Research Training Manager

About RVI

The Rift Valley Institute is an independent, non-profit organisation working in eastern and central Africa since 2001. The Institute works at the interface between research, policy and education. The aims of the Institute are to advance understanding of the region and its diverse communities, connect local knowledge to social and political action, defend freedom of information and promote social justice through action- oriented research, field-based training, and public information. A UK-registered charity, the Institute has offices in Nairobi, Juba, Hargeysa, Addis Ababa and London

RVI is a leader in practical social science research, policy analysis, training and public information. Our field-based research emerges from and seeks to respond to ideas generated by the communities and institutions with which we work. RVI research projects, which involve collaborations between African and non-African researchers, include training and mentoring of early career researchers to develop their skills and experience. RVI supports the right to information and the exchange of knowledge by publishing its research and disseminating it through public fora.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision

Making local knowledge work for the benefit of the people of Eastern and Central Africa.

Our Mission

The Rift Valley Institute is an independent research and educational organization with a social mission: to create a better future for the peoples and communities of Eastern and Central Africa by advancing relevant knowledge of the region through collaborative research, education and training, public information and dialogues, and promoting culture and heritage. The Institute bridges development practice and policy, elevating local voices, knowledge and action.

Our Values

The following values guide and underpin our work:

Respect: We demonstrate respect for local knowledge and the partners and the communities we work with and those who work with us.

Independence: We are independent in our thought and action and produce research and deliver programmes free from external interests.

Integrity: We work with transparency and honesty to ensure accurate and open access to information, and we are accountable for our work and to those we work with.

Collaboration: We believe respectful partnerships are the basis for successful development and we are committed to long term, mutually beneficial collaboration between indigenous institutions, local researchers and international specialists.

Excellence: We strive to produce original work and to sustain our strong reputation for research, public information and training.

Research Training Manager Overview

This is a key position at the Rift Valley Institute. The Research Training Manager (RTM) will work closely with the Executive Director and those who manage RVI’s Courses, public Forums, the South Sudan Women Researcher Network project and other training initiatives.

The Research Training Manager will lead RVI’s strategy on training African researchers. The role holder will manage the Research Communities of Practice Programme. This will include designing a professional development programme for early career researchers in eastern and central Africa, convening and cultivating research communities of practice to bring change across east and central Africa, and generate original research publications that amplify the voices of African scholars and researchers. The role will work closely with RVI colleagues engaged in research, education, and training to ensure coherence, high standards, synergies and learning in order to deliver the Institute’s 2020 to 2023 Development Strategy.

The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development & Delivery: Provide strategic leadership for the programme, ensuring all those who collaborate with it have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as managing the Research Communities of Practice programme in line with the implementation timeframe agreed with the donor. The role will continue to implement blended and innovative learning programmes for early career researchers, participate in the delivery of training and learning initiatives, establish performance metrics for monitoring, evaluating, learning, as well as fulfil donor reporting requirements.
• Strategic Leadership: Lead RVI’s strategy to invest in the professional development of African researchers and advise on and support the development and delivery of the Institute’s other in-person and online educational and training programmes. The role will expand RVI’s networks of local, regional, and international research partners to build sustainable relations with African and non-African research and academic institutions, ensuring that RVI’s programme is aligned with its core principles and policies and supports the strategic development of the organisation.
• Partnerships, Public and Donor Relations: Cultivate and broker relationships with academic and learning institutes, represent the programme and RVI with national and international counterparts and funders as well as publicise and disseminate the project’s work, maximising the influence of programme trainees with a view to increasing funding and achieving sustainability and long-term impact.

The Person

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Social Science Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as political science, development studies, anthropology is essential, with a PhD as a distinct advantage.
• A qualification in training and educational approaches, and an ability to teach others.
• A broad knowledge of applied research methodologies.
• Demonstrable interest in local knowledge production, equity and social inclusion.
• Understanding of the research and policy environment in eastern or central Africa.
• An understanding of tertiary education in eastern or central Africa.
• Fluent in spoken and written English. Spoken and written knowledge of a second language spoken in the region (French, Arabic, Somali, Kiswahili) is desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience in tertiary level teaching methods, adult learning, and mentorship.
• Experienced in designing and implementing blended training courses in applied research methodology, including online.
• Experience of organising and facilitating learning events (such as conferences, seminars and workshops).
• A track record in designing and undertaking research in Africa and applying qualitative research methods (such as oral history, participant-led, community drama and other forms of action-research techniques).
• Experience of creating communities of practice an advantage.
• Experienced in programme leadership and management, including monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and risk management.
• Experience of developing effective project partnerships with institutions and individuals inside and outside Africa.
• Experience of working with governments and international funders.
• Experience in successful fundraising.
• Experience of living and working in east or central Africa.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional facilitation and training skills and the ability to teach and transfer knowledge.
• Strategic and adaptative thinking.
• Excellent project management and planning skills and an ability to design and lead work plans.
• Excellent written and public communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

Summary:

Job Title: Research Training Manager
Location: Eastern or Central Africa (negotiable based on RVI office locations), with a minimum expectation of 30% travel.
Employment type: Full-time, one-year contract, renewable subject to funding
Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Circa $50,000 USD commensurate with skills and experience.
Benefits: 28 days annual paid, health insurance, pension, and travel allowances

How to apply

Find the full job description here. For further information or any questions please write to the Head of Organisational Development at recruitment@riftvalley.net.

Please apply online here. Applications must include the following:

• A full CV (no more than three pages)
• A cover letter supporting your application outlining your motivation, experience, and knowledge relevant for the position (no more than two pages)
• The name, email address and telephone numbers of two professional referees
• Candidates must have Kenyan resident status or the right to work in Kenya.

Only applications from candidates who fulfil all the above criteria will be considered for the position. You will only be contacted if you are invited for interview.

Application closing date: Friday, 12 December 2022. However, applications will be reviewed on rolling basis and qualified applicants may be invited for interviews before the deadline.We encourage interested applicants to apply early.