Recruitment Notice: Director of Economic Affairs – Nkafu Policy Institute

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is seeking an experienced Director of Economic Affairs to oversee the Economic Affairs Division of the Nkafu Policy Institute. This full-time position will be based in Yaoundé. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of the Nkafu Policy Institute, the job, duties and responsibilities of the Director of Economic Affairs are to contribute substantially to the economic policy section of the Nkafu Policy Institute and to help develop the capacity and skills (academic and techniques) required to achieve Nkafu’s strategic objectives. This includes:

• Directs, manages and leads the teams of the Economic Affairs Department;
• Provides strategic economic policy and research vision, delivery and leadership;
• Provides leadership in the development of innovative programs and change management
• Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that scheduled activities are executed in a timely manner and coordinates work in the various areas.
• Improves and develops Nkafu’s external profile, influence and impact.
• Works to help shape and inform project proposals and project implementation with sound economic thinking;

• Represent the Nkafu Policy Institute in public forums, including the media, events and with policy makers and opinion leaders;
• Interact and build relationships with high-ranking politicians and officials, opinion leaders, business leaders and civil society;
• Review and advise on the technical quality of economic research in NKAFU projects;
• Interact and build relationships and joint initiatives with leading economists and other key players in academia;
• Lead the conceptualization, development and financing of certain priority projects

Qualifications and key skills required:

• An excellent understanding of contemporary debates in economic policy, broadly defined, both in Cameroon and in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Strong skills in technical economics, especially with regard to quantitative and statistical analysis;
• Experience building macroeconomic models (or a demonstrable aptitude for this work)
• A proven track record in conceptualizing and executing your own economics research
• Proven experience in conceptualizing, implementing and managing policy-oriented research, action research and/or development projects
• Good computer skills and publication record
• Must be bilingual (English and French);

 Education and experience:

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in economics or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant and demonstrable experience acquired in the field of development economics, academia or multilateral institutions.
• High-level creative and critical research and analysis in the field of economics
• Successful record of effective engagement with high level decision makers
• Excellent writer and communicator
• Ability to lead and motivate a small team would be an advantage

Application process

All applications will be completed ONLINE using the application portal. To complete your application, you will need:

• A one-page cover letter indicating your areas of research interest (in PDF)
• A curriculum vitae / CV (in PDF)
• A professional photo
• Previously written work (published or unpublished) that demonstrates the candidate’s abilities (in PDF)

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis (starting March 6, 2023) and will continue until the position is filled. The deadline for receipt of applications is April 21, 2023. All applications must be submitted through the online portal below.

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply ONLY online via the form available at:

https://www.foretiafoundation.org/careers/director-of-economic-affairs-at-nkafu-policy-institute/