Senior Program Officer - Think Tank Initiative

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian Crown corporation, supports research in developing regions of the world to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most. It is within this dynamic context that we are seeking to recruit a specialist to join our Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office in Montevideo, Uruguay.

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER - Think Tank Initiative

(Note: This process may be used to fill an anticipated Senior Program Officer position for the Think Tank Initiative in our South Asia and China Regional Office located in New Delhi, India.)

Job Overview

The Think Tank Initiative is a multi donor program to support independent policy research organizations in developing regions. Initially focused on selected countries in East Africa, West Africa, South Asia and Latin America, the Program intends to strengthen a select group of independent policy research organizations, such that these organizations are providing objective, high-quality research that both informs and influences economic and social policies related to growth, equity and poverty reduction. The Program provides long-term general support funding to qualifying organizations, along with access to funds for training, technical assistance and mentoring to allow them to confront key challenges facing their organizations. For more information about this Initiative, visit www.idrc.ca/thinktank.

Based in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Senior Program Officer, under the guidance of the Program Leader and the Regional Office Director, will manage the activities of the Initiative in Latin America. Specifically, responsibilities will include, monitoring awarded grants, managing organizational development funds, mentoring and supporting grantees with respect to organizational development issues and contributing to the wider learning and research components of the program. The anticipated Senior Program Officer position based in New Delhi, India will have a similar reporting relationship and will manage program activities in South Asia.

Candidate Profile

Education
• PhD preferred in a relevant social science discipline associated with social and economic policy reforms for sustainable development. (e.g. economics, international development, political sciences, sociology)

Experience
• Five years related experience in managing, assessing and conducting policy research and project management, which includes:
o conducting quantitative empirical policy research
o developing and monitoring budgets
o establishing and building partnerships, and
o strengthening research capacity through teaching, mentoring and/or supervising
• Experience working in developing regions, in particular Latin America/Caribbean or in South Asia
• Experience in an independent policy research organization is an asset

Note: Candidates with less experience may be considered for appointment at the level of Program Officer (CA $68,742 - CA $82,823)

Language
• English is essential at an advanced level
• Proficiency in Spanish is required for the position in Latin America

Knowledge
• Knowledge of economic and social policy issues in Latin America or South Asia
• Knowledge of organizational development issues (e.g. human resources development, policy influence, strategic planning )
• Knowledge of the research environment and research organizations in the regions targeted by the Program

Competencies
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, proven initiative and creativity
• Strong planning, organizing, problem-solving, negotiating, implementing and monitoring skills
• Solid analytical and writing skills
• Ability to work as a member of a virtual team and under pressure
• Ability to establish, manage and monitor relationships with various stakeholders
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team including diverse cultures, expertise and experiences
• Awareness and sensitivity towards individual, gender and cultural difference

Additional Information

This position requires a willingness to travel, mainly in the region and internationally, an average of 60 days per year.

Ideally, the successful candidate will start in the position in the Fall of 2010.

If you are interested in a career with a lasting impact, we invite you to join our team of talented and motivated professionals operating in a stimulating, multicultural, learning environment.

For more information about this opportunity and how to apply, visit www.idrc.ca/careers. Application Deadline: June 9, 2010.

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

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