The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian Crown corporation, supports financially and through capacity-building, research in developing regions of the world to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most.
Knowledge Translation Program Officer – Think Tank Initiative
Ottawa, Canada
Job Overview
The Think Tank Initiative (TTI) is a multi-donor Program dedicated to strengthening independent policy research institutions ― or think tanks ― in developing countries, enabling them to better provide sound research that both informs and influences policy. Initially focused on selected countries in East Africa, West Africa, South Asia and Latina America, the Program intends to strengthen 49 independent policy research organizations, such that these institutions provide objective, high-quality research that both informs and influences economic and social policies related to growth, equity and poverty reduction. The program will provide long-term general support funding to qualifying organizations, along with access to funds for training, technical assistance and mentoring to allow them to confront key challenges facing their organizations.
As the Knowledge Translation Program Officer, you will take the lead role in analyzing, synthesizing and writing up the TTI program-level results, in order to better understand how our model of core funding plus technical support has worked in practice, and to share these results with think tanks, donor agencies and other stakeholders so they in turn inform and improve their own policies and programming.
Working closely with the Program Leader and the Senior Program Specialist, Strategic Outreach, you will plan and prioritize the delivery of the TTI program-level research agenda, which may include research publications, working papers, briefing documents, etc. In particular, you will take the lead in writing and/or editing these documents, working closely with TTI team members. In addition, you will assist in organizing and managing information exchanges to ensure wide dissemination and uptake of TTI program-level research.
Candidate Profile
Education
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, with experience in communications and/or journalism, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive relevant research, communications and knowledge translation experience, which includes:
- interpreting and synthesizing complex information;
- writing research publications, working papers and briefing reports;
- working with quantitative data and integrating such data into research outputs;
- communicating research results to various audiences;
- managing projects and conducting research;
- engaging, negotiating and consensus building with researchers and research users; and
- working in development and/or research-based institutions and in developing regions is an asset.
Language
- Bilingual position (English/French) at an intermediate level
Note: If the successful candidate doesn’t meet the bilingual language requirement, he/she will be required to take language training.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of social and economic policy and/or organizational development issues
- Principles and best practices of knowledge translation and communication
Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
- Strong planning, organization, problem-solving, coordination and negotiation skills
- Ability to work as a member of a virtual team and under pressure
- Ability to establish, manage, guide and monitor relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team of people from diverse cultures, expertise and experiences
- Ability to work from a people centered perspective
- Awareness of and sensitivity to individual, gender and cultural differences
Additional Information
This position requires a willingness to travel internationally. Annual salary progression is based on an economic and a merit increase.
If you are interested in a career with a lasting impact, we invite you to join our multidisciplinary team of dedicated and skilled professionals operating in a stimulating and diverse environment. For more information about this opportunity and how to apply, visit www.idrc.ca/careers.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2013
IDRC encourages applications from qualified women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.