Water Witness International
- National Research Co-ordinator
- 3 years
- Addis Ababa
This is a new and strategically important position within a dynamic network of civil society, government and research partners, which will place the successful applicant at the heart of efforts to strengthen accountability and evidence-based decision making for sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond. We are seeking an Ethiopian citizen with the experience, skills and confidence to co-ordinate this innovative, multi-stakeholder research programme, and to support the high-quality evidence generation and learning which is required. The post-holder will be responsible for the successful co-ordination of the ‘Accountability for Water Action and Research Programme’ and will ensure that the initiative has impact and legacy for strengthening water sector governance and service delivery in Ethiopia. They will provide administrative and technical support to research partners and Professional Research Fellows in Ethiopia to ensure high-quality research design, delivery, documentation and communication of results.
The role will require competence in the design and delivery of interdisciplinary research, and thoughtful steering of research by a dispersed group of collaborating partners. The research addresses priority questions facing practitioners and policy makers, with a focus on the ‘community dynamics’ of accountability (what stimulates and sustains citizen voice?), ‘duty bearer dynamics’ (when and why is there an effective response?), and the ‘enabling environment’ (how can impact, legacy and countering of closing civic space be supported?). The goal is to generate and share knowledge which will enable all stakeholders to harness accountability practice to accelerate delivery of the water related SDG’s, social justice, climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
The National Research Co-ordinator will be based within our partnership team in Addis Ababa, and will be required to regularly visit professional fellows and partners across Ethiopia, and to represent the team within regional and global meetings. They will work closely with the Team Leader and the Programme Management Team to ensure that the research programme is delivered effectively and efficiently and that it responds to the needs of stakeholders. They will provide technical guidance and support for monitoring, evaluation and learning, and will lead external and internal communications and stakeholder liaison. The person will support uptake of the research findings and establish country level platforms and collaborations to learn from and use the research.
We are looking for someone who has exceptional organisational and communication skills, with the research background and vision to make the most of this opportunity for Ethiopia’s water sector. The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, and to ensure joint ownership and high-quality delivery of programmes with partners will be essential. This is an excellent opportunity for a gifted individual to help shape research, policy and practice water governance in Ethiopia, and to build a legacy of wider impact through the next step in their career as a leader for sustainable development and social justice.
Duties and responsibilities
The objective of this role is to effectively co-ordinate the Ethiopian delivery of the Accountability for Water Research Programme and to ensure that knowledge generated is robust, relevant, well-documented and communicated in ways which advance good governance and water service delivery. The Co-ordinator will ensure efficient delivery that is co-owned by partners and which is managed adaptively to ensure positive impact for our beneficiaries. Specific responsibilities include:
1. Research co-ordination and Research Fellow support
Particular focus will be on coordinating recruitment and supporting Professional Research Fellows working within partner organisations in Ethiopia who will undertake inquiry into accountability initiatives (social accountability monitoring work, budget tracking and analysis, evidence-based advocacy) and accountability mechanisms (statutory complaint and grievance systems, public interest litigation etc.) and their influence on water security for vulnerable communities. There will also be opportunities for the postholder to work directly with research teams to design and deliver cross-cutting research. The success of the work will depend on the National Co-ordinators ability to effectively manage the research partnerships, to meet the changing needs of research fellows and stakeholders.
Working with the partners including Water Witness and the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), the postholder will be the primary point of contact for the programme in Ethiopia and will ensure that:
An efficient process for recruitment, training and provision of ongoing technical assistance to Professional Research Fellows is in place and operational, including via online and telephone support, meetings and national events;
Research is designed and delivered using robust and ethical methodologies, that effective documentation takes place, and that lessons are effectively captured, packaged and shared to maximise their uptake;
Relevant permissions and clearance are in place for the research, and that the programme complies with the law at all times;
Opportunities are seized to undertake cross-cutting research such as large n-questionnaire surveys and Key Informant Interviews;
That problems are solved and risks managed pro-actively and efficiently;
That the legacy of the programme is strong, and that options for scaling the work are scoped and secured where appropriate.
In order to deliver these duties, the post holder will undertake a wide range of programme co-ordination activities including:
Planning and reporting against programme budgets and workplans
Mentorship and support to staff and research partners.
Tracking of tasks and resources through regular communication, meetings and visits to ensure impact within budget and timescales.
Quality assurance, statutory compliance and alignment with internal policies.
Proactively input to and track research and debates which are relevant and ensure that our decision making is based on best available knowledge.
2. Learning, communications, advocacy and uptake
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that:
Learning is generated, synthesised and documented across the programmes work in Ethiopia;
Programmes monitoring, evaluation and learning plans are appropriate and implemented;
The work is communicated effectively to external parties, and that communications internally to the team and professional fellows is efficient and effective;
That appropriate plans are in place to drive uptake of the research findings through modified practice, policy or investment and that these are delivered on.
Advocacy based on the results of the research programme has impact.
3. Partnership development and stakeholder support
The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration between a diverse set of local, regional and global partners. The Co-ordinator will have primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining constructive relationships with these partners including via:
Planning, delivery, management and write up of regional and national meetings, trainings and workshops;
Acting as the secretariat of the National Advisory Group which meets quarterly including taking minutes and ensuring actions are delivered;
Prompt and comprehensive reporting to and liaison with the Programme Management Team and country host;
Support for and active participation in regional and global meetings, conferences and events.
The post-holder will maintain the flexible approach needed within a small network organisation and will deputise for others to undertake other duties as required.
Key working relationships and logistical arrangements
The successful applicant will be part of the team of professionals based in our partner’s offices in Addis Ababa and will be a key member of the global Accountability for Water team They will work closely with the Team Leader to help shape the work, and to plan and account for programme budgets. Negotiations with our national partners are at an advance stage and the hosting institution will be announced soon. They will be responsible for supporting high impact delivery by research fellows, our partners and members, and regular travel will be required. Key working relationships include:
Practice Lead – Research, and Research Officer Water Witness, UK.
Research Programme Director and Officer, PASGR, Kenya.
Accountability for Water Programme Partners (WaterAid, WIN, Oxfam, Shahidi wa Maji, ESAP, National Governments, End Water Poverty, PASGR, Institute of Development Studies – University of Sussex, African Council of Ministers for Water, Hewlett Foundation, Rural Water Supply Network).
Travel: requent periods of travel in Ethiopia with occasional regional and global travel
Term: 2 years, extension subject to performance and funding
Job Requirements
Person Specification
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:
Experience and qualifications:
Essential
Master’s degree in international development, water, or governance-related fields.
At least 3 years’ experience in programme coordination, monitoring, evaluation and research preferably in a research-focused organization or initiative.
Technical knowledge and experience of the water resource management and/or WASH sectors, gender and/or accountability, advocacy and governance research for sustainable development in Ethiopia.
Understanding of inclusive approaches, gender, and key trends in international development.
Demonstrable experience in supporting research and coordinating the implementation of research programmes.
A track record of publication, and a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to a wide range of audiences.
Evidence of working in effective regional and national partnerships with senior level and technical staff, and of supporting networks of stakeholders.
Experience and understanding of the strategies, challenges, and opportunities for translating research and evidence into use, policy and practice for sustainable and inclusive development.
A proven team player, able to mentor, organize events, facilitate workshops, deliver training and collaborate within a multi-cultural and dispersed team of mixed capabilities and experience.
Desirable
Design and management of knowledge and learning networks in Africa.
Experience of multi-country, multi-partner, interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Successful track record of converting research and evidence into high impact advocacy materials and communication campaigns.
Proven advocacy skills to influence at the highest levels and with multiple stakeholders and key decision-makers
Skills and attributes:
Essential
Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English and Amharic, and an ability to design, deliver and disseminate core research and evaluation findings to a variety of audiences
Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively in networks and communities of practice
A flexible and resourceful attitude with the ability to manage and prioritize an unpredictable workload.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills in order to understand the range and content of accountability for water work and provide practical solutions to operational challenges.
Proven data analysis and report writing skills including documentation and editing with proficiency in data analysis software.
A high degree of competence in using IT tools, platforms and programmes.
Exceptional organizational skills, professional diligence, and ethical conduct.
Must be dynamic, creative, and passionate about delivering positive change in the world.
Familiar with current concepts and approaches within accountability and advocacy and /or water resource management, climate resilience and WASH.
Desirable
Familiarity and competence in media, communications, infographics, publishing and the use of social media.
Equality Statement
The partners are committed to equal opportunities for all, and to welcome people from a wide diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. On this occasion, only those with an existing right to work and live in Ethiopia should apply.
Selection Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please assume that you have not been shortlisted if you have not heard from us within 1 week of the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake an additional assessment prior to the interview.
Salary: Range between ETB 505,000 - 653,920 per year depending on experience
- 2 weeks ago
- 237 views
- Feb, 21/2020 (1 days left)
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