Position: Deputy Director Think Tank
Program / Department Summary:
The Yes Youth Can initiative is a USAID program that focuses on
building youth-owned, youth-led and youth-managed institutional arrangements
and capabilities at both national and county levels.
General Position Summary:
This person manages research grants; organizes seminars and
draft and releases of policy briefs; liaises with the Think Tank Advisory Committee
and United States International University; and keeps website up-to-date.
The Deputy Director provides systemic thinking on how to
operationalize and construct operations of the Think Tank so that it is
sustainable after the program closes.
Essential Job Functions:
Think Tank Operations
- Use the
Operations Manual as a basis for setting up Think Tank systems, including
financial, communication, and procurement
- Work closely
with USIU and Mercy Corps staff to organize events seamlessly
- Updates website
with relevant research, events, and related information
- With the
Executive Director and USIU develop and implement a plan so that the Think
Tank’s operations are shifted from MC to a youth-led, managed and
organized entity.
Research Grants
- Identify key
topics for youth-led research, in consultation with Think Tank Board of
Directors, International Advisory Board and NYBA Advisory Committee.
- Draft and
release RFAs for research grants in all regions
- Organize review
committees based on the Operations Manual to select grant applicants
- Ensure awardees
meet grant obligations on time and are financially compliant
Event Planning:
- Organize
seminars and talks at USIU and other venues on research that is relevant
to youth policy
- Organize policy
discussions/forums/town halls at the Regional and County level
- Work with
Leadership Manager to help youth bunges organize advocacy campaigns
- Organize events
with Leadership Manager between youth bunges and relevant legislators and
Ministries.
Communications
- Maintain
communication with the NYBA advisory board and CountyBunges
- Work with the
Technology Team, to send SMS blasts to youth bunges on recent reports
- Work with the
Communications Manager to release policy briefs to relevant news outlets
- Keep website
up-to-date with relevant research, policy briefs and events
Reports To: Executive Director Think Tank
Knowledge and Experience:
- Experience
conducting youth research in Kenya
- Experience with
various research approaches (including quantitative, qualitative and
participatory)
- Experience
working with multiple stakeholders, including universities and government
- Advanced degree
from a recognized college or university in social science. Each additional
year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of
required work experience.
- Experience
balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Experience
influencing public policy
- Excellent event
planning skills
- Demonstrated
experience and skill in information analysis and writing comprehensive and
high quality studies
- Familiarity with
and a supportive attitude towards increasing youth voice in policy making
- Prior project
management experience and strong organizational skills
- Excellent oral
and written English skills
- At least 7 years
of experience in research and working with multiple stakeholders,
including universities and government
Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications
and experience should submit on or before 7th May, 2012 at 4.00 p.m. a cover
letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references
(including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org
Applicants must clearly indicate on the email
subject;“Application for the position of Deputy Director Think Tank”
Applications without this subject heading will be
disqualified.
Please do not attach any certificates.
(ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted)
