Senior Research and Policy Specialist (Health and Life Sciences) At Organisation of Educational Cooperation



The OEC: The Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) is an international intergovernmental organisation, founded in January 2020 by countries from across the Global South, to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world”.

The main functions of the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Foresight (REEF) are, accordingly, to:

  1. Act as the think tank of the OEC, publishing reports and policy papers, and foster the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and best practices.
  2. Collect, analyse, monitor, and evaluate data to inform policy and practice.
  3. Facilitate transdisciplinary research opportunities and access to knowledge.

Role Summary:

The Transdisciplinary Research Section of REEF is responsible for producing high quality transdisciplinary research and resources, including epistemological frameworks, System Diagnostic and Monitoring and Evaluation tools, as well as evidence-led recommendations to support Member States in defining, revitalising, diagnosing, monitoring and evaluating their knowledge and education systems in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE).

Under the overall authority of the Secretary General, the guidance of the Under-Secretary-General for REEF, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section of Transdisciplinary Research, Senior Research and Policy Specialists are responsible for developing transdisciplinary knowledge across various areas of expertise, providing policy advice and technical assistance to Member States and Associate Members. The Senior Research and Policy Specialist for Health and Life Sciences (SPRS-HLS) will contribute to the critical production, evaluation and exchange of knowledge in the health and life sciences to advance transdisciplinary dialogue.

Duties:

  • Conduct research, provide policy advice and technical assistance on theapplication of the principles and techniques of scientific thinking to advance transdisciplinarity.
  • Contribute to the development of a contextually relevant balanced and inclusive education system diagnostic, monitoring and evaluation tool.
  • Evaluate health and life science education systems, curricula, policies and programmes, interpret and report findings.
  • Support REEF activities on the establishment of transdisciplinary regional research centres and institutes.
  • Support the selection and collection of appropriate academic references and endogenous knowledge for hosting in an OEC digital database for use by higher education institutions and researchers of Member States and Associate Members.
  • Identify new challenges and emerging issues in transdisciplinary research and practice on which to provide timely, relevant commentary and guidance for stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including the establishment of performance indicators and measurement techniques.
  • Manage the collection, analysis, reporting and visualization of data and information collected through monitoring and evaluation activities.
  • Write policy notes and research/evaluation briefs for various audience groups.
  • Contribute to the overall strategy and vision of the Transdisciplinary Research Section of REEF.
  • Effectively project manage their activities, including public events and publications.
  • Produce high-quality knowledge products.
  • Perform other duties as requested by the Chief of Section, the USG-REEF or the Secretary-General.

Competencies:

  • Expertise in the general field of Health and Life Sciences
  • A demonstrable knowledge of developments in the field.
  • A good record of demonstrable research impact, engagement, and transdisciplinary collaborations, commensurate with career stage.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of educational policies, assessment systems, outcomes, and/or issues of the Global South.
  • Demonstrated understanding of contemporary debates, issues and constraints in transdisciplinary scholarship and practice.
  • Knowledge and experience in systematically synthesising and interpreting evidence from quantitative and qualitative data, demonstrated through high-quality publications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research that can shape scholarship, policy and practice and engages various audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience with editorial work or peer review for a reputable international journal.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to systematise information and prepare executive reports.
  • Political astuteness and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse and multicultural environment.
  • Strong commitment to the mission and goals of the OEC.
  • Ability to withstand and work effectively within a highly demanding environment.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work effectively across different topics and themes.

Qualifications:

  • A medical or doctoral degree in the health and life sciences.
  • A minimum of five years post qualification experience in research, teaching, policy or practice.
  • This experience may be in a university, think tank, government department, health institution or laboratory, a non-governmental organisation or in the private sector.

Language Requirements:

Candidates must be fluent in English. Knowledge of one or more of the other official languages of the OEC (French, Arabic, Spanish) is a distinct advantage.

How to apply

If you are passionate about education and global change, we invite you to come and join us to build a new kind of education – one that serves a vision of the future, a new, inclusive and equitable way of development, founded upon the spirit of multilateralism, solidarity and self-determination.

All applications must be sent to [email protected] and must include:

  1. Subject line: “REEF-SRPS-HLS – Application”
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Letter of Motivation
  4. Two writing samples, one of which must be single authored (article in a refereed journal; book chapter; policy papers, etc)

This position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The OEC is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women.

Applications from candidates from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean regions are also highly encouraged.

Open until filled. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged.

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