Organization: African Institute for Development Policy
Location: Malawi
Eligible Citizenship: Malawi
Application Code: M01-Int
Job Function: Advocacy, Communications, Policy, Research
Issue Area: Economic Development, Food Security / Nutrition, Health Systems Strengthening / Healthcare Access
About
Founded in 2009, the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is an African-led, regional non-profit policy think tank that seeks to bridge the gaps between development research, policy and practice in Africa. Our vision is to make research evidence matter in African-driven development. We work to translate and enable the utilization of evidence in policy-making, primarily in the fields of population change and sustainable development, and health systems strengthening in Africa. The ultimate impact of our work is to contribute to the realization of sustainable socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa through three main approaches: synthesis and translation of research evidence; enabling the utilization of research evidence in decision making; and strengthening capacity in research evidence synthesis, translation and utilization. In line with these three objectives, we dedicate our efforts to strengthen the commitment and capacity of political leaders, policymakers, and program managers in addressing Africa’s population change and sustainable development and health systems strengthening challenges.
Position Overview
The Knowledge Translation Officer will be based in Lilongwe and work closely with AFIDEP staff working on population change and sustainable development initiatives, health systems strengthening projects, or communications and knowledge management teams (or a combination), depending on individual interests. The Knowledge Translation Officer will be instrumental in carrying out research, generating and synthesizing knowledge, identifying gaps and opportunities, and providing evidence and practical solutions that can enable policy makers to address inequalities and barriers to access in delivery of population, sustainable development, and health programs and interventions.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate the implementation of research projects, including data collection and collation, data analysis, and systematic evidence and policy reviews
- Promote application of research findings in decision-making processes at national, regional, and international levels
- Write critical research reports
- Contribute to capacity building and knowledge generation/synthesis activities
- Contribute to proposal writing
- Develop and disseminate policy-oriented advocacy materials
Required Skills and Experience
- Degree in public health, population studies, economics, communications sciences, social sciences or related areas.
- Relevant experience in research program management (knowledge translation and policy engagement, including scientific writing, synthesizing and translating research evidence into outputs that are usable by policymakers, developing policy-oriented advocacy materials, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs).
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Demonstrated excellent writing and communication skills.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Minimum of master’s degree in public health, population studies, economics, communications sciences, social sciences or related areas.
- Relevant training in research and policy analysis work
- A track record in coordinating research programs and partnerships
- Additional official language such as French
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Understanding of key policies and stakeholders in the development sector, specifically related to population, health, and communications in Malawi
- Demonstrated experience in use of scientific software (Endnote, SPSS, Stata, Nvivo) for data analysis and management
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Results-oriented and accountable with strong attention to detail
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure
Fellowship Logistics
During the fellowship year, all fellows are provided with:
- A living stipend of $650/month
- Housing and utilities
- Health insurance
- A professional development grant of $600
- An award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year
- Travel costs covered to and from placement site, training and retreats
*Note: The living stipend and the completion award may be paid out in USD or local currency, as determined by the placement organization.
Living and Working in Malawi: Fellows are provided with housing and utilities during the fellowship year. Housing arrangements vary based on the placement organization and location within the country. Fellows at AFIDEP will be housed near the office in Lilongwe, an urban center and capital of Malawi.
