Research Training Manager at Rift Valley Institute (RVI)

The Rift Valley Institute (RVI) is an independent, non-profit organization, founded in Sudan in 2001, currently working in seven countries in Eastern and Central Africa. The aim of the Institute is to advance useful knowledge of the region and its diverse communities, bringing a better understanding of local realities to bear on social and political action. The RVI works with institutions in the region to develop and implement long-term programmes that combine action-oriented research with education and public information.

The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development & Delivery: Provide strategic leadership for the programme, ensuring all those who collaborate with it have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as managing the Research Communities of Practice programme in line with the implementation timeframe agreed with the donor. The role will continue to implement blended and innovative learning programmes for early career researchers, participate in the delivery of training and learning initiatives, establish performance metrics for monitoring, evaluating, learning, as well as fulfil donor reporting requirements.


• Strategic Leadership: Lead RVI’s strategy to invest in the professional development of African researchers and advise on and support the development and delivery of the Institute’s other in-person and online educational and training programmes. The role will expand RVI’s networks of local, regional, and international research partners to build sustainable relations with African and non-African research and academic institutions, ensuring that RVI’s programme is aligned with its core principles and policies and supports the strategic development of the organisation.


• Partnerships, Public and Donor Relations: Cultivate and broker relationships with academic and learning institutes, represent the programme and RVI with national and international counterparts and funders as well as publicise and disseminate the project’s work, maximising the influence of programme trainees with a view to increasing funding and achieving sustainability and long-term impact.

The Person

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Social Science Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as political science, development studies, anthropology is essential, with a PhD as a distinct advantage.


• A qualification in training and educational approaches, and an ability to teach others.


• A broad knowledge of applied research methodologies.


• Demonstrable interest in local knowledge production, equity and social inclusion.


• Understanding of the research and policy environment in eastern or central Africa.


• An understanding of tertiary education in eastern or central Africa.


• Fluent in spoken and written English. Spoken and written knowledge of a second language spoken in the region (French, Arabic, Somali, Kiswahili) is desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience in tertiary level teaching methods, adult learning, and mentorship.


• Experienced in designing and implementing blended training courses in applied research methodology, including online.


• Experience of organising and facilitating learning events (such as conferences, seminars and workshops).


• A track record in designing and undertaking research in Africa and applying qualitative research methods (such as oral history, participant-led, community drama and other forms of action-research techniques).


• Experience of creating communities of practice an advantage.


• Experienced in programme leadership and management, including monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and risk management.


• Experience of developing effective project partnerships with institutions and individuals inside and outside Africa.


• Experience of working with governments and international funders.


• Experience in successful fundraising.


• Experience of living and working in east or central Africa.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional facilitation and training skills and the ability to teach and transfer knowledge.


• Strategic and adaptative thinking.


• Excellent project management and planning skills and an ability to design and lead work plans.


• Excellent written and public communication skills.


• Strong analytical skills

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