Research, Policy Analysis and Advocacy Expert Jobs recruitment at Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) Kigali Rwanda 2013
1. Background
The Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) is a not-for-profit organization that brings together Rwandan NGOs to advocate for people’s rights and to promote sustainable development within the EAC in the context of Rwanda. It aims to contribute to better understanding of regional integration processes and policies and to build the capacity of grass-root people for an effective participation in the EAC integration processes.
The RCSP together with other members of the East-Africa Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF) designed a 3 years Strategic Plan whose key areas of intervention include institutional capacity strengthening of CSOs, awareness raising about EAC and engagement with government and EAC secretariat on regional integration policies.
The core activities of CSOs interventions is practically focusing on research and advocacy in order to positively influence the implementation of EAC’s protocols and policies. From an upstream perspective, they will also seek to influence the process of formulating policies and programs so that they take into account the needs of the citizens.
They would therefore require the services of an experienced expert in research and advocacy to guide and support the members of NGOs in their day-to-day work.
’The Research, Policy Analysis and Advocacy Expert” is responsible for providing technical advice and implementation support for the successful achievement of the overall objectives of the strategic plan. The Specialist will primarily focus on implementation of outcome 2: “CSOs Engaging more effectively with Government and Secretariat on EAC Policies “of the strategic plan. The post will have matrix reporting lines to the Coordinator and the RCSP Executive Secretary for technical guidance and direct supervision, and to the EACSOF-Rwanda Steering Committee for strategic guidance and monitoring of the use of resources.
2. Duties and responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions
Research, policy analysis and advocacy
Project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting
Partnership and resource mobilization
Information, education and communication (IEC)
a) Research, policy analysis and advocacy.
- Identify, understand and evaluate key issues relating to EAC and that affect Rwandan citizens in their day-to-day life.
- Select key EAC’s policies and organize their analysis with a view to draft policy advice to submit to EACSOF-Rwanda Steering Committee.
- Assist EACSOF-Rwanda’s Forums to carry out research on key issues, submit policy proposals, position papers and/or documents for internal and external strategic discussions, consideration, policy formulation and assessment and/or approval.
- Identify and organize advocacy activities to be undertaken by EACSOF-Rwanda Steering Committee.
b)Project planning, implementation and monitoring and reporting
- Contribute to the development and preparation of strategic and annual work plan by planning project activities/components, establishing budget, determining targets, and timeline.
- Contribute to the preparation of materials and other requirements for Project Steering Committee and Project Management Meetings and follow-up on the decisions for timely action.
- Participate in the process to identify, select and evaluate key issues to advocate for.
- Initiate and follow up on requests for financial resources and take action to process payments and other requests for actions and ensure their timely settlement or completion.
- Provide technical guidance and operational support to clients and stakeholders to enhance performance and quality assurance, share knowledge and build capacity.
- Prepare required qualitative, substantive, financial and procurement/contracting progress reports to keep all relevant parties involved and to facilitate timely and appropriate action.
c) Partnership and resource mobilization
- Maintain effective partnership with Government and EAC Institutions, implementing partners and RCSP/EACSOF colleagues to exchange critical and technical information and resolve programme/project implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners, stakeholders and clients (e.g. Umbrella organizations member of EACSOF-Rwanda, MINEAC, TRADEMARK, CSOs and CBOs) to advocate for EACSOF-Rwanda programmes/projects and seek support.
- Prepare and submit proposals for resource mobilization to encourage donor interests and increase funding. Establish dialogue with donors, partners and stakeholders to maintain effective working relationship.
d) Information, education and communication
- Identify, document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned pertaining to policy analysis/dialogue and research/advocacy.
- Draft and/or develop policy, briefing papers and other position papers for the approval by the EACSOF-Rwanda Steering Committee.
- Organize and implement policy analysis/dialogue and research/advocacy activities and related events for EACSOF-Rwanda, the CSO and the CBOs.
3. Competencies
a. Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates commitment to EACSOF-Rwanda’s vision, mission and values.
- Exerts strict adherence to RCSP/EACSOF rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with NGOs and donors working procedures is an advantage.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race and nationality sensitivity and adaptability
b. Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues and EACSOF-Rwanda members
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
c. Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to perform specialized tasks related to planning, including support to design, planning, implementation and evaluation of programme/project, managing data, reporting.
- Ability to provide inputs to research/advocacy, policy analysis/dialogue, implementation of new management systems, including new IT based systems.
- Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the government and EAC is required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required.
Leadership and Self-Management
- Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
4. Required skills and experience
Education:
- Masters degree in one of the social sciences, economics, public administration, development studies and research/advocacy-related field is required.
Experience:
- At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic development-related work at the policy level is required within a governmental, multilateral, bilateral or civil society organizational-setting.
- Previous experience in regional integration related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector /consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
- Experience in the use of computers and Microsoft office software packages and experience in handling of web based management systems.
- Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda and a good working knowledge of French.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application through one of the following emails: info@rcsprwanda.org or info@eacsofrwanda.org,not later than 4pm – Friday, the 15th November 2013
Application documents will be comprised of:
- An application letter;
- An updated Curriculum Vitae and three professional referees;
- Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and relevant certificates.
MUNYAMALIZA Edouard
Chairperson
Rwanda Civil Society Platform