Research & Documentation Officer at West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) to strengthen civil society in the region through capacity enhancement, knowledge management and policy influencing.

WACSI is looking for a committed, motivated and dynamic person to join its team to contribute to enhancing civil society’s efficiency and effectiveness in West Africa.

Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified persons for a 2-year contract as Research and Documentation Officer.

General Description:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Research and Documentation Officer will provide overall guidance and leadership in the areas of Research and Knowledge Management including the coordination of research and dissemination of research findings to CSO practitioners, project partners and the public at large.

S/he will collaborate with project staff, research networks and knowledge dissemination hubs in West Africa and worldwide to produce and package research findings, share relevant technical information and create communications and dissemination materials/products relevant to civil society in West Africa.

Further, the Research and Documentation Officer will participate in analysing and synthesizing research findings and programme experiences and will assist in the documentation of successful practices. S/he will facilitate, through multiple avenues, mechanisms, and technology, effective processes, systems and tools to share knowledge to WACSI’s partners, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. The Research and Documentation Officer will be a member of the management team. S/he will also provide technical writing support to staff and partners.

Key Performance Areas:
Under the supervision of the Executive Director the Research and Documentation Officer will:

• Provide leadership and strategic guidance to WACSI’s Research and Documentation Programme;
• Work closely with the Communication and Information Officer to develop an information, communication and knowledge management strategy based on WACSI’s strategic plan;
• Coordinate key WACSI research projects on and for civil society in West Africa.
• Promote collaborative tools that facilitate sharing of ideas, information and knowledge;
• Facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge as well as learning through the nurturing and management of Discussion Groups, Forums, Communities of Practice and training activities;
• Help to capture and document new information and knowledge on civil society strengthening and sustainability in West Africa such as the documenting of lessons learnt and best practices and success stories;
• Help to disseminate information and share knowledge widely among WACSI’s target groups such as through publications, knowledge fairs and exhibitions;
• Monitor and evaluate knowledge sharing within WACSI;
• Build partnerships with research organizations and think tanks in the region;
• Develop and build a team of WACSI researchers;
• Develop and manage WACSI’s Resource Centre; and
• Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Educational Qualification & Experience:

• An advanced degree in preferably Knowledge Management, Communication, or Information sciences; and/or in international relations, political science or other relevant social sciences
• 5 years post qualification with relevant work experience in the Non-Governmental sector, at least 3 of which must be related to undertaking research coordination, knowledge sharing and learning, programme planning and development.

Key Requirements:

• Familiarity with developing and delivering knowledge management programmes;
• Experience in developing and delivering knowledge sharing programmes with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations;
• Experience in data collection, collation, analysis as well as the generation and presentation of information at regional or internal level;
• Experience working with researchers, policy makers and programme managers; 
• Experience in the civil society sector would be an added advantage;
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in areas of knowledge management – preferably within a knowledge-based organization similar to WACSI;
• Proven facilitation and collaboration skills working with multi-level stakeholders, including technical and subject matter experts, government agencies, local partners, researchers and other stakeholders;
• Proven ability to organize and share information effectively;
• Strategic programming, project management, supervisory and monitoring and evaluation skills;
• Writing/Publication expertise; and
• Familiarity with West Africa’s socio-political context.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of civil society in West Africa;
• Excellent Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite,
o High proficiency in English and French
• Analytical thinking and decision-making: Ability to analyse complex situations, grasp the critical aspects, and make timely and firm decisions based on sound judgment.
• Openness and innovation: Ability to demonstrate openness and flexibility and to respond positively to change. Ability to identify areas for improvement and to generate new ideas to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills: Report writing, editorial and presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills to deal effectively with colleagues, experts and partners and to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
• Team player: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Note:

1. 1. Interested applicants must send the following to the email address at admin@wacsi.org:
2. a. Application letter stating where you found the job advert together with a Curriculum Vitae/Resume;
3. b. A research paper or writing sample on a relevant topic; and
4. c. Names of 2 referees
1. 2. Deadline for submission of application is Friday April 17, 2015
2. 3. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.