AFIDEP is a regional non-profit research and policy institute whose mission is to institutionalize a culture of consistent use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation to address various development challenges in Africa. AFIDEP is implementing a research project that is examining the barriers and enablers to the formulation and implementation of policies and regulations to address youth unemployment in Africa. This work is being implemented in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda.
AFIDEP is looking for senior research experts in industrial regulation, trade policy, education and skills development, and youth employment to conduct a political economy analysis (PEA) of youth employment in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. The PEA will examine how industrial policies, trade regulations, education systems, and job creation strategies enable or hinder the realisation of meaningful and dignified employment opportunities for young people in Africa. The purpose will be to generate indepth insights on gaps in policy that need reform, as well as, actions needed to accelerate policy implementation in order for countries to generate meaningful and dignified employment for youth, leveraging the changing youth demographics in the context of ongoing 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the evolving digital economy.
The ideal candidates will have a relevant PhD and extensive experience in designing and conducting research on industrial policy, trade regulation, education policy. We are looking for one consultant per study country, and the consultant must be based in the study country (Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda).
Key Responsibilities
- Design a country-level political economy analysis (PEA) study – prepare a research protocol and submit for ehtics review and approval in study country.
- Collect data for the PEA study involving: a comprehensive systematic desk review of policies and other literature on youth employment in the study country; indepth interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders.
- Undetake data analysis and research report writing.
- Conduct stakeholder consultations, including at least two policy dialogues – one at the start of the study to introduce study to key stakeholders and get initial stakeholder insights on the issue, and one at after the study to validate the results, as well as discuss policy implications.
- Prepare one journal paper to share the results of the PEA.
Qualifications and Requirements
- PhD in Education and Skills Development, or Industrial Development, or Trade and Investment, or in a relevant field.
- At least 15 years of research leadership experience involving leading the design and implementation of high quality research studies in the relevant focus of this work (education and skills development, or industrial policy, or trade and investment).
- Hands-on experience with designing and conducting PEA studies.
- Track record of scientific publications in education and skills development, industrial policy, trade and investment, etc.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multi-stakeholder consultations and engagements.
Application Process
- To apply, submit a detailed CV, brief cover letter, and a 5-page proposaloutlining your research approach/design and methods for undertaking a political economy analysis of youth employment in your country to [email protected] with the subject line “Consultant – PEA on Industrial Regulation [Your Country]” by March 21, 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
