Senior Program Officer - Globalization, Growth and Poverty Program

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 - Globalization, Growth and Poverty Program

Job Overview

The Globalization, Growth and Poverty Program supports research, builds long-term capacities and explores new methods and approaches addressing sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth. The program aims to enhance knowledge and strengthen policy development on critical aspects of economic and social policy reforms and institutional innovations.

The Senior Program Officer will collaborate in managing research activities that support broader Program issues and challenges around promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly from the perspectives of public finance and social protection policies, labour markets, and institutional frameworks for investment, trade and entrepreneurial activity. Priorities also include better understanding the institutional and financial implications of transitions to lower-carbon growth strategies.

Reporting to the Program Leader and the Regional Director, the Senior Program Officer will develop, manage and monitor a portfolio of research projects in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). As part of a global team and a corporate Program Area, he/she may have selected responsibilities for projects in other regions as well as working in collaboration with the Think Tank Initiative in LAC. He/she 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.

Candidate Profile

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

Experience
• Five years related experience in managing, assessing and conducting research and project management in Latin America and the Caribbean, which includes:

o developing and monitoring budgets
o establishing and building partnerships
o strengthening research capacity through teaching, mentoring and/or supervising

• Working in a policy research or grant-making organization is an asset

Note: Candidates with less experience may be considered for appointment at the level of Program Officer (CA $68,743 - CA $82,823).

Language
• English is essential at an advanced level
• Proficiency in Spanish is required

Knowledge
• Knowledge of current debates and research agenda on development economics and on political economy approaches to growth related issues in developing regions
• Knowledge of the research environment and policy oriented research organizations in LAC

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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