Research Scientist job at Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES)

JOB DETAILS:
Background
Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES) is a research institution in Kampala, Uganda. The Center’s core work involves supporting policy and decision-makers at regional, national, and sub-national levels in sectors including health, renewable energy, gender, and education, to strengthen access to accurate and timely evidence for policies and decisions.
The Center’s operational areas include:
a) An evidence synthesis unit,
b) A policy analysis and engagement unit,
c) A capacity building unit, and
d) A research, evaluation, and innovation unit.
The Center has a multidisciplinary team that ensures it responds appropriately and optimally to decision-makers’ needs.

About the Position
ACRES seeks a self-motivated individual to join the team as a Research Scientist. The successful candidate shall undertake evidence syntheses, policy analyses, research, and evaluation. The candidate will also engage with policy and decision-makers and the policymaking processes.
This will be a one-year contract renewable, subject to funding.

Qualifications and Experience
We are seeking an ideal candidate with the following qualifications and experiences:
• Academic background in Environmental Management and Environmental Science related course

• Master’s degree (MSc) with a Research component, Environment and Natural Resources, Environment and Disaster Management.
• Knowledge and experience in evidence synthesis and a track record of scientific writing and publications.

• Ability to prepare and translate scientific communications for different non-scientific audiences.
• Ability to conduct engagements with public policy actors and environments.

Desired Attributes
• Skills in scientific grant writing.
• Skills in non-scientific writing and communication, e.g., report writing, blogs, press/news articles.
• Team management.
• Good communication skills.

Expected Roles and Responsibilities
The ideal candidate shall work on the Organisation’s programs to respond rapidly to national and sub-national policymakers’ needs for research evidence. Such work includes:
1. Working on a rapid response mechanism responding to national and sub-national policymaker needs for evidence.

2. Conduct stakeholder engagement activities, including but not limited to policy dialogues and citizen panels.

3. Conduct capacity-building activities, both internally within the team and externally, as part of the Organisation’s activities.
4. Carrying out research according to the Organisation’s research agenda and research requested or commissioned by a government department or similar clients.

The candidate will also be involved in leading and mentoring small teams of researchers in the different operational units of the organisation.
• The incumbent shall work closely and support the administration team in periodic reporting of activities.

Benefits
ACRES offers a competitive benefits package, including:
• Commensurate compensation
• Medical insurance
• 21 days of annual leave

Reporting
The incumbent shall directly report to the Head-of-Office.

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Interested in applying for this job? send all the required documents to info@acres.or.ug
1. Resume: It should include a list of publications and/or evidence syntheses. The applicant can include policy briefs.

2. Recommendation letters from two referees: The referees could include a professional and character referee.
3. Cover letter (one page): Address the cover letter to:
Executive Director
Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES)
Plot 24, BMK Close, off Wampewo Avenue, Kololo
P. O. Box 110226, Kampala, Uganda.
• The application package should be submitted as one PDF document.
• Applications should be submitted . Only online applications shall be received.
• The deadline for submission is December 07, at 5:00 pm EAT.