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AFIDEP is a regional non-profit research and policy institute whose mission is to institutionalize a culture of consistent use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation to address various development challenges in Africa. AFIDEP is implementing a research project that is examining the barriers and enablers to the formulation and implementation of policies and regulations to address youth unemployment in Africa. This work is being implemented in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. For further details about AFIDEP and its work refer to www.afidep.org.

AFIDEP is looking for a senior research expert to work as a consultant in a Technical Advisory role on this research on youth employment policy and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a relevant PhD and extensive experience in designing and conducting research on youth employment policy and regulations. The Consultant will work with the AFIDEP team of researchers and other consultants in steering the design and implementation of the ongoing research. The Consultant will work from AFIDEP’s Nairobi office in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to the design and implementation of AFIDEP’s ongoing youth employment research in Africa.
• Oversee the research project’s stakeholder consultations, including policy dialogues and one-on-one consultations with key stakeholders in Kenya.
• Undertake quality assurance for the research process including research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Lead the conceptualisation and writing of scientific papers based on the research results.
• Lead the dissemination of research results in Kenya, and at regional level.
• Oversee consortium partner coordination and management in the implementation of the youth employment policy research being implemented by AFIDEP.

Qualifications and Requirements

• PhD in Education and Skills Development, or Industrial Development, or Trade and Investment, or other relevant field.
• At least 15 years of research leadership experience involving leading the design and implementation of high quality research studies in the relevant focus of this work (education and skills development, or industrial policy, or trade and investment).
• Hands-on experience with designing and conducting high quality policy research studies.
• Track record of scientific publications in relevant research fields.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multi-stakeholder consultations and engagements.

Application Process

To apply, submit a detailed CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your expertise and experience in leading multi-country and multi-disciplinary research teams in designing and implementing high quality research with a policy focus, to recruitment@afidep.org with the subject line “Consultant – Technical Advisor on Youth Employment” by May 6, 2025.

Consultant-Technical-Advisor-on-Youth-Employment_April-2025.docx

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute established in 2010 to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in development efforts in Africa. Our primary purpose is to contribute to sustainable development through evidence and advocacy to strengthen political commitment and resource allocation for development issues; inform the design and implementation of effective interventions; and improve governance and accountability structures for tracking development challenges in Africa. AFIDEP is registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation in Kenya and Malawi (where it has offices) and as a non-profit institution in the USA with 501(c)3 status. For further details about AFIDEP and its work, refer to www.afidep.org.

Job Summary

The Director of Sustainable Growth and Governance Programmes will provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing programmes to strengthen governance institutions and systems and optimise the balance between economic empowerment of people and environment preservation across Africa. The Director will report to the Deputy Executive Director responsible for programmes and contribute to overall institutional leadership through Senior Management Team (SMT) membership. The Director will lead and provide oversight in proposal development, donor engagement, project implementation, reporting, networking, and policy engagement to elevate the scope and impact of the Institute’s Sustainable Growth and Governance work. Currently, the Sustainable Growth and Governance Programme has three priority areas: Economic Wellbeing, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and Accountability. The Director will ensure that work undertaken under the Sustainable Growth and Governance programme is of the highest quality standard and aligns with the Institute’s goal of making evidence matter in transforming lives. The Director will also ensure cohesiveness in the work under the Sustainable Growth and Governance Programme and cross-functional collaboration with other programmes to optimise the Institute’s strategic vision and overall impact.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction to all work and line-manage the thematic leads in Economic Wellbeing, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and
• Ensure all programmatic activities align with the Institute’s strategic priorities, mandate and vision.
• Oversee the design and implementation of innovative programs that respond to emerging evidence and technical assistance needs in Economic Wellbeing, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and Accountability.
• Work closely with thematic heads to ensure program quality, impact, and successful integration of efforts across the priority areas of the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program.

2.  Program Development

• Lead the development of new initiatives and approaches in the priority areas of the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program in the African context.
• Oversee the generation and use of evidence to inform program design and improvement, ensuring the use of data and research to drive impact and
• Support thematic leads under Sustainable Growth and Governance Program priority areas in designing adaptive program strategies that respond to evolving policy environments and sectoral needs.

3.  Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, governments, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders to enhance the organisation’s influence and impact within the Sustainable Growth and Governance sectors.
• Serve as the primary representative of the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program to external partners, ensuring alignment between the Institute’s goals and stakeholder priorities.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, such as business development and communications, to ensure strong program funding, visibility, and sustainability.

4.  Resource Mobilisation and Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Business Development team to identify funding opportunities and secure resources to support Sustainable Growth and Governance programs.
• Oversee the financial management and budget of the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program portfolio, ensuring proper resource allocation and compliance with donor and organisational requirements.
• Provide input into budget planning and resource allocation to ensure the sustainability and growth of key programs.

5.  Capacity Building and Team Leadership

• Provide mentorship and leadership to thematic leads and their teams in the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program area, inspiring a learning, collaboration, and professional growth culture.
• Identify staff development and training opportunities to strengthen internal capacities in program management, research, and implementation.
• Lead performance management for the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program teams, ensuring accountability for program delivery, impact, and compliance with donor and organisational requirements.

6.  Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Oversee the integration of robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks across the Sustainable Growth and Governance Program, ensuring data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Performance Management & Impact Manager to ensure alignment between program goals and organisational MEL strategies.
• Support the identification of key performance indicators and metrics to track progress and demonstrate the impact of Sustainable Growth and Governance Program initiatives.

7.  Communications and Publications

• Ensure the work under the programme area is effectively communicated to all relevant third parties and that the Communication Manager is constantly engaged to ensure the standardisation of communication strategies.
• Mentor all programme team members on writing for impact, ensuring constant production of peer-reviewed journal articles and other policy-oriented knowledge products and coverage of the programme area’s work and impact in all institutional communications outlets.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Development Economics, Governance, Environment and Climate Change, Public Health, Development Studies, or related fields.
• At least 10 years post-PhD experience leading large-scale programs in strengthening health systems, education and skill development, population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and leading program portfolios in Economic Wellbeing, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and Accountability
• Strong background in program design, management, and evaluation within the African context.
• Experience working with donor-funded programs and understanding compliance, reporting, and financial management.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams and build cross-functional collaboration.

Key Competencies: 

1. Leadership and Management

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and guide program implementation across multiple thematic areas.
• Experience managing health, education, and population dynamics teams, strongly focusing on results and impact.

2.  Strategic Thinking and Innovation

• Ability to lead programmatic innovation and development, ensuring alignment with broader Institutional goals and adapting to changing needs in the sector.

3.  Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills, ensuring cross-program integration and partnerships.

4.  Data-Driven Decision Making

• Experience using data, research, and evidence to inform programmatic decisions and

5.  Resource Mobilisation and Financial Acumen

• Proven ability to mobilise financial resources and manage resources effectively in line with donor and organisational financial policies.

TO APPLY: Please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@afidep.org, including the full position title, i.e., “Director of Sustainable Growth and Governance Programs” on the subject of the email by 9th May 2025. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in this position. Your CV should include three relevant referees. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Download full job description: Director of Sustainable Growth and Governance Programmes

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute established in 2010 to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in development efforts in Africa. Our primary purpose is to contribute to sustainable development through evidence and advocacy to strengthen political commitment and resource allocation for development issues; inform the design and implementation of effective interventions; and improve governance and accountability structures for tracking development challenges in Africa. AFIDEP is registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation in Kenya and Malawi (where it has offices) and as a non-profit institution in the USA with 501(c)3 status. For further details about AFIDEP and its work, refer to www.afidep.org.

Job Summary

The Director of Human Capital Development Programmes will provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing programmes to optimise quality human capital across Africa. The Director will report to the Deputy Executive Director responsible for programmes and contribute to overall institutional leadership through Senior Management Team (SMT) membership. The Director will lead and provide oversight in proposal development, donor engagement, project implementation, reporting, networking, and policy engagement to elevate the scope and impact of the Institute’s Human Capital Development work. The Human Capital Development Program has four priority areas: Health Systems Strengthening, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Education & Skills Development, and Population Dynamics & Demographic Dividend. The Director will ensure that work undertaken under the Human Capital Programme is of the highest quality standard and aligns with the Institute’s goal of making evidence matter in transforming lives. The Director will ensure cohesiveness in the work under the Human Capital Development Programme and cross-functional collaboration with other programmes to optimise the Institute’s strategic vision and overall impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction to all work and line-manage the thematic leads in Health Systems Strengthening, Population Dynamics and Demographic Dividend, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Education & Skills Development.
• Ensure all programmatic activities align with the Institute’s strategic priorities, mandate, and vision.
• Oversee the design and implementation of innovative programs that respond to emerging evidence and technical assistance needs in health system strengthening, population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health, and education and skill
• Work closely with thematic heads to ensure program quality, impact, and the successful integration of efforts across the human capital programme priority areas.

2.  Program Development

• Lead the development of new initiatives and approaches in health systems strengthening, education, and population dynamics that address key challenges and opportunities within the African context.
• Oversee the generation and use of evidence to inform the design and improvement of programs, ensuring the use of data and research to drive impact and sustainability.
• Support thematic leads in designing adaptive program strategies that respond to evolving policy environments and sectoral needs.

3.  Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, governments, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders to enhance the organisation’s influence and impact within the human capital sectors.
• Serve as the primary representative of the human capital programs to external partners, ensuring alignment between the Institute’s goals and stakeholder priorities.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, such as business development and communications, to ensure strong program funding, visibility, and sustainability.

4.  Resource Mobilisation and Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Business Development team to identify funding opportunities and secure resources to support human capital programs.
• Oversee the financial management and budget of the Human Capital Program portfolio, ensuring proper resource allocation and compliance with donor and organisational requirements.
• Provide input into budget planning and resource allocation to ensure the sustainability and growth of key programs.

5.  Capacity Building and Team Leadership

• Provide mentorship and leadership to thematic leads and their teams, inspiring a learning, collaboration, and professional growth culture.
• Identify staff development and training opportunities to strengthen internal capacities in program management, research, and implementation.
• Lead performance management for the human capital teams, ensuring accountability for program delivery, impact, and compliance with donor and organisational

6.  Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Oversee the integration of robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks across human capital programs, ensuring data-driven decision-making and continuous
• Collaborate with the Performance Management & Impact Unit to ensure alignment between program and organisational goals related to MEL strategies.
• Support the identification of key performance indicators and metrics to track progress and demonstrate the impact of human capital

7.  Communications and Publications

• Ensure the work under the programme area is effectively communicated to all relevant third parties and that the Communication Manager is constantly engaged to ensure the standardisation of communication strategies.
• Mentor all programme team members on writing for impact, ensuring constant production of peer-reviewed journal articles and other policy-oriented knowledge products, and coverage of the programme area’s work and impact in all institutional communications outlets.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Public Health, Population Studies, Public Health, Education and Skill Development, Development Studies, or related fields.
• At least 10 years post-Phd experience in leading large-scale programs in health system strengthening, education and skill development, population dynamics, and sexual and reproductive health, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and leading program portfolios in areas such as health systems strengthening, reproductive health, population dynamics, and education.
• Strong background in program design, management, and evaluation, particularly within Africa.
• Experience working with donor-funded programs and understanding compliance, reporting, and financial management.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams and build cross-functional collaboration.

Key Competencies:

1. Leadership and Management

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and guide program implementation across multiple thematic areas.
• Experience managing health, education, and population dynamics teams, strongly focusing on results and impact.

2.  Strategic Thinking and Innovation

• Ability to lead programmatic innovation and development, ensuring alignment with broader Institutional goals and adapting to changing needs in the sector.

3.  Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills, ensuring cross-program integration and partnerships

4.  Data-Driven Decision Making

• Experience using data, research, and evidence to inform programmatic decisions and

5.  Resource Mobilisation and Financial Acumen

• Proven ability to mobilise financial resources and manage resources effectively in line with donor and organisational financial policies.

TO APPLY: Please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@afidep.org, including the full position title, i.e “Director of Human Capital Development Programmes”, on the subject of the email by 9th May 2025. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in this position. Your CV should include three relevant referees. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

To download job description: Director of Human Capital Development Programmes

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute established in 2010 to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in development efforts in Africa. Our primary purpose is to contribute to sustainable development through the use of evidence and advocacy to strengthen political commitment and resource allocation for development issues, inform the design and implementation of effective interventions, and improve governance and accountability structures for tracking development challenges in Africa. AFIDEP is registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation in Kenya and Malawi (where it has offices) and as a non-profit institution in the USA with 501(c)3 status. For further details about AFIDEP and its work, refer to www.afidep.org.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced candidate for the Head of Performance Management and Impact (HPMI) position. This position will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework across the Institute’s programmes. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, this role is critical in ensuring that programmes achieve their objectives, maximise impact, and contribute to the Institute’s strategic goals. The incumbent will provide leadership in assessing programme effectiveness, generating insights from data, promoting a learning culture, and ensuring that the impact of the Institute’s work is measured correctly and packaged. The HPMI will also coordinate and lead the MEL Unit and staff working on various projects, ensuring MEL design and practices are standardised and aligned with the Institution’s MEL and Results Framework. The HPMI will lead the Institute’s support to governments and related institutions in developing and operationalising performance management and accountability systems to optimise efficiency in programme implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Performance Management: Oversee the development and implementation of robust systems for tracking programme performance, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and outcomes.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework: Design and manage the Institute’s MEL framework, ensuring that relevant metrics are established, data is collected, and results are reported effectively.
• Impact Assessment: Lead the development of impact measurement systems to evaluate programs’ short-term and long-term outcomes, ensuring they align with donor requirements and Institutional goals.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Oversee the design and execution of data collection methodologies, including surveys, field visits, focus group discussions, and interviews. Ensure data integrity and provide rigorous analysis of programme performance data.
• Reporting & Knowledge Management: Develop high-quality reports, dashboards, and presentations on programme performance for internal and external Facilitate the dissemination of learning across the Institute.
• Learning and Adaptation: Establish systems to capture and disseminate learnings across projects, ensuring that the Institute continuously adapts and improves its programme design and delivery based on evidence.
• Capacity Building: Train and mentor programme MEL officers, other programme team members, policy makers, and partners in MEL principles and practices to build their capacity in performance management, data analysis, and adaptive The HPMI will contribute to efforts to strengthen the individual and institutional capacities of evidence producers and public sector actors to improve demand and systematic use of MEL and other forms of evidence in decision-making to improve policy formulation and implementation on the priority issues covered in the thematic area.
• Evaluation Design: Manage and coordinate internal and external evaluations, including impact evaluations and mid-term/final assessments of projects. Ensure that evaluations provide actionable insights for programme improvement.
• Resource Mobilisation: Lead donor and partner engagement and proposal writing to ensure sustainable funding for the thematic area.
• MEL Unit Coordination: Coordinate and oversee all work in the thematic area, ensuring it aligns with the Institute’s strategic objectives and is visible in relevant networks and platforms. The HPMI will be responsible for internal and external reporting of the thematic area’s work, ensuring it is adequately staffed, and mentoring staff in the thematic area.
• Publications: Lead development of journal articles and related publications on key lessons from the institute’s MEL work.

Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s degree in development studies, Public Health, Social Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.
• At least 5-10 years of experience in senior leadership roles in programme management, monitoring and evaluation and impact measurement within the international development or humanitarian sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing MEL systems and frameworks for complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Proven experience working with various donors, including bilateral, multilateral, and philanthropic funders, and familiarity with their MEL requirements.
• Track record of leading high-performing teams, mentoring staff, and building Institutional capacity.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with experience delivering complex information to various stakeholders, including donors, policymakers, and program
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, or similar) and impact evaluation tools.

TO APPLY: Please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@afidep.org, including the full position title, i.e., “Head of Performance Management Impact”, in the email’s subject by 9^th May 2025.  In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in this position. Your CV should include three relevant referees. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

To download full job description: Head of Performance Management and Impact