The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) is Zambia’s leading think tank, with a distinctly international character. ZIPAR provides an environment conducive to creative thinking, policy analysis, and research, while promoting dialogue, advocacy, and capacity-building. Over time, ZIPAR has grown to become a critical reference point in Zambia’s social and economic policy discourse.

Job Purpose

ZIPAR seeks a dynamic and experienced individual to fill the position of Research Fellow II – Emerging Themes to support the Executive Director in promoting evidence-based policy reforms. The position involves assisting in the development, coordination, and execution of policy analysis, research, and modeling across various sectors, including Environment and Development, Water, Land, Energy Development, and Political Economy. The successful candidate will influence public policy through high-quality, timely policy advice, while also providing capacity-building and training services.

Key Result Areas and Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Research

• Conduct and coordinate research projects, aligning findings with practical policy implementation.
• Undertake economic simulations to analyze the economy-wide impacts of policy shifts and economic shocks.
• Draft and edit policy documents, research reports, policy briefings, memoranda, literature reviews, and accessible summaries of research findings.
• Organize events and seminars, including policy briefings, consultative workshops, and deliberative forums.
• Assist in securing funding for research projects, including writing proposals for core funding, consultancies, and external research grants.
• Develop and manage budgets and work plans aligned with ZIPAR’s strategic goals.
• Prepare ZIPAR’s quarterly and annual reports.

Policy Dialogue and Dissemination

• Support the dissemination of ZIPAR’s research outputs.
• Undertake media work, including writing press releases and drafting media articles.
• Publish research findings in appropriate outlets, including peer-reviewed journals.
• Represent ZIPAR at national, regional, and international events as requested.
• Participate in ZIPAR’s research meetings, seminars, workshops, and other relevant forums.

Capacity Building

• Supervise and mentor subordinate researchers.
• Review and proofread reports and working papers.
• Engage in professional development opportunities.
• Assist fellow researchers with tasks such as data entry, field research, statistical analysis, and presentation preparation.

Relationship Building and Networking

• Actively develop and manage a network of contacts across government, academia, development partners, the private sector, and civil society.

Fundraising

• Manage project development and maintain relationships with existing funders.
• Support general fundraising activities for ZIPAR.

People Management

• Supervise Associate Researchers.
• Respond to ad-hoc requests from the Executive Director or Unit Head, working with the requestor to clarify needs and optimize research utility.

Required Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate (or equivalent).
• Master’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.
• A peer-reviewed publication solely attributed to the candidate is an added advantage.

Required Experience

Essential Experience

• At least 4 years of post-qualifying experience, preferably in a research and policy environment.

Preferred Experience
At least 3 years of experience in the field of Environmental Studies and Energy is an added advantage.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• In-depth understanding of economic theory.
• Extensive knowledge of the Zambian economy and current social, economic, and environmental policy issues.
• Proven skills in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research.
• Experience in economic or environmental modeling/simulations is an added advantage.
• Strong technical writing and analytical skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality articles and reports for publication.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English.
  Ability to present research findings in various formats tailored for different audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, statistical software (SPSS, Stata, R), and internet search tools.
• Strong project management and team leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize competing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to organize and facilitate consultative, dissemination, and training events.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, work independently, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships internally and externally.
• Self-motivated, creative, organized, and committed to personal and organizational excellence.