AIR is hiring a full-time Project Assistant to support its Pipeline Partnership Program in East Africa (P3-Africa). The P3, funded by the AIR Board of Directors, seeks to strengthen the research capacity of early stage investigators (ESIs) in applied policy research. Activities of the P3-Africa will include strengthening PhD programs in Economics in selected universities in the region, supporting a cohort of PhD students with mentorship and training opportunities including paid internships, and partnering with the African Economics Research Consortium (AERC) to conduct short training courses and provide small research grants for ESIs through their Thematic Research Window.

The incumbent will manage the day-to-day operations of P3-Africa in close collaboration with the broader P3 team based in the United States, the Senior Vice President for International Development, and the Institute Fellow for International Development. The applicant will also support other related projects depending on need and availability.

Location: The position is based in AIR’s Nairobi, Kenya office and the applicant must have existing permission to work in Kenya. Kenyans are encouraged to apply for this position. 

AIR’s IDD strives to improve the quality of life in developing countries by using rigorous research and evaluation to enhance education and social development. We work across a wide range of topics including workforce development, agriculture/food/nutrition, early childhood development, education, refugees and migration, social protection, water/sanitation/infrastructure, and women’s empowerment in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America as well as the Middle East. The IDD generates policy-relevant evidence through rigorous monitoring, evaluations, and research; helps improve program design through continuous learning and adaptation; and works with local organizations and governments to build sustainable solutions based on evidence.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

The primary objective is to support the day-to-day implementation of the P3-Africa. A secondary objective will be to support implementation of other projects depending on need and time availability. The responsibilities for the position include:

• Establish protocols for mentors, PhD students, internships, and Thematic Funding Window in collaboration with partner organizations
• Prepare timelines for all P3-Africa activities
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with key partners through periodic check-ins
• Work with broader team to design and implement learning events
• Support all aspects of the Thematic Window selection process and grants management process
• Support recruitment process for internship program
• Coordinate all logistics for survey methods and other training courses
• Source content for periodic project newsletter, organize listserv and dissemination.
• Provide updated content for P3-Africa website
• Monitor overall project budget and prepare budgets for individual project activities to ensure that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively
• Prepare periodic reports for donors and other key partners

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Minimum of a B.A. in social sciences or related field
• Zero to two years’ experience in project work
• Experience or background in education desirable but not required

 Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail, ability to prioritize and multi-task, and ability to work under and adhere to tight deadlines
• Excellent cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills
• Comfortabke working independently and as part of a team; must be a team player and demonstrate a sense of responsibility and sensitivity in dealing with diverse audiences
• Strong writing and editing skills; Ability to translate complex technical language and ideas into a form easily comprehensible to non-technical audiences

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Disclosures:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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