Type of Contract: Fixed Term
Reporting to: Executive Director
Start Date: Flexible
Duration of Contract: One year (renewable)
Salary and Conditions: Negotiable

About Us:

•   Established in 2001, the Youth Empowerment Synergy (YES-Ghana) is an ECOSOC-accredited NGO which is at the forefront of youth development policy, practice and research in Ghana. At YES-Ghana, we work to realise a vision: a world where every young person has a real chance to benefit from and participate in the development processes at local, national and international levels. Our mission is to promote policies and develop initiatives that help youth succeed in becoming life-long learners, productive members of society, materially sufficient and self-respecting citizens.

Overall Purpose:

•   YES-Ghana is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Manager for its new flagship initiative, the Youth Research Institute. The Manager, Youth Research Institute will also double as team lead for youth policy analysis and research within the organisation, thereby overseeing a range of research activities across YES-Ghana’s projects and programmes. The Manager will also support YES-Ghana’s research and learning agenda by building a sustainable business model for the new Youth Research Institute, bringing new partners on board, and espousing new innovation that projects YES-Ghana’s reputation as a leader in youth research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

•   Overseeing the development and implementation of a medium-term strategy for the Youth Research Institute in line with international standards, business targets, and organisational policy
•   Leading business development opportunities to secure funding for research and evaluation in key areas of our work? network with potential funders (public and private) and partners
•   Serving as the focal person and resource on research and learning in the organisation, contributing expertise in research, programme evaluation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation? and providing constructive feedback for programme improvement
•   Leading the development, delivery, evaluation, and improvement of research activities, resources and related services, to meet the needs of youth and stakeholders
•   Developing and testing new learning models and sharing of best practices
•   Developing a portfolio of youth research activities in key areas of youth development
•   Training and directing a team of youth research volunteers in the use of participatory action research methods, research ethics and data collection
•   Planning and delivering youth training camps, wider youth research events and outreach activities
•   Sharing knowledge within and beyond the organisation through thematic meetings, evaluation and research reports, policy briefs, and public events
•   Facilitating governance & multi-sector dialogue among youth participants, policymakers and other stakeholders
•   Leading the development of lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with key players in the youth development space locally and internationally
•   Ensuring that the Youth Research Institute meets stakeholders’ needs and expectations
•   Providing on-going technical assistance and training to youth groups, and engaging them in research and learning activities
•   Building and managing a network of researchers and teams as required
•   Managing financial allocations and expenditures according to delegated authority and ensuring timely payments in accordance with YES-Ghana’s financial management policy
•   Managing the day-to-day running of the Youth Research Institute

Qualification Required & Experience

Education and Experience

•   A strong record of mixed methods evaluation and applied research, including knowledge of advanced statistical and qualitative methods
•   A degree and postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline
•   Extensive knowledge of youth development issues
•   Knowledge and understanding of the politics of policy change and evidence use
•   Experience working with young people (ages 15-35)
•   Experience negotiating competing priorities among a diverse set of stakeholders
•   Demonstrated ability to deliver capacity development work, policy advisory, public affairs, and based on an analytical approach
•   Strong management abilities: mentoring youth researchers, managing external researchers and support staff
•   Successful dissemination/public affairs/policy engagement experience, including excellent written and oral communications skills

Personal Attributes

•   Ability to manage and work in remote, multidisciplinary teams
•   Ability to strengthen cross team working and coherence
•   Ability to encourage good performance and manage poor performance
•   Ability to work and manage independently
•   Intellectual leadership
•   Peer review/quality control
•   Financial planning and oversight
•   Project management skills
•   Strong analytical skills
•   High integrity and strong attention to detail
•   Proven ability to establish priorities and to plan, organise, coordinate and monitor own work plan and provide advice and supervision to others
•   Resourcefulness, sound judgment and decision-making skills. Demonstrated sound judgment in resolving issues/problems
•   Excellent and effective communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, project participants and partners, as well as others
•   High level of professional, people management and human relations skills
•   Ability to initiate and complete assignments and to work under demanding circumstances with minimal supervision
•   Professional and independent working style, highly motivated and well-organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
•   Professional demeanour. Able to present a professional image of the organisation at all times.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Please submit a one-page motivation letter and a recent CV bearing your contact details and two references to:-

jobs@yesghana.org

Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Be sure to highlight in the motivation letter how specifically you meet the criteria for this role. Due to capacity constraints, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: 15 April, 2016