Senior Program Associate – Evidence to Policy Practice

Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.

We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.

Practice:

The Evidence to Policy Practice works with partners to improve the use of evidence in policy and program decisions and create self-sustaining systems that support healthy, educated people. The team conducts research to better understand knowledge translation — how to move from evidence to action — unpacking both theory and practice. We help build, coordinate, and facilitate peer learning networks to jointly problem solve evidence use challenges and accelerate solutions for strengthening the people, policies, processes, and systems needed to give evidence a prominent role in decision making. Most recently, we have supported the launch of the forthcoming global subnetwork of Transforming Evidence Funders Network)

Opportunity:

R4D is seeking a thoughtful and highly motivated Senior Program Associate (SPA) to work with a collaborative team in our Evidence to Policy practice, to provide technical and program management support to the Partnership for Evidence and Equity in Responsive Social Systems (PEERSS) . We are seeking someone who can take ownership of key activities, work well independently and as part of a team, anticipate outcomes, and who can be flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities

R4D uses an innovative collaborative learning approach, across its portfolios, that brings people together who face common challenges to systematically share and adapt knowledge and produce new ideas that enable them to successfully tackle practical yet complex issues and achieve their goals. The SPA will support in-person workshops and virtual exchanges that bring practitioners together to exchange experience on what has worked, what has not worked and why, and co-develop practical tools and knowledge products. Additionally, the SPA will provide project management and operational support including, knowledge management, and communications.

This position is currently remote due to COVID-19. Strong preference for those who can be based in Washington, DC once COVID restrictions have been lifted. This position will report to the Senior Program Officer on the team.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks related to research, analysis, project management, grants and financial management, and communications.

  • Prepares presentations, reports, briefing materials, and other products such as blog posts, newsletters, meeting summaries, thought pieces, and e-communications on analysis and key topics of interest for the network
  • Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with partners and funders
  • Provides administrative and logistical support to the partnership and serves as a key focal point for the partners, including scheduling meetings and maintaining work plans
  • Manages internal partnership communication and updates
  • Facilitates the processing of partner and consultant contracts and invoices
  • Coordinates and provides logistical support for meetings and events

Qualifications

• • BA + 3 years or MA + 1 year of relevant professional experience – Strong academic record in economics, international nutrition, global health, public policy, public health, or related discipline – Understanding of knowledge translation and other evidence to policy practices is desired – Strong research and analysis skills including familiarity with Microsoft Excel – Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize technical content into effective presentations – Enthusiastic about joining a diverse and inclusive work environment – Willingness to take on program management responsibilities in addition to the technical work – Ability to function flexibly and independently while being a committed team player – Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail – French fluency is required – Willingness to travel up to 25% to support workshops and events in partner countries in Africa