The Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana invites application for the position of a Research Fellow in the field of Gender Studies, or Gender and Development. The post holder will be engaged by KNUST but will be based at BIRD and will contribute to development of research and grants proposals, teaching and consultancy services. The research fellow will also contribute to his/her own research activities and also support a programme of research including collaborating and publishing with other team members, and undertake other tasks as directed by the Director of BIRD. BIRD values demonstrated excellence in research in a highly competitive environment. We seek an individual who is prepared to contribute to rigorous research - primarily in rural development issues utilising policy. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in conceptualising, developing and implementing research projects/ programmes, with field research experience in Ghana and/or developing countries. S/he will have a record of high-quality research outputs and experience in communicating research to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of a PhD in Policy Analysis, Development Policy, Social Policy, Rural Studies or related field, with application to rural development and a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
2. Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
3. Demonstrated experience in policy and programme/project evaluation
4. Experience in policy-oriented research, demonstrated by a track record of publications and reports
5. Strong analytical skills, a capacity to write clearly, and excellent organisational skills.
6. Demonstrated capacity for policy advisory or public-affairs work, based on an analytical approach, and an innovative and creative communications ability
7. Ability to translate research ideas into fundable projects and work as part of a team
8. Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially those necessary to communicate effectively to relevant academic and non-academic audiences using a range of media
9. Ability to manage open academic research and associated activities and to contribute to ideas for new research projects and research income generation
10. Keen attention to detail and demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
11. Experience in leading and developing a programme of research including ability to design and manage both qualitative and quantitative research in the areas of policy evaluation
12. Previous experience in designing and conducting policy-oriented research and evaluation of social policies in Ghana and other developing countries.
13. Demonstrated experience in writing reports, policy memos, briefs, and handbooks for key audiences that translate data insights into actionable policy recommendations.
14. Proficient in quantitative and qualitative data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, NVivo, ATLAS.ti., MAXQDA),
15. Ability to innovate and work effectively with scientists and research institutions on a global scale.

How to Apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via (HERE!). You will be required to upload, a cover letter indicating how you meet the job qualifications, certificates and CV as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 5:00pm (Ghana Time) on 15th June, 2024  can be considered.

About BIRD

The Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) is one of the four research centres of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

BIRD offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary research, training, consultancy and advisory services in rural development. BIRD has both national and international reputation as one of the foremost University-based institutions for development with special expertise in rural development, project planning, and management and has excellent reputation for training. BIRD is proud of its practical contribution to rural development and its training programmes.

BIRD has worked in all the 16 regions of Ghana and has thorough knowledge of the 260 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). BIRD prides itself with a good track record of effective community mobilisation, project initiation and implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation. BIRD has played a fundamental role in the economic and social development in rural areas in Ghana over the past 42 years and our aim is to enhance the development efforts of government, international development agencies, grassroot organizations, and private individuals. BIRD is seeking to recruit four (4) Research Fellows to join its team of enthusiastic staff.