The incumbent reports to the Senior Researcher who reports to the Director of a small non-profit trust, registered under Zimbabwe law; s/he may from time-to-time act in the absence of the Senior Researcher  The incumbent is responsible for conducting major research activities of RAU; s/he Conducts or leads major strategic research activities;May represent the organisation in the presentation, discussion and defense of organisational products;May be required to conduct training to other team members ,May manage daily aspects of research by other team members; and Promotes an open, inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes cooperation and teamwork. Strategic Vision � understands and advances the organisational mission and values:Contributes to the unit�s assessment of the external environment and proposes research activities that achieve organisational goals;Develops own work plans and guides that of others; and Communicates effectively internally and externally about organisational strategic, research and program activities.Managing for Results (MFR) � is accountable for research products, maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders and managing assigned resources: Manages all aspects of assigned research, including planning, organizing, collection and analysis of data, formulating conclusions and recommendations, and drafting and editing of products for publication;May prepare research proposals, including assessing data collection needs and methods, costing activities, preparing proposals for management approval;Ensures accountability for use of assigned resources; and Fosters job enrichment and skills development of peers and junior officers.Representation & Building Coalitions:  Forges multiple alliances and partnerships to advance strategic goals or leverage resources:May represents the organization in national, regional, and international settings;Writes and edits briefing papers, dossiers and other materials designed to inform and/or influence expert and non-expert audiences; and Fosters linkages with academia, like-minded civil society organisations and democracy advocates.Teamwork � Conducts self, according to the highest ethical standards and recognizes organisational values, including: open communication:Promotes expression of a range of views and encourages consideration of alternative approaches;Recognizes contributions of others;Ensures workplace is free from harassment and discrimination; and Constructively gives and receives performance feedback, volunteers to train junior officers, helps supervisor identify problems and address in a timely manner.Nature and Purpose of Contacts:  The incumbent is expected to exercise wide latitude in establishing and maintaining external contacts with those conducting similar research activities, including representatives of civil society, academia and government for the purpose of ensuring quality and collaboration on RAU research products.      At least a Bachelor Degree, preferably in law or political science; an advanced degree is highly desirable, preferably in social sciences; however, in exceptional circumstances significant research experience and publication can be considered in lieu of the advanced degree  10 years Leadership: able to independently design, formulate and conduct assigned work; must have demonstrated creative problem solving in previous and/or current position(s);knows how to delegate meaningful work to subordinates, and provide constructive feedback and mentoring;recognized as trustworthy and credible; and is self-aware and known to foster/support continued learning for self and others. MFR:able to develop, plan, organise and effectively align assigned resources to achieve unit goals; shown to take personal accountability for effective and transparent use of resources;shown to promote positive change; learns from failure/champions best practices; and Communicates effectively at all levels, encourages dissenting views; writes and speaks persuasively Technical:possesses thorough knowledge of research and interview methods and able to remain up-to-date with new methods and technologies; possesses knowledge of broad range of constitutional, legal and public policy while knowledge of issues such as gender, youth, security, and those involving national institutions is highly desirable;able to conduct independent research and simultaneously guide the work of junior team members;possesses proficient computer skills in use of internet, the full Microsoft Windows environment, excellent SPSS and NVIVO. Teambuilding: able to foster open communication, expression of dissenting view and encourage members to objectively weigh alternative approaches; able to train and mentor junior officers; possesses excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to work harmoniously with others and promote respect for diverse groups and views; and exhibits a history of exemplary personal integrity and fosters it in others and admits mistakes. Fluency in English is required; additional language proficiency in Sindebele or Shona is highly desirable and candidates meeting all other requirements will be given preference.  

Job evaluation subgrade: D