Position 5: Mid-Level Knowledge Management/Communication Specialist (1)

[Admin]

Organization: University of Rhode Island

Closing date: 26 Jul 2021

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL CONSULTANTS:

STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITY OF AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIANS, POLICY MAKERS, AND ORGANIZATIONS/INSTITUTIONS TO USE EVIDENCE IN POLICIES AND LEGISLATION (SCAPE) PROJECT**

IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: United States Department of Agriculture and Foreign Agriculture Services (USDA/FAS); University Of Rhode Island (URI) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana

COORDINATING CENTER: Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST, Ghana

Introduction

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, the University of Rhode Island, USA, and the ASSESS project are seeking highly qualified candidates for immediate engagement to implement the SCAPE activity. The Analytical Support Services and Evaluations for Sustainable Systems in Agriculture, Environment and Trade (ASSESS) project is implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with The University of Rhode Island (URI) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

SCAPE Activity Description: The purpose of SCAPE is to strengthen the capacity of select West African parliamentarians, parliamentarian networks/associations, policy makers, and policy-focused organizations/institutions in evidence-based and data-driven legislation and policy making. The expected outcome of the activity is that selected parliamentarians, policy makers, and organizations supported by this activity will be able to effectively perform their functions of oversight, policymaking, advocacy, and national decision-making by ensuring appreciation, demand, and utilization of evaluative evidence and other data from various sources in their daily work. This activity also helps to address the important question of government transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. The overall goal is to promote economic growth and sustainable development in Africa through increased evidence-based and data-driven legislation and policy making. SCAPE will focus on four primary objectives and its associated illustrative activities:

1. Increased evidence-based decision-making skills of parliamentarians, policy makers, and

regional and national organizations/institutions engaged in policy advocacy.

· Assessment of current state of use of evidence in legislative and policymaking processes.

· Identification of “evidence champions”

· Virtual regional trainings, including training of trainers, and training for parliamentarians

· and policy makers, regional organizations, and media/journalists.

· A “How To” Guide on Strengthening Evidence-based Legislation and Policies.

· In-country/face-to-face clinics/workshops for parliamentarians and policy makers, regional organizations, and media/journalists.

1. Improved strategic planning, monitoring, and oversight of legislative and policy actions.

· Supporting parliamentarian M&E Plans/systems

· Supporting Oversight and Evaluations of Legislation and Policies

· Supporting National Evaluation Policies and M&E Systems

1. Increased access to and use of evidence through strengthened platforms for knowledge

sharing and peer learning.

· Strengthening existing platforms

· Developing and disseminating videos, brochures, policy briefs, evaluation syntheses, and

· other sensitization and communication materials

· Webinars and virtual study tours to facilitate experience sharing and networking

1. Development of resources and tools that will enable USAID Missions in Sub Saharan Africa

to work more effectively with Parliamentarians to strengthen evidence used in decision

making.

Position 5: Mid-Level Knowledge Management/Communication Specialist (1)

Type of position: Local hire (engaged by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana)**

Expected duration of assignment: August 2021 to 15 September 2022

Hours: Full time**

Location: Virtual, with travel within Ghana and West Africa when required**

Salary: To be determined by Experience and Education**

Roles and Responsibilities

The mid-level Knowledge Management/Communication Specialist will work hand in hand and under the direction from the Senior Knowledge Management Specialist to implement tasks designed to increase access to and utilization of evidence/data information. Such tasks include facilitating information sharing and peer-to-peer learning, strengthening knowledge management/communication platforms, as well as webinars and virtual study tours.

Key Qualifications

● Minimum of a master’s degree in Knowledge Management, Communications, Development and Communication, Information Management or a related area

● 5-7 years of knowledge/data management experience

● Extensive experience producing and proof-reading/editing various communication products such as brochures, policy briefs, infographics, and reports

● Experience synthesizing and communicating M&E data to a variety of audience, including non-M&E audiences such the public

● Experience facilitating knowledge sharing, with particular focus on M&E or research data, using various communication platforms

● Proficiency in English and French (writing/reading/speaking) preferred

● Ability to travel frequently to and within the West Africa region when required.**

How to apply:

Mode of Application:

To apply for any of the positions, please access and submit your application via this link: https://apps.knust.edu.gh/scapeapply/#/login

You will be required to upload in English:

(i) a cover letter (maximum 1 page),

(ii) a curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages),

(iii) a writing sample (for all positions except the Administrative Specialist/Project Coordinator). Writing sample includes a technical report, journal article, brochure and relevant write-ups related to the position.

(iv) three names and contact details for persons who are knowledgeable about your capabilities and experience.

For further enquiries, please contact: Deputy Registrar, Human Resources Division (Room 206), KNUST Main Administration, Tel: 0322497299, or email: Dr Albert Arhin (aaarhin@knust.edu.gh) with a copy to inkyamoah@knust.edu.gh and Kim Kaine (kkaine@uri.edu).

Deadline: 26 July 2021, 23:59 EDT

Note: The project’s Equal Opportunity Policy requires that all decisions regarding hiring of applicants for this position be non-discriminatory, based only on valid job requirements, and extend to all terms, conditions, and privileges of the contract including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, and disciplinary actions.

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED FOR INTERVIEWS

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