Program Officers

International Development Research Centre

Nairobi, Kenya

As the next Program officer, you are responsible for the management of on-going grants for applied research projects in partnership with a range of universities, think tanks and NGOs in both Asia, and Africa. You will support high-quality research, knowledge mobilization and communications to ensure that research makes a difference in the improvement of national education systems.  You will offer support to project teams to ensure that evidence helps improve gender equality, equity, and inclusion in education, and you will help implement program-level knowledge synthesis, monitoring and evaluation, and competitive calls for proposals. 

Take a minute to see if your profile fits IDRC:

  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
  • Proficiency in French and English (reading, writing and speaking). **
  • Demonstrated research experience and understanding of current global education policy challenges.
  • Significant experience with project management, problem-solving and facilitating collaborative and transdisciplinary research.
  • Experience in grant management, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge mobilization. 
  • A strong grasp of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the improvement of global education systems.   
  • You are:
  • Collaborative and thrive within a research-based environment that requires relationship building and openness to working with researchers across the world.
  • Driven and able to put plan into action through effective implementation processes.
  • Passionate about the improvement of education systems in low-middle income countries (LMICS).
  • An experienced research professional with demonstrated project management capabilities. 

You are interested in:

  • Supporting the implementation of program strategies for knowledge synthesis, monitoring and evaluation, as well as communications and engagement strategies.
  • Implementing competitive call processes to attract, select and approve new projects that strengthen the resilience of education systems.
  • Improving research uptake by linking on-going research with national decision-making and global networks. 
  • Making a difference; ensuring that research makes a difference in policy and practice.
  • Joining an organization that values and models diversity, inclusion, and equity.