Africa Research and Data Officer
• Multiple Countries
• Full Time
• Regional Programs
• Mid Level

NRGI Background: For the one billion people living in poverty in resource-rich countries, the oil, gas and mining sectors have failed to deliver on the promise of better quality of life.
Instead of fact-based public debate, populist promises dominate many political systems. Corruption and state capture have spread, and democracy is under threat.
Those who demand accountability face harassment and violence. The climate crisis looms large and the transition to green energy risks replicating governance misdeeds in the sector.
Unless governance improves, half of the world’s poor will live in resource-rich countries by 2030.
The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) mission is to secure a future where countries rich in oil, gas and minerals achieve sustainable, inclusive development - one where people receive lasting benefits from extractives, and the negative impacts associated with the sector are minimized.
Intelligent data, capacity building, policy analysis and advice are key tools to delivering impact. Our international staff of more than 90 country and issue experts, lawyers, economists and governance specialists contribute evidence-based knowledge, advocacy, and technical expertise to make gains for the public good.

Job purpose: The Africa Research & Data Officer will work on data, analysis and research projects related to resource extraction in the Africa region.
The successful candidate will have deep understanding of the region, technical experience working with data related to extractives, and will be able to generate expert analysis, research and policy advice vital to NRGIs work in driving reform in Africa.
The position will work in concert with Africa regional and Research, Data & Learning teams to drive forward a regional research and data agenda that is rooted in country and regional strategies.
Potential areas of focus are tax policy, extractives revenue management, state-owned enterprise management and helping resource-rich countries navigate the energy transition.

Major responsibilities:
• Apply strong research and data management discipline to effectively acquire and validate data and deliver analysis and research projects with a focus on the Africa region, in line with the regional and country teams’ strategic priorities.
• Compile and organize datasets and provide detailed interpretations of data and identify areas of further research inquiry.
• Link data and analysis to specific, actionable policy recommendations related to resource governance.
• Contribute to the research process for the 2021 Resource Governance Index, and future iterations, for African countries. This involves supporting country teams on consultant management, data collection and data validation.
• Oversee the analysis and interpretation of the Resource Governance Index results for the Africa region, working with colleagues to ensure a clear link between the key findings, recommendations and priorities in the region.
• Support country work streams which utilize the Resource Governance Index in advocacy, technical assistance and capacity development interventions, including through the development of compelling and accessible graphics, presentations and learning resources.
• Help manage a research project budget so that physical and financial resources are utilized in line with donor expectations and value for money requirements.
• Manage consultants and vendors, including by developing contracts, managing work flow and performance, processing invoices and budgeting. Collaborate with the finance team and follow NRGI procurement procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement of data management and presentation standards across the organization, by supporting the application of best data practice in the Africa region.
• Participate in MEL activities to ensure learning and improvement related to research and data projects in the Africa region.
The responsibilities of this role are subject to modifications as required by the needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

Experience. & Technical Skills Required
• Minimum 5 years directly relevant work experience in data analytics and research.
• Experience in analyzing and presenting data and information through charts and visualizations to improve ease of comprehension for a range of stakeholders, and linking analysis to policy reform.
• Bilingual in French and English with excellent writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills and discipline
• Strong knowledge and experience of mining, oil and gas sectors and the governance challenges related to extractive sectors in the Africa region.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills, including ability and/or interest in engaging with the media and using social media (e.g., Twitter) to connect NRGI's work to relevant current affairs.

Education & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant field (economics, statistics, mathematics, computer sciences, etc.).

Work Environment:
Starts with flexible working arrangement until Dakar/Nairobi office is established. Regular virtual meetings with regional, country and research, data and learning teams and consultants/vendors. International travels subject to the prevailing NRGI’s Covid-19 guidelines.

Application deadline: Applications should be submitted by way of a covering letter and an up to date CV. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis up Friday 25 December 2020.

NRGI’s Values: NRGI seeks candidates who align with our values:
Integrity Maintaining our independence and credibility.
Willing to speak truth to power.
Engaging with respect.
Practicing what we preach.
Upholding the highest standards of excellence in all we do.
Impact Strategic and selective in approach.
Mindful of context, adapting to changing realities and seizing new opportunities.
Looking critically and openly at what works and what doesn’t, and why. Integrating that learning into our forward-looking work.
Accountable to our mission, the actors with whom we work and each other.
Collaboration Partnering internally and externally to affect change. Capitalizing on NRGI’s comparative advantage.
Valuing teamwork, diversity and inclusion. Working with different stakeholders and across different stakeholder groups.
Commitment to building the field and inspiring others to act.
Passion Commitment to social justice.
Prudently optimistic that we can and will shift entrenched power dynamics.
Dedication, creativity and resiliency in the fact of obstacles. Investing in change makers and strengthening NRGI.
Rigor Technical competence, intellectual leadership and commitment to quality. Generating and leveraging the evidence base.
Interrogating our work. Innovation and initiative to push the boundaries of our field.

NRGI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
NRGI considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, gender, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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