinary team. You will take the lead in developing, managing, monitoring, reporting on and evaluating a portfolio of research projects in the Middle Eastern and North African region.  You will also interact with experts in the field and represent IDRC in a variety of fora, draw attention to new developments in economic policies and research, and play a key role in the progress of strategic thinking in this area. Furthermore, you will collaborate with the other IDRC Programs to realize synergies in IDRC efforts to inform ongoing political and economic transitions in the region.

The current portfolio of research projects promote inclusive growth, including labour market issues, institutional frameworks for investment, competition and entrepreneurial activity, and the role of social protection policies. Over the past few years, research and research capacity have been supported across the region in the fields of entrepreneurship, small firms, market regulation, competition policy, and women’s economic empowerment.  Future programming will build on these strengths and ensure that IDRC research funding is supporting key development challenges and opportunities in the region.

Qualifications

• PhD preferred along with a record of research/publication in a relevant discipline such as economics, public finance, international development OR Master’s degree and record of research/publication in relevant discipline and significant work experience (i.e.10 years or more)
• a minimum of eight years’ relevant experience which includes: managing and conducting research projects from project design to implementation and evaluation in developing regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa; developing and monitoring budgets; 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; and working in a policy research or grant-making organization is an asset.
• Bilingual position (English/French) at an advanced level; Arabic is an asset
• Knowledge of current debates and research agendas in the areas of development economics, political economy approaches to growth-related issues, and gender equality in developing regions; and of the research environment and policy-oriented research organizations in Middle East and North Africa
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including sensitivity towards individual, gender and cultural differences
• Proven results-oriented and innovative leader, problem-solver, negotiator and motivator
• Solid analytical and writing skills
• Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with various stakeholders and work in a multidisciplinary and partially virtual team
• Flexibility to travel, mostly internationally, an average of 60 days per year

For more information about this rewarding career opportunity and to apply before the closing date of October 9, 2013, please visit our website at www.idrc.ca/careers.  

IDRC encourages applications from qualified women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.