The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow for the position of Youth and Inclusive Development.  The Post-Doctoral Fellow will work within the Gender, Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID) Programme of ACTS. 

Vacancy Summary – Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Department	Gender, Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID) Programme	Grade	RF I
Location	Nairobi, Kenya	Line Manager	GYID Program, Head
Expected Start Date	July 2024	Duration of contract	2 years, reviewed annually.
Salary	22,000 – 25,000 USD p.a. or equivalent in Kshs gross1

¹ This is inclusive of all benefits.

About ACTS

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental STI policy Think Tank founded in 1988. Its mandate is to strengthen the capacities and policies of African countries and institutions to use science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. ACTS is based in Nairobi through a host agreement with the Kenya Government and enjoys international status. ACTS’ governing council depicts its international status. It has representation from Ghana (current chair), Ethiopia, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, UK, Sweden, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).

ACTS is currently implementing its seventh strategic plan (2022 - 2026) and pursuing the following five programmes: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS); Climate Resilient Economies (CRE); Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS); Digital Innovation and Knowledge Economy (DIKE); and Gender Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID). These programmes are delivered through policy research, policy engagement, capacity building and technology brokerage.

 

Job Specifications

ACTS seeks to recruit a Post-doctoral Research Fellow who will support the work of the Gender Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID) program to ensure that the Youth make effective use of technologies that can promote human development and inclusivity. The Research Fellow will undertake policy research that promotes the uptake of STI solutions by youth and marginalized groups, participate in implementation activities that prioritize upskilling and reskilling of the Youth workforce as well as supporting the Youth to acquire digital skills for the Gig Economy.

The Gender Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID) program recognizes the role of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) in the sustainable development in Africa, and more so the importance of the active participation of Women, Youth and marginalized persons. Young Men and Women in Kenya represent an essential demographic, which needs to be sufficiently equipped to make the most of emerging opportunities in Technology and the Digital Age. Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) has been proven to be a catalyst for the economic growth of countries, as it has the potential of fostering entrepreneurship and job creation among Youth, uplifting livelihoods and reducing inequalities in communities.

 

Core Duties of the Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

The Post-doctoral Research Fellow will be expected to handle the following core tasks as a minimum at the program level.

• Contribute to the development of projects that support the youth and vulnerable groups to harness Science Technology and Innovation (STI)
• Undertake policy research in Science Technology and Innovation (STI) with a special focus on Youth Development
• Support the upskilling and reskilling of the Youth workforce to acquire digital skills for the Gig Economy
• Contribute to research on youth entrepreneurship, youth in innovation and disseminate best practices and policy directions that address unique perspectives of the youth population.
• Produce high quality policy outputs (not limited to reports, policy briefs, dissemination workshops and knowledge exchange events).
• Support the GYID Programme Manager in setting and advancing programme direction through writing of strategy documents, and organizing policy outreach events among, others.
• Mobilize resources through the development of funding proposals targeting Youth and Marginalized Groups.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagements for Youth through workshops and webinars

 

Minimum Requirements

The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in a relevant field (e.g. development economics, sociology of science, innovation studies, Policy and governance, and development studies) from a recognized institution; and have at least the following:

• A minimum of 1-2 years post PhD research experience in Youth Empowerment, development issues or youth capacity building.
• Proven experience in designing and managing projects designed for youth and/or marginalized groups is an added advantage.
• An established publication record (e.g. minimum 2 publications; preferably in peer reviewed journals).
• Track record of mobilizing resources for implementing Youth programs.

 

 Minimum Competences 

Skills	Knowledge	Behaviours
Writes effectively and efficiently in a professional approach relevant for policy makers and/or academic audiences Multi-tasking and problem solving to adapt well to situations Project management	Demonstrates knowledge of youth Issues in Kenya and Africa Gender equality and inclusivity	Recognizes the importance of delivering results through teamwork, taking responsibilities for actions and taking initiative Demonstrates respect for others inside and outside the workplace

Desirable Competences

Knowledge	Experience
Youth Advocacy	Working in Youth Development agencies or organizations Convening youth forums and platforms including webinars Proposal development

 

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How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and scanned copies of academic certificates as a single document, including contact details for 3 references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16:00 hrs East Africa Time on 08^th July 2024.