Program Description
Building Markets’ USAID Sustainable Marketplace Initiative Liberia (SMI-L) creates jobs and sustains peace by championing local entrepreneurs and connecting them to new business opportunities. SMI-L works across sectors to support local businesses, build and strengthen local supply chains, and ensure monies spent in Liberia stay in Liberia.
Country Context
Building Markets has worked in Liberia since 2011 with funding from Australian Government, BHP Biliton, Humanity United and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In Liberia, BM partners with the Government of Liberia, development organizations, local entrepreneurs and the private sector to provide innovative solutions to complex developmental challenges. Building Markets expects to receive new funding and potentially new programs in 2014.
Position Overview
The Market Research Manager (MRM) will lead the research and development of SMI-L research products, which include the annual Market Overview Report, sector specific studies, various assessments, as well as additional research products identified by the Country Director. The Market Research Manager manages the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and works closely with Communications and Advocacy teams (CAT), the Economic Statistics and Surveillance Reporting teams and the BM implemented Humanity United Supplier Diversity Project. The MRM will also act as the technical lead in the project development team, which is responsible for creating new proposals and concepts for donors and partners.
The MRM will demonstrate strong writing, editing, communications and research skills and experience with private sector-related programs in Africa. Interest and understanding of aid assistance and foreign direct investment is an added strength. In addition, the Market Research Manager will also have the following core competencies:
- Creative mindset: initiative-rich, energetic and efficient, results-oriented
- Critical Analysis: an ability to structure and find solutions to complex problems
- Communications: good interpersonal skills and ability communicate, both verbal and written, to external counterparts and internal colleagues.
- Capable of thinking “outside the box” and provide innovative approaches to programmatic and management challenges
- Comfortable with and managing large amounts of data
Responsibilities and Duties
The Market Research Manager reports to the Country Director and is responsible for ensuring research products are produced highlighting Building Markets/SMI-L proposition that buying local is good development and business practice.
Market Research
- Research, write and edit the all knowledge products produced by BM-Liberia.
- Conduct analysis and similar market based research as directed by Country Director in relation to program and consultant activities
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Lead the M&E Team in ensuring data collection is accurate and BM-L is properly tracking its program objectives and providing guidance to Country Director and Project Service Manager on necessary program course corrections
Project Development
- Support the BM-L Country Director in creating new project concepts and proposals.
- Provide technical advice on all programming activities
BM-L Cross-Team Collaboration
- Work closely with the Communications and Advocacy Team to ensure the SMI-L advocacy plan is closely in line with the programmatic objectives;
- Working closely with Verification and Business Linkages teams to ensure SMI-L is targeting the appropriate sectors, SMEs, and supply chains
- Provide input to improve the overall strategy and efficiency of the SMI-L project.
- Ensure efficient systems are in place to track results and impact;
- Oversee data collection and analysis, as well as follow-up with buyers and vendors, and ensure accuracy and effectiveness of data management;
- Manage data collection process, data quality control mentor and supervise staff and provide analysis and input into BM donor reports
Qualifications
Required
- MA in Economics, International Relations, International Development, MBA or similar graduate degree;
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the development field, with minimum 3 years experience in the field, preferably in Africa
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in research, data analysis, enumeration and M&E, preferably in Africa
- Experience managing and building the capacity of teams in lower income contexts
- Experience in STATA, SPSS or similar data analysis software
- Experience working with major international donors, such as USAID, World Bank, Swedish International Development Agency, UKAID, or similar donors
Desirable
- Experience conducting value chain analysis, SME assessments or similar activities
- Experience in working with or within the concessionaire sector (Mining, Oil and Gas, etc) and on issues related to local content
- History of successful proposal development with traditional donors, foundations and non-traditional sources.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter and CV to vacancies@buildingmarkets.org. This position will remain open until filled. The subject line of your application should read: “Market Research Manager”.
