VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Director of Training – African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) 

SRI Executive Search has been contracted by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) to assist with the search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position Director of Training. Founded in 1988, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is a premier capacity building institution dedicated to the advancement of research and training to inform economic policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ranked as one of the top 30 International Development Think Tanks in 2013, the AERC is an organisation which has become the epitome of excellence in economic policy-oriented research and collaborative training. Believing that sustained economic development can only be achieved through well-informed policy-relevant research and the effective management of the economy, the AERC work to provide Sub-Saharan Africa with the resources they need, to drive economic change at both a local and global level, across the continent.

With a programme which seeks to build on the ground capability through economic policy research, postgraduate training and policy outreach across a network of researchers, universities and policy makers within Africa and beyond, the AERC work to strengthen local capacity by providing African economies with the analysis they need to make a lasting difference within the country. As a diverse, distinct and integrated knowledge network, the AERC has provided Sub-Saharan Africa with a data system that is informative, enlightening and integral to the design and implementation of sound economic policies within the region.

You can find further details on AERC and their programs on the website https://aercafrica.org/

Director of Training Role Profile

The Director of Training provides the overall intellectual leadership and guidance and strategic oversight for the Training Programme and ensures that the training programmes of the Consortium are of the highest quality and relevance to the economic and policy needs of Africa.  In this respect, the Director must actively manage the capacity-building training programmes at the Masters’ and Doctoral levels in economics and applied and agricultural economics.

The Director also contributes to the development and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy with reference to the Consortium’s Training programmes and collaborates with the Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations Unit to ensure that donor monitoring and evaluation requirements are met.  The Director is responsible for ensuring all other reporting requirements for the Research activities. S/he is a member of the Senior Management Team and supports the Executive Director in promoting teamwork and collaboration, performance standards, and a value for money culture across the Secretariat.

Required Qualifications

·            Strategic thinking, leadership, and management skills

·            Good financial management skills

·            Good knowledge of information and communication technology and computerized management systems

·            Computer literacy, virtual learning, and virtual networking

·            Well-organized and able to multi-task and meet deadlines

·            Excellent interpersonal, networking and negotiating skills including diplomacy

·            Excellent people management skills

·            Excellent presentation skills

·            Excellent report writing skills

·            Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

·            Excellent judgment in analysing data and information

·            Excellent oral and written communication

·            Good leader and team player

Education

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Economics and a record of accomplishment in economic research reflected in published works as well as experience in graduate training in economics in Africa.

Relevant Experience 

·         At least 10 years relevant experience, including management, teaching and training experience at the university level.

·         Ability and willingness to travel widely in Africa

·         Ability to manage grants and fundraising

·         Ability to work in French would be an asset

·         Ability to provide cohesive leadership

·         Strong passion for training

How to Apply

If you wish to be considered for this position, please forward a copy of your CV and a supporting letter in Microsoft Word format, along with any relevant documentation to AERC-DT@sri-executive.com  on or before 20 August 2020.  All information will be in the strictest confidence as we pride ourselves on our professional service.  We will revert to you as soon as feasible when we have reviewed your application.