Adeso
Organization – Adeso: African Development Solutions, www.adesoafrica.org
Position Title – Senior Research Advisor – Decolonization Docuseries
Reporting To – Executive Director
Working Closely With – Systems Change Team
Duration – June 2022-August 2022
Starting Date – Immediately
Application Deadline – 19th June 2022
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy. For over 30 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. At present, Adeso has programs in Somalia and Kenya. Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development
Project Summary
Adeso is a leader in systemic changes for decolonizing the humanitarian and development aid system. Adeso currently leads a coalition of INGOs and philanthropies to re-imagine their roles in aid and how they can contribute to shifting power towards Global South communities that aid claims to support.
Adeso wants to play a central role in advocating for and developing an ecosystem that is ‘better’ and meets the aspirations of all communities. The frequency and scale of humanitarian disasters is increasing as the impact of climate change and man-made disasters increase. Unfortunately, as needs continue to increase, civil society is under siege with government leaders closing space for action and suppressing the voices of affected communities. While the World Humanitarian Summit generated hope, commitments, and come progress towards change, it is becoming increasingly clear that the current internationally led aid system is becoming less relevant as national governments gain more power and a sense of sovereignty. The future requires a complete paradigm shift in how we should imagine the future of aid. With a goal of re-imagining and reshaping the current aid ecosystem, Adeso is incubating and accelerating new initiatives and start-ups that will shift power and resources to local actors. In addition to this, other advocacy efforts in decolonizing aid will include talks, writing of articles and books and production of documentaries and/or movies.
CONSULTANCY PURPOSE
The Senior Research Advisor will contribute to the conceptualization of the Decolonization Docuseries. The Senior Research Advisor will work with the Adeso team to advise on critical topics to be covered by the docuseries and support the development of a final concept for the series. This will include responsibilities such as:
- Advise on critical topics to be covered by the docuseries and support the storyline development for each.
- Identify key experts and advise on potential case studies for each topic.
- Conduct initial research of relevant history and current events to inform the storyline development.
- Provide introductions to key experts and strategic partners for continued support.
During this period the Advisor will look to the internal Adeso team to coordinate meetings, communications, and project manage deliverables.
SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
Beginning in June 2022 the Senior Research Advisor will serve as a creative advisor and narrative strategist for Adeso’s docuseries project. Activities during this period may include:
- Attend idea creation workshop
- Identify individuals to join the research and development team
- Conduct research and capture learnings for use in the storyline development
- Review draft versions of the docuseries Bible and pitch
- Make introductions to key strategic partners for the project
- Participate in critical meetings with the Adeso team and others
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Educational experience in a related area such as economics, global development, and research
- Proven experience in research and writing
- Expertise in issues related to the global movement for decolonization
- Past experience in managing creative projects
- Strong communications, storytelling and problem-solving skills
COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
In consideration of the fees paid, the Consultant expressly assigns to Adeso any copyright arising from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. All images (whether used for online or print purposes) must however bear the consultant’s photo credit, as specified by international intellectual property rights. The consultant may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate the works of this assignment.
How to apply
All applications should be sent to [email protected] by the 19th June 2022 with Docuseries Senior Research Advisor on the subject line. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered.
Each application package should include the following:
- An application letter addressing the selection criteria including how the consultant’s previous experience matches the consultancy objectives as well as the interest for the position. It should also indicate the candidate’s availability and consultancy rates. The letter should be no longer than two pages;
- Updated CV including relevant work experience and qualifications;
- Contact details of 2 references.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.