Program Leader - Peace, Conflict and Development

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian Crown corporation, supports research in developing regions of the world to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, innovative leader to join our management team based in Ottawa, Canada.

Job Overview

The  Peace, Conflict and Development Program contributes to the production and dissemination of locally-grounded research on political arrangements, security, and justice issues, with the goal of promoting more accountable and legitimate state institutions as well as a more empowered citizenry.   The Program is currently undergoing a renewal to review programming priorities and strategic approaches to research funding.

As the Program Leader, you will support this renewal and your team’s focus to develop and maintain a program-level vision; provide intellectual leadership in identifying critical research issues; and develop, manage and monitor a portfolio of projects  of approximately $6 million annually.  You will lead a multidisciplinary team of professionals based in Ottawa, Canada as well as in our Regional Offices in the developing world. You also will represent the Program internationally, support knowledge dissemination and utilization, and work to expand programming resources by fostering linkages with other funding agencies.

Candidate Profile  

Education

• PhD and a record of research and publication in a relevant discipline such as international development, political science, or international relations, with application to developing country contexts OR Masters degree in a relevant discipline and significant work experience

Experience

• Ten years of experience in conducting and managing relevant policy research and/or in policy formulation and implementation
• Experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams and working in developing regions
• Experience working in an independent policy research organization or a grant-making organization is an asset

Language

• Bilingual position (English/French) at an intermediate level as a minimum
• Proficiency in Spanish is an asset

Knowledge

• Knowledge of governance, conflict and social policy issues in one or more of the regions targeted by the Program
• Familiarity with the issues and challenges around promoting accountability, legitimacy, security and justice in developing country contexts
• Understanding of policy research methods and approaches, including strategies for effectively communicating research results and linking research to policy

Competencies

• Proven strategic thinking, solid judgement, initiative and creativity
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; sensitivity to individual, gender and cultural differences
• Strong, planning and project management skills; ability to negotiate under pressure
• Ability to lead and manage a diverse, multidisciplinary, international team
• Ability to provide specialized advice and guidance to policy research organizations supported by the Program on issues of research design, outreach, and/or organizational development
• Ability to develop and maintain networks of organizations and partners, including actual and potential funding agencies, grantees, and government officials

Additional Information

This position requires a willingness to travel internationally, an average of 30-60 days per year.

If you are interested in a career with a lasting impact, we invite you to join our team of talented and motivated professionals operating in a stimulating, multicultural, learning environment.  Although this is a permanent position, we may consider secondments. For more information about this opportunity and how to apply, visit www.idrc.ca/careers.  Application Deadline: September 26, 2010.