University of Cape Town s11

Executive Director: J-PAL Africa (3-year contract) School of Economics Faculty of Commerce

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab for Africa (J-PAL Africa) is looking for an Executive Director to oversee its programmes. Based within The Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town’s School of Economics, J-PAL Africa specialises in conducting high-quality impact evaluations – using randomized control trials – to generate scientific evidence about what works in the fight against poverty. We also work closely with policymakers to integrate scientific evidence into policy and programmes, making these more evidence based and effective.

A successful candidate will manage the day-to-day running of the programme and must have a proven record in research management and policy. The candidate will report to the Director of SALDRU and will ensure close coordination with J-PAL’s network and offices around the world. For more information about J-PAL, kindly see: www.povertyactionlab.org

Requirements:

 Education: At minimum, a Master’s degree in economics, public policy or a closely related field. A strong technical understanding of economics is necessary to ensure that J-PAL’s findings are translated into general policy conclusions in a way that is both simple to follow but also accurate.  Experience: At least four to five years’ relevant work experience, ideally with both a research and a policy background. The candidate must be comfortable engaging with high level policy contacts (e.g. senior officials, politicians, or senior staff in international organizations), and must also be experienced in interacting with and discussing research results with academics. This position requires experience working in or on countries in Africa.  Communication: The candidate must have strong writing and oral communication skills in English, with attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills. This requires clear, precise, non-technical writing, and confident, effective spoken communication and presentation skills.  Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders. Strong self-motivation with skill in working to tight timelines. Must be a strong team player with experience in managing staff.  Willingness to travel: Frequent travel both within South Africa, across the African continent, and internationally.

Responsibilities:

 Policy Outreach: Meeting with and building relationships with key partners in governments, NGOs, foundations, multilateral aid agencies, and the private sector across the continent. Giving presentations on J-PAL Africa’s work, disseminating research findings to policymakers and the media, and encouraging the scale up of evidence-based policies.  Research relationships: Building relationships with researchers working on the region, serving as a resource for those who are interested in conducting randomized evaluations. Serving as a “matchmaker” connecting researchers, policymakers, practitioners and donors. Maintaining strong and effective relationships between J-PAL Africa and J-PAL and ensuring that J-PAL Africa uses and contributes to J-PAL’s international network.  Research implementation: Managing an administrative infrastructure through which researchers can run randomized evaluations (i.e. one that can house grants, manage all financial administration with the host institution and funders, hire employees, contract with survey firms, etc.). Being a resource on project design, funding, staffing, data collection, data management, and analysis. Starting and managing randomized evaluations. 0194e0dede53490eede943aa3ceee7e9.doc 25/04/2018 21:44 The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R542,073 and R637,748.

Application process:

To apply, please e-mail the completed UCT Application form (HR201) and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, with the subject line “Executive Director: J-PAL Africa” followed by the reference number to Mrs C Snyders at [email protected]

The application form can be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc

Address: Staff Recruitment and Selection, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700.

Telephone: +27 21 650 2192

Faculty website: www.commerce.uct.ac.za

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to do competency testing.

Reference number for this post: SR451/13

Closing date for applications: 8 March 2013

UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at http://www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf

0194e0dede53490eede943aa3ceee7e9.doc 25/04/2018 21:44