All Things Urban

We are an international development consultancy committed to helping low- and middle-income countries achieve growth and reduce poverty and disadvantage through public policy reform.

OPM is bidding for several large multi-year applied research programmes, including the exciting DFID programme, Africa Cities Research. This aims to generate first-class research evidence which can be applied to policy challenges in a very direct way in a set of large African Cities.

The project requires a “city as system” intellectual framework which puts problem centred research in the context of shaping factors including political economy. The Research Manager will have an important part to play in establishing the context in each city and formulating the research agendas, and subsequently in the management and coordination of further research activities. Ensuring research is on track, that relationships with implementing partners are good, and that synergies and opportunities for cross-city learning are exploited. This role will suit someone with an academic research background, technical expertise in aspects of urban development, knowledge of Africa and research management or other managerial experience.

• Coordinating with the Executive Director and other Research Managers to ensure the strategic direction of the research programme is maintained.
• Participating/Leading in Country/City Teams in the Foundation Stage of the project which generates its own research and also the forward research agenda.
• Supporting the Research Selection Committee and peer review processes.
• Becoming the main focal point for key academic stakeholders, external research partners, and internal OPM researchers.
• Coordinating and overseeing the delivery of research by ensuring outputs remain in line with the strategy and programme objectives.
• Preparing reporting information for DFID, on the direction of research.
• Maintaining the engagement of policymakers, implementing actors during research projects
• Helping continuously to build the programme’s network and disseminate research findings as they emerge, including devising themes for dissemination websites, conferences and materials.
• Reviewing working papers and other outputs produced by programme researchers as directed.
• Coordinating and in some cases producing research uptake materials: policy briefs and translational pieces.

• Postgraduate Degree level education in economics, public policies or other relevant subjects with a good research grounding. Relevant work experience may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree
• Experience of urban issues in an African context strongly preferred
• Previous experience in programme or project management
• Strong organizational, self-management and communication skills
• Ability to build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including with consortium partners, senior members of academic institutions and high ranking partners or government stakeholders in focus cities
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision
• A solution driven attitude and a drive for solving problems

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.