African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) Recruitment 2022

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified candidates for the African Center for Economic Transformation Recruitment (ACET) Recruitment 2022.

The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is a non-profit Accra-based think tank. ACET economists, researchers, and support staff advise African governments—including Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone—on economic matters.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Director of Research

Duties and Responsibilities

Research & Analyses

Have oversight for ACET’s economic management and governance portfolio. This will include managing staff and overseeing fellows working on the economic management and governance programmes and ensuring alignment with the ACET five-year Strategy and Theory of Change. Key programs will include:

1. The Country Economic Transformation Outlooks
2. ACET’s update of growth with the DEPTH framework
3. Climate Smart Agriculture
4. Public finance management and domestic resource mobilization]

In collaboration with the Chief Economic Advisor lead the development of ACET’s flagship report – the African Transformation Index.
In collaboration with the Director of Policy and Programmes lead the development of a policy research program, that is aligned with the ACET five-year Strategic Plan.
Contribute to the design of new ACET programs, initiatives, and projects to ensure a strong technical grounding.
Set quality standards for ACET’s research in consultation with the Senior Director, Research, Policy, and Programs, and Chief Economic Advisor and ensure all ACET research meets the quality standard
Ensure the ACET economists and other technical teams are kept up to date with economic trends in Africa and use it to inform transformation analysis in Africa.
Contribute to the creation and maintenance of a database of outstanding research analysts, economists, and sector specialists across Africa and globally that ACET can draw upon

Development & Supervision of the Research Team

The Director will directly supervise economists in ACET and teams involved in economic management and governance programs. This will include:

Assigning projects to ACET staff and consultants and managing programs to ensure effective delivery.
Identifying future human resource needs and skills within the Research Team and working with HR to fill positions.
Working with the management team and HR to strengthen ACET’s database of consultants and researchers
Effective management of the research team – including supporting the career development of junior staff.

Resource Mobilization and Portfolio management

The Director will:

Work with resource mobilization colleagues to identify and develop project proposals.
Effectively manage the cost of all proposals to ensure ACET meets its cost recovery targets.
Develop and oversee policies, procedures, work plans, and budgets for the research team.

Publications and Reports

The Director will be required to contribute articles and papers for publication by ACET as well as contributing articles, blogs, and policy notes by ACET partners. They will also mine past reports to inform the development of knowledge products and policy briefs

Representing ACET

The Director will be required to represent ACET (in person and virtually) and serve as a spokesperson for ACET on growth and DEPTH issues and on the economic management and governance portfolio.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Education and Experience

Advanced degree (Ph.D.) ideally in Economics (with emphasis on Growth, International Trade, Development, or Macroeconomics, particularly public finance)
A minimum of 12 years experience with at least 7 years of post-PhD policy-relevant working experience/ senior management experience
Proven experience in research with a strong record of publications in referred journals
Relevant professional experience in macroeconomic or growth policy analysis and advice preferably gained with a development-oriented institution.
Proven experience in the formulation of country development strategies
Extensive experience and a proven track record of effective people management and team leadership
Extensive experience and proven track record in program management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Intellectually curious
Strong competence in modern econometrics
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Good working knowledge of French will be an advantage
A strong track record of working with clients and being results-oriented, with strong analytical skills and a keen sense of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to multitask with strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and quality control
Commercially minded-with a proven track record of successful resource management and effective project management
Excellent attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure
Ability to handle both strategic and administrative tasks and issues

Role Location

This position can be a remote location post. If the successful candidate is based outside Ghana, Accra, they will be offered a fixed-term consultancy contract.

Terms of Appointment

This is a full-time position for which the successful candidate will be contracted on a two-year basis. A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience including health insurance and annual performance bonus pay opportunity.

For people in Ghana, the person will be engaged on a 2-year staff contract. If remote working or an ex-pat living in Ghana, the person will be engaged on a 2-year fixed-term consultancy contract.