WaterAid is a UK registered international charity dedicated to the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene to the world's poorest people. We support local organisations to manage low cost, sustainable projects and also provide policy support to secure the right of poor people to safe water and sanitation services across the world.
We strongly promote an organisational culture based on our values and invite suitably qualified candidates to fill an exciting opportunity as Policy Research Officer to be based at the Country Office in Abuja.
Job Title: Policy Research Officer
Location: Abuja
Purpose of Job:
- To successfully support planning, implementing, documentation and analysis of surveys, research and public policy in WaterAid. The jobholder will support policy and advocacy research initiatives for evidence-based advocacy
Descriptions
- This role will support planning and implementation of research, surveys and policy analysis affecting the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in Nigeria.
- The documentation and sharing of knowledge gained from the research.
- Dissemination of research evidence for use in evidence-based advocacy by sector stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- The preferred candidate would also demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, experience with setting up and managing research projects, and strong report writing skills.
- Good knowledge and experience in advocacy and the WASH development sector is important to this role.
- Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft suite of computer applications - Word, Excel and PowerPoint - is required.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Influencing:
- Analyze the policy and budget issues affecting the WASH sector in Nigeria and effectively capture the information in the WASH watch website, case studies, position papers and policy messages / briefings notes, targeting different audiences in order to proactively influence efficiency of WASH investments in Nigeria.
- Identify influencing opportunities and, in collaboration with the Communications Manager and the Policy & Sector Support Coordinator, ensure WaterAid Nigeria's messages are heard.
Research and Documentation:
- Support in developing and initiating policy researches for WaterAid in Nigeria
- Document and share learning on policy issues and Civil Society engagement.
- Perform various task involving data collection, data maintenance, and data analysis using statistical software and other computer programs
- Conduct literature review and synthesis analysis.
- Develop, administer and periodically evaluate institutional development tools which take into account access and rights, equity & inclusion and other key components to effectively evaluate performance of the WASH sector.
- Support documentation and learning processes among partners and sector institutions.
Policy Dissemination:
- Manage collaborative case studies, impact surveys and other research to adequately inform stakeholders about the critical issues in WASH.
- Initiate and support in dissemination events to share policy research reports.
- Develop and share briefing notes on sector support and policy reforms in collaboration with the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager (APM).
- Assist in the preparation of background papers, discussion papers, project research reports, donors reports, policy briefs and briefing notes for dissemination.
Other Duties:
- In collaboration with the Advocacy and Partnership Manager, evaluate WaterAid Sector Support initiatives and framework on a periodic basis to identify and ameliorate gaps.
- Manage the governance team calendar and support plans to other departments.
- Any other duties that may be assigned.
Requirements
Education
Essential: 4-year University Degree / Masters in Social Sciences or related fields.
Desirable:
- Graduate Degree in Economics or
- Membership of relevant professional body
Work Experience / Specific Knowledge
Essential:
- Minimum of 3 years post NYSC work experience, of which at least 2 years must be in the area of research or policy analysis
- Familiarity with statistical software packages and internet-based systems such as SPSS
- Strong English writing skills and experience in preparing research reports
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and knowledge of Access
Desirable:
- 2 years development experience, preferably in WASH sector
- Experience with setting up and managing research projects in the WASH Sector
- Communication skills
- Articulate with above average presentation skills
- Team player
- Existing links and network within the WASH sector
Others:
- Ability to travel.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision.
- Time management and ability to prioritise tasks.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-country team.
Skills / Abilities / Personal Qualities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Influencing Others: Convincing others to change their minds or actions.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Initiative: Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Written and Oral Expression: Communicating information and ideas in writing and speaking so others will easily understand.
- Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others
Application Closing Date
20th October, 2014
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download and complete the application form and send the completed application form to:
[email protected]
Click here to view the job descriptions for the position
Click here to download the application form
Note: Only applications submitted using Wateraid's application form will be accepted.