Project Officer
Location: Remote
Start date: February 2024
Duration: 1 year with option to renew
I. About the role
The Project Officer (PO) will be responsible for coordinating and supporting the
successful implementation of research projects under the leadership of the
Director of programmes and research. The role involves close collaboration with
various stakeholders depending on each project, ensuring adherence to project
timelines, and facilitating good internal and external communication.
The PO will be part of Southern Voice Secretariat’s dynamic team, actively
supporting the network's mission to advance the work of Global South scholars
to inform global debates.
II. Key responsibilities
Research project coordination
● Take a pivotal role in executing diverse Southern Voice Programmes,
demonstrating proficiency in preparing project proposals, conceptual
frameworks, work plans, etc.
● Drive impactful desk research initiatives, producing high-quality outputs
such as literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and insightful
summaries to inform Southern Voice's research initiatives.
● Provide essential support in the research and writing phases of grant
preparation, ensuring excellence throughout the lifecycle of research
projects.
● Actively contribute valuable insights derived from desk research to fortify
Southern Voice's position in the global discourse on pertinent issues.
● Identify and help cultivate new partnerships and opportunities to enhance
the global impact of Southern Voice Programmes.
● Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and timelines.
● Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Director of
Programmes and Research, playing a key role in the effective
Quality Assurance
● Conduct thorough reviews of written materials, providing constructive
feedback to ensure clarity, accuracy, and coherence.
● Promote the adherence to rigorous quality assurance processes by
facilitating internal and external peer reviews.
● Supervise copyediting to maintain research integrity.
Stakeholder Engagement
● Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project teams,
ensuring knowledge sharing.
● Support peer learning, outreach activities, and active participation in
conferences, policy dialogues, and forums.
● Maintain proactive communication with all partners to ensure timely
delivery and quality outputs for Southern Voice programs.
● Organize meetings, calls, workshops, and other activities to support
program and project implementation.
● Identify new partnerships and opportunities to enhance the global impact
of Southern Voice’s programs.
Reporting
● Monitor on the progress of research projects, identifying and addressing
potential issues to maximise the quality and timeliness of outputs.
● Prepare regular reports and provide updates to the Director of
Programmes and other relevant stakeholders on project status. This
includes detailing milestones achieved, challenges faced, and the solutions
implemented.
● Support the development of a monitoring and evaluation system and draft
donor and in-house reports as required.
III. Qualifications, skills and experience
Successful candidates should possess a proven track record in the field of
evidence-informed policy and international development, demonstrating specific
expertise in areas such as research project coordination, quality assurance
processes, and desk research. Prior experience collaborating with diverse
stakeholders, organizing and participating in conferences, and effectively
communicating project status to stakeholders is highly valued. Additionally,
candidates should showcase their ability to identify and cultivate partnerships,
contribute to the global impact of programs, and support the overall mission of
Southern Voice. Strong organizational and communication skills, coupled with a
strategic mindset, are essential for this role.
Requirements
● Advanced skills in qualitative and quantitative research are required,
gained from academic, policy research, or consulting backgrounds. The
ideal candidate should showcase the ability to produce high-quality
research outputs quickly, tailored for various audiences.
● At least four years of professional experience working and managing
research projects and providing research support in the International
Development field.
● Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, International
Relations, or related disciplines.
● Excellent research, writing and communication skills in English.
● Proficient knowledge of Spanish and French are an advantage.
● Strong familiarity with current debates in the field of International
Development such as inequalities (gender, digital gaps, etc), digital
transformation, climate change, etc.
● Proficient in efficiently prioritizing tasks and managing workloads in a
remote setting.
● Demonstrates independent troubleshooting and addresses challenges with
resourcefulness and initiative.
● Exhibits reliability, accountability, and the ability to independently manage
tasks for timely completion.
● Possesses cultural sensitivity, fostering inclusivity in a remote work
environment.
● Actively contributes to building a positive team culture, promoting
collaboration, and cultivating a sense of community among remote team
members.
IV. Duration, working conditions & requirements
● This is a full-time and remote position with a three month probation period.
The initial contract will be for three months and will be extended to one
year after successfully completing the probation period. There is a
possibility of extending for another year given the availability of funding.
● The Project Officer will report directly to the Director of programmes and
research.
