Research and Policy Manager (Gender and Education)

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Job description

I. Position Summary

The postholder will manage a programme of high-quality research and policy analysis on gender and education, to underpin Malala Fund's advocacy, campaigns and thought leadership at global, regional and national levels. Working as part of a small sub-team within the Advocacy Department, their work will position Malala Fund as a leading organisation on achieving gender equality in and through education.

II. Responsibilities

Research and policy analysis

Develop and deliver a pipeline of robust and high-quality research and policy analysis on gender equality in and through education
Commission and manage research consultancies
Collaborate with country programmes and grantee networks to ensure production of high-quality, innovative research to support advocacy strategies at national and sub-national levels
Build partnerships with peer organisations, thinktanks and research institutions, especially in the global South

Strategic communication of research findings and policy recommendations

Ensure that Malala Fund's advocacy positions and policy demands on quality education and social norms are based on robust evidence and analysis
Write advocacy reports, briefing papers, technical notes and background documents to underpin advocacy and thought leadership by staff, grantees and co-Founders
Present research and policy recommendations to target institutions and processes at the global level
Working with our Creative and Communications Department as well as across the Advocacy Team, use innovative methods to bring research findings to life
As directed, act as media spokesperson for Malala Fund

Management

Line management of staff as the team grows.
Recruit and oversee the work of consultants and outside contractors as necessary.
Actively contribute to making Malala Fund a diverse and equitable workplace through inclusive practices and openness to different perspectives, cultures and ideas.
Actively build and maintain systems that allow for the growth and development of all direct reports.
Welcome and induct new team members into Malala Fund, and facilitate collaboration across and within the team.
Co-create clear objectives and development plans for direct reports and engage in regular and constructive performance conversations.
Shares key messages and relevant information with direct reports, and seeks out, addresses and/or escalates feedback as appropriate.
Ensures all team members understand and comply with Malala Fund policies, procedures and resources.

Organisational Culture

Upholds the values of Malala Fund.
Actively contributes to making Malala Fund a diverse and equitable workplace through inclusive practice and openness to different perspectives, cultures and ideas.
Maintains behaviour and conduct that uphold the highest standards for safeguarding, professionally and personally.
Acts as a role model for a 'learning organisation' culture by seeking insight and using problems as opportunities to learn.

III. Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours

Essential

A postgraduate degree in education, development studies, public policy or relevant area, or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.
Understanding of gender transformative approaches to education
Up to date knowledge of the international policy landscape influencing gender equality and education
Significant relevant and comparable experience in a similar role, ideally within an international context.
A deep knowledge of qualitative research methods and a demonstrated ability to develop and lead primary research.
Demonstrated experience of developing research partnerships and/or collaborations beyond the NGO field for example with academia, international institutions and the private sector
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
People management experience.
Strong problem-solving, leadership, organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills and the ability to operate in a wide range of cultural and institutional contexts.
Ability to travel.
Strong commitment to Malala Fund's mission, purpose and values.
Strong commitment to gender equality, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, decolonisation and social justice
Strong commitment to safeguarding, research ethics and feminist research approaches
Strong commitment to professional development and continued learning.
Excellent team player with ability to work independently and in collaboration with colleagues at all levels across departments and external stakeholders.

Desirable

Undertaking research within the framework of advocacy
Co-creating research projects with programme partners across multiple countries
Working with Southern partners, especially women's rights organisations

Malala Fund is committed to racial equity and social justice. We actively seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities, to provide a wide range of perspectives, ideas, views and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of Malala Fund. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who have lived in countries in which Malala Fund is operating.

Note: This position is eligible for immigration sponsorship in the U.K.

IV. About Malala Fund

Registered as a public charity in the U.K. and U.S., Malala Fund is working toward a world where all girls can learn and lead. With more than 130 million girls out of school today, we're breaking down barriers that hold girls back.

Malala Fund advocates for resources and policy changes needed to give all girls a secondary education. The girls we serve have high goals for themselves and we have high expectations for leaders who can help them. We invest in local education leaders and front-line organisations - the people who best understand girls in their communities - in regions where most girls are missing out on secondary school. We give girls the tools they need to advocate for education and equality in their communities and a platform for the world to hear their voices. We believe girls should speak for themselves and tell leaders what they need to learn and achieve their potential.

V. How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through the application link by 3 January 2022.

Please note that due to the very high number of applications we receive when positions are posted, we are only able to respond directly to candidates with whom we wish to move forward in the interview process.

Malala Fund is an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from under-represented and intersectional groups including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. We are seeking people from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identities, to provide a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of Malala Fund.

Malala Fund is committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in our work. Our first priority is protecting everyone who comes in direct or indirect contact with our organisation. Malala Fund has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by any of our staff, representatives or partners. We commit to ensuring that those who work with Malala Fund or on our behalf are able to work in an environment that is free from harm. To this end, Malala Fund reserves the right to conduct background checks on prospective and current employees.

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