Terms of Reference: Senior Programme Officer: Research and Advocacy
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Enzi Ijayo Africa Initiative (“Enzi Ijayo”) is a pan-African think-and-do tank that convenes academia, private sector, civil society, and governments to analyse and formulate policies for growing investments in green energy solutions and provide a sustainable path to Africa’s green economic development.
Enzi Ijayo is implementing its five interconnected programs designed to: (1) convene and align stakeholders around a unified energy transition agenda for Africa; (2) advance context-specific research and thought leadership; (3) provide technical support for the design and execution of energy transition frameworks; (4) champion just and equitable policy and financing mechanisms; and (5) enhance institutional capacity and effectiveness.
Enzi Ijayo is seeking a Senior Programme Officer (Research and Advocacy) to lead and coordinate the organisation’s research components and drive advocacy and external engagement efforts. This position will require the successful candidate to work at the intersection of research, policy, and advocacy, managing the full research lifecycle from conceptualisation and data collection through to publication and dissemination. Moreso, the Senior Programme Officer will steward relationships with governments, development partners, civil society and the private sector across the continent. The candidate will play a key role in translating evidence into actionable policy recommendations, building coalitions with key stakeholders and positioning the organisation as a leading and credible voice on Africa’s energy transition.
Position Overview:
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning:
a) Lead the design, coordination and quality assurance of Enzi Ijayo’s research agenda, ensuring outputs are relevant, sharp and aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
b) Oversee the production of knowledge products, including, but not limited to, policy briefs, working papers, reports and op-eds on energy transition and climate finance.
c) Commission and supervise external researchers, consultants and institutional partners are required.
d) Maintain the up-to-date knowledge of regional and global developments in energy policy, climate action and finance to identify emerging research opportunities and gaps.
2. Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement Framework:
a) Contribute to the mobilisation of resources and support concept note and proposal development for research and advocacy activities.
b) Facilitate multi-stakeholder convenings, consultations and knowledge-exchange platforms that advance the energy transition agenda across Africa.
c) Support the development and management of partnerships with academia, international organisations and funding entities.
3. Advocacy and External Engagement:
a) Develop and implement advocacy strategies that advance the organisation’s policy priorities at national, regional and continental levels.
b) Represent the organisation at high-level forums, conferences and working groups, articulating the organisation’s positions with credibility and authority.
c) Build and sustain strategic relationships with governments, intergovernmental bodies, development partners, think tanks and civil society organisations.
d) Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic communications, media engagement, and thought leadership to amplify the organisation’s impact and voice.
4. Programme Coordination.
a) Contribute to the planning, monitoring and reporting of programme activities in line with the organisation’s strategic plan and donor requirements.
b) Support the continuous improvement of Enzi Ijayo’s research systems, processes and knowledge management practices.
Key Competencies/Person Specifications:
Demonstrated expertise in policy-oriented research with a strong command of qualitative and quantitative methods, and proven ability to produce high-quality knowledge products for policy and advocacy purposes.
Deep understanding of Africa's energy, climate, and development landscape, including familiarity with continental and regional policy frameworks such as the African Union's Agenda 2063, the Africa Climate Summit, and relevant UNFCCC processes.
Strong advocacy and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and build trust with senior government officials, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society representatives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesise complex research into compelling narratives and policy-facing outputs for diverse audiences.
Strategic thinker with the ability to identify connections between research evidence, policy windows, and advocacy opportunities, and to develop responsive, targeted interventions.
Demonstrated project and stakeholder management skills, including experience coordinating multi-partner research or advocacy initiatives in complex, multi-country environments.
Self-directed and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results in a dynamic, pan-African organisational setting.
Qualifications and Experience:
A postgraduate degree (Master's level or above) in Public Policy, International Development, Energy Studies, Environmental Science, Economics, or a related field.
A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in research, policy analysis, or advocacy, with a demonstrated track record of influencing policy in the energy, climate, or development sectors.
Proven experience producing and disseminating high-quality research and policy outputs; published work or documented knowledge products are a strong advantage.
Experience working with or engaging African governments, regional bodies, or continental institutions on energy and/or climate issues is highly desirable.
Familiarity with energy transition financing mechanisms, just transition principles, and emerging green economy frameworks on the African continent.
Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or other African Union working languages is a significant advantage.
Application Details:
We will be receiving rolling applications until the position is filled. Please submit your CV and cover letter to info@enzi-ijayo.org
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