Research and Dialogue Coordinator

Company Snapshot

Forum for Social Studies (FSS) is an independent, non-profit policy research and think tank established in 1998 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Founded by a group of academics and civil society activists, FSS is dedicated to conducting evidence-based policy research and promoting informed public dialogue on Ethiopia’s social, economic, political, and development issues. The organization serves as a platform that brings together policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, development partners, and the public to encourage inclusive policy discussions and democratic participation. Through research, publications, public dialogues, training, and capacity-building initiatives, FSS contributes to informed decision-making and sustainable national development.

The Opportunity

Role Overview:  

Position Summary: Under the general direction of the Executive Director and directly reporting to him, the  Research and Dialogue Coordinator is responsible for preparing, conducting, leading and coordinating policy-related research on socio-economic development issues, including land and agriculture; rural and urban development and livelihoods; gender studies; climate change, migration; and economic development and other topics relevant to FSS at micro and macro-levels. The candidate solicits funds, and coordinates its implementation including Monitoring and Evaluation. The Research and Dialogue Coordinator bridges the gap between data-driven insights and multi-stakeholder engagement. The coordinator will lead a  high-level dialogue platforms, workshops, and policy forums.

Key Impact: FSS would like to hire a person with a strong commitment to civil society and demonstrated interest in national development issues and familiarity with the Ethiopian social science community to fill its vacant position stated below:

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities:

Task Breakdown: 

• Lead and participate in planning and executing the organization’s research and publication program activities;
• Solicit and mobilize funds from external sources in line with the Organization’s objectives;
• Develop, lead and oversee research projects on different thematic areas of the organization;
• Undertake policy-related research on priority themes as determined by the Organization;
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate FSS projects;
• Prepare performance reports on research and publication activities;
• Initiate and maintain active contact with researchers and facilitate the conduct of FSS policy research;
• Identify appropriate external experts and maintain active contact with them for the purpose of conducting research and soliciting manuscripts;
• Organize dialogue forums, validation workshops, roundtable discussions and conferences;
• Actively participates in all FSS programs and activities including the preparation of manuscripts, policy briefs, news briefs and other communications;
• Carry out other related activities assigned by the Executive Director.

Collaboration & Reporting:

• Department/Unit: Programs / Dialogue/ Policy and Research
• Reports To: the Executive Director

What We’re Looking For

Experience:

Years of Experience: Ph.D 2 years in conducting policy-related research on development issues. Or Masters degree 4 years of relevant work experience.

Skills:

Technical Skills:

• Ability to moderate discussions, manage group dynamics, and navigate conflicting viewpoints
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Grant writing skills
• Computer literacy

Language Proficiency: Strong oral and written communication skills in Amharic and English

Education & Certifications

Educational Requirements: Ph.D in Development Studies, or any Social Science field, including Sociology, Social Anthropology, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Policy Studies, Geography etc. Or Masters degree in the above fields

Additional Information

• Salary: We offer a competitive salary As per the FSS scale
• Work Location: This position is based at FSS Headquarter at Addis Ababa, with occasional field trips
• Contract Type: This is a Full-time 12 months with possibility of extension position.
• Diversity and Inclusion: FSS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Application Instructions

How to Apply:

• Application letter
• The latest signed Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of relevant educational and work-experience credentials
• Two reference letters, preferably from immediate supervisors of a research project or related activity.

These documents (non-returnable) must be directly submitted in a sealed envelope to the FSS head office, or emailed with the subject line Application: Research and Dialogue Coordinator.

In-Person Application Location: Tsehafi Tiezaz Afewerk St., House No. 534, Werda 7, Arada Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Application Email: fss.ethiopia@gmail.com

Date of Registration: Within 10 working days of this announcement.

Selection Process: Please note, Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Contact Us

For inquiries regarding this position, please contact:

• Phone Number: 0911-620876
• Company Website: www.fss-ethiopia.org
• P.O. box:  25864 Code 1000