Director of Research, Consultancy and Advisory Services

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Malawi School of Government (MSG)

The Malawi School of Government (MSG) is a higher education Statutory Corporation established through an Act of Parliament No. 33 of 2022, which amalgamated the former Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) and Staff Development Institute (SDI). The School comprises a Corporate Office and two campuses, Kanengo (former MIM) and Mpemba (former SDI). The main mandate of MSG is to develop and deliver human resource development programmes and build the capacity of the public and private sector through training, research, consultancy, and advisory services to improve service delivery in Malawi.

Malawi School of Government would like to recruit suitably qualified, highly motivated, solution-focused, result-oriented and astute Malawians to fill the following positions tenable at Malawi School of Government:

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY AND ADVISORY SERVICES

Job Summary

To provide leadership and oversee the design, coordination, and management of the School’s Research, Consultancy, and Advisory programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Management

  1. Initiate the development and implementation of a strategic research, consultancy and advisory roadmap that is aligned with the MSG’s mission and goals,
  2. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the Directorate’s overall performance and impact.
  3. Initiate the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies, plans, strategies, and guidelines for MSG’s research, consultancy, and advisory component.
  4. Monitor the MSG’s research, consultancy and advisory programme effectiveness and make decisions to improve programme quality and relevance.
  5. Analyse and consolidate MSG’s quarterly and annual research, consultancy and advisory reports for submission to the Director General.
  6. Servicing relevant committees.

Research, Consultancy and Advisory

  1. Collaborate with other departmental heads to align research, consultancy, and advisory services with the organisation’s strategic goals.
  2. Facilitate the transfer of research, consultancy and advisory knowledge and insights to Campus staff.
  3. Review and guide the production of policy briefs.
  4. Liaise with campus directors to establish research priority areas.
  5. Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations for policy stakeholders.
  6. Develop and monitor the adoption and adaptation of various new concepts and solutions that relate to the mandate of MSG.

Capacity Building and Training

  1. Conduct research, consultancy, and advisory services capacity needs assessment of MSG staff.
  2. Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to MSG staff to enhance their skills, knowledge and performance.
  3. Promote knowledge sharing and best practices in research, consultancy, and advisory services.
  4. Develop and maintain knowledge repositories, tools, and resources to support effective research, consultancy and advisory services.

Quality Assurance

  1. Implement quality assurance measures and standards for MSG’s research, consultancy, and advisory programme.
  2. Monitor compliance with quality standards.

Networking

  1. Cultivate, establish, and maintain partnerships and links related to research with the Government, the public and private sectors, development partners and the international community.
  2. Collaborate with local and international partners to develop joint research and consultancy initiatives, secure funding, and expand MSG’s reach and impact.
  3. Represent the School on research matters at conferences, events, industry forums, and other events to enhance its local and international profile.

Financial Management and Resource Mobilisation

  1. Develop and manage the annual research, consultancy, and advisory programme budget.
  2. Ensure efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
  3. Identify and secure other opportunities for research work.
  4. Monitor financial performance against targets and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Qualification and other attributes

  • Master’s Degree in Education, Public Administration, Economics, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences and related fields from an accredited or recognised University by the National Council for Higher Education.
  • PhD in a relevant field is an added advantage.
  • 5 years of relevant experience and a proven track record in leading research assignments and providing consultancy and strategic advisory services.

Requisite Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

  • Strong leadership skills with proven experience in managing and leading a team of researchers and consultants.
  • In-depth knowledge of various research methodologies and data analysis.
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to diagnose and analyse complex problems and drive innovative advisory solutions.
    Exceptional communication and presentation skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present research findings to stakeholders.
  • Networking and Collaboration: building professional relationships and collaborations with other researchers and institutions.
  • Excellent report writing skills.

How to Apply

Applications for these positions should be sent to chairofrecruitment@msg.ac.mw

All applications should be accompanied by the following documents:

  1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience and details of three traceable referees
  2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability
  3. Vision Statement
  4. Soft copies of educational and professional certificates

The closing date for receiving applications is 10th July, 2024. Please note that only applications received through chairofrecruitment@msg.ac.mw will be considered. Interested applicants should indicate the position title in the email’s subject line. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

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