Africa-Europe Foundation – Head of Policy and Research

HEAD OF POLICY AND RESEARCH December 2023

THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

ABOUT THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION For a NEW position, in the context of the

Europe relations at the nexus of climate and

realisation of its growth strategy, the Africa

development. These Strategy Groups form the

Europe Foundation is seeking a NEW Head of

backbone of AEF’s work to catalyse innovative

Policy and Research to enable greater impact,

partnerships and unlock untapped areas of

provide thought leadership and optimize existing

cross-continental cooperation, from the future

standards and governance.

of health and the reform of financial systems to energy, agri-food and blue economy, with

This new role builds on AEF’s successes and

investment in youth leadership as a cross-

bolsters the realisation of the Foundation’s

cutting priority. AEF’s #AUEUTracker aims to

strategic ambition.

complement existing efforts to monitor and facilitate the implementation of political and

The core purpose is to head the development,

financial commitments of the cross-continental

coordination and delivery of the Foundation’s

partnership; and through its strategic research

policy and research programme, building

and outreach programme AEF is reaffirming the

the intellectual backbone of the muti annual

Africa-Europe relationship at the multilateral level.

programming and enacting the broader mission for a transformative partnership between Africa

With a strategic mind set and acting as an

and Europe.

honest broker, the successful candidate will have the aplomb to engage as a credible leading

The Africa-Europe Foundation is an independent

interlocutor, demonstrating relevant expertise

platform for multistakeholder dialogue, frank

on Africa – Europe relations with the requisite

debate and strategic analysis, working to

political sensitivity and drive.

strengthen the partnership between Africa and Europe. During its inception phase (2021-

She/he will enhance the positioning and profile

2022), multistakeholder Strategy Groups were

of AEF as the leading and go-to organisation in

set up and mandated to offer a safe space

this field.

for exchange on complex issues of Africa-

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THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

THE ROLE TITLE:

Head of Policy and Research

LOCATION:

Brussels

REPORTING TO:

AEF Executive Director

This role offers a competitive compensation package.

The Africa Europe Foundation practises equity, diversity and inclusion.

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THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

ROLE SUMMARY Reporting to the Executive Director the new Head of Policy and Research will: • advance the agenda of the organisation by using research to craft policy formulations and have the ability to find consensus across diverse opinions on politically sensitive topics, • lead the multi-disciplinary team of fellows and colleagues, unlocking the potential of the network in its research mission, • work with external partners on research whilst ensuring the control and increase of high quality output leading to greater effective impact, • harness the knowledge and experience of the sectoral expert dialogue platforms, and, • enhance the positioning and profile of the Foundation as a leading and reliable go-to organisation.

THE KEY OUTCOMES OF THE ROLE ARE:

• An annual policy and strategic research programme aligned with AEF’s multi-annual programme.

• The successful execution of research initiatives and product, in collaboration with senior fellows and programme managers.

• A high-quality production of the annual flagship research studies and in-depth policy studies on strategic topics (360-degree reviews).

• The effective relationship-building, management and coproduction with research organisations and strategic partners working on policy contents.

• An evidence-based approach to strategic programming, increasingly embedded across the Foundation.

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THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

RESPONSIBILITIES MAIN RESPONSIBILTIES OF THE ROLE:

• Develop a coherent annual work schedule for the AEF policy and

• Develop, coordinate and maintain an effective AEF research strategy

research programme, ensuring alignment with the outputs of the

which aims to impact public policy and programming at the cross-

Foundation’s multi-annual programming agreements with strategic

continental and multilateral level, and shift decision-makers towards

partners and that the programme is planned sufficiently in advance,

new ideas and partnership opportunities for Africa and Europe.

implemented effectively and efficiently, and maximises impact.

• Head policy development at AEF, working in close collaboration with

• Draft strategic research and develop the contents for AEF large-scale

a small team of managers responsible for programming, outreach

research initiatives on strategic topics which hold the largest promise

and strategic communications, ensuring that our organisational focus

for impact, win-win solutions and partnership action at the cross-

of unlocking new opportunities for the Africa-Europe Partnership is

continental level.

embedded throughout the AEF research work.

• Ensure policy and research coherence to the work of the AEF,

• Review and edit all policy and research outputs, and ensure that they are reflective of the wider policy and research environments in which

leveraging the value and work of the AEF teams and networks. This

the Africa-Europe Partnership operates. - Work in close cooperation

includes AEF’s sectoral expert dialogue platforms (strategy groups and

with the Outreach Team to present complex information clearly,

working groups), research output of co-founding organisations (Mo

tailoring the presentation of findings to meet the different needs of both

Ibrahim Foundation, Friends of Europe, African Climate Foundation,

technical and non-technical audiences appropriately, as required.

ONE Campaign), as well as technical leads and experts (CoChairs of

• Assume responsibility for the development of the Terms of Reference

the Strategy Groups, Senior Fellows, research associates).

• Collaborate with the Co-Secretary Generals and contributing to good governance at the Foundation.

• Represent and promote the Foundation’s research programme and

for policy studies and research initiatives, drawing on inputs from AEF’s team of senior fellows and programme managers, and negotiating agreements on ToRs with strategic partners.

• Map and identify potential research partners that could partner in the

outputs at internal and external meetings, and maintain an up-to-date

co-production of initiatives with AEF. - Working closely with AEF’s

knowledge of strategic topics and sectors relevant to a stronger Africa-

Commitment Tracking Team, leverage existing data, information and

Europe Partnership.

analysis on the implementation of AU-EU commitments, to underpin

WITH THESE RESPONSIBILITIES THE NEW HEAD OF POLICY AND RESEARCH WILL: • Take ownership for the quality of research outputs, maintaining and

areas of AEF research.

• Provide research guidance and technical assistance to AEF colleagues, sectoral experts and senior policy fellows as needed, lead on the cultivation of new research initiatives, and develop capacity-

improving existing standards, ensuring policy and research initiatives are

building for AEF programme managers to support high quality policy

suitably creative and rigorous and lead to tangible impact and influence.

outputs, grounded in robust research.

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THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

CANDIDATE PROFILE THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• Brings at least 10 years of professional experience preferably within an international environment, with the capacity to work effectively and build trust in an intercultural environment and a matrix management structure with senior policy fellows and programme managers; • Holds a minimum advanced degree in social sciences, economics, political science or research methods (candidates with PhD are welcomed) and has an excellent command or English with knowledge of other languages considered as an asset; • Presents significant experience undertaking cross-disciplinary research studies and peer review of research outputs with a proven record of outstanding writing output, adapting to different audiences when presenting complex information; • Shows real dedication to the long-term mission of the Africa-Europe Foundation, taking ownership for the quality and impact of the policy and research programme.

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THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

HOW TO APPLY All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, please email your

SELECTION PROCESS:

All candidates will receive an update regarding

CV and cover letter (as two separate documents) to

their application after the closing date. We advise

africa-europe-foundation@oxfordhr.com. The cover

candidates to add the role email to their safe

letter should be no more than two pages long and

senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

EQUALITY STATEMENT:

Equality and diversity are at the core of AEF’s The document should be saved in PDF in the

values. Staff are expected to work collectively and

following format: Your First Name-Your Last

individually to promote a constructive and sensitive

Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-

approach to others from a variety of backgrounds,

Jones-CV-122023-AEF or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter-

where the work of others is valued and respected.

122023-AEF.

TIMELINE:

Closing Date:

QUERIES:

If you have any queries on any aspect of the 29th January 2024

appointment process, need additional information,

First stage interviews:

TBC

or would like to have an informal discussion, please

Final interviews:

TBC

email at africa-europe-foundation@oxfordhr.com in the first instance.

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THE AFRICA-EUROPE FOUNDATION

ABOUT OXFORD HR Exceptional leaders can inspire change and propel purposeled organisations towards reaching their world-changing goals.

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