Sr. Research and survey Specialist

About AIRD/MRRD:

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) within the Agriculture and Rural Development (AIRD) Sector Strategy, contributes to the reduction of poverty through the establishment of good local governance, access to rural infrastructure, economic regeneration and the provision of a nationwide disaster and emergency preparedness system. This strategy, however, directly contributes to the achievement of Afghanistan’s Millennium Development Goals.

According to Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), Comprehensive rural Development (CRD) is prioritized as a core approach toward socio-economic development; CRD is a complex process of change in rural sub-systems leading to desired progress in rural welfare and improve rural life.  It is an approach which not only includes economic change, but also requires development of human resources and social structure. Effective implementation of CRD requires intensive research activities and training to wide ranges of institutions from local level to various categories of government and non-governmental agencies.  Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) has decided to establish Afghanistan Institute of Rural Development (AIRD) as the national nodal/apex agency to act as think tank and capacity building arm of the MRRD.  Accordingly, AIRD re-established in 2006 and has started functioning since 2008.

AIRD is mandated to support the implementation of Comprehensive Rural Development toward socio-economic development and poverty alleviation in Afghanistan through providing training/education services, research and policy inputs and dissemination of results and findings to stakeholders. Additionally, AIRD is mandated to disseminate more accurate information and reliable knowledge regarding the current status of rural life in Afghanistan & better understanding of rural development process, its impacts, trends through continuous research and assessment to inform policy makers and concerned stakeholders. On the other hand, currently AIRD implement many research, information dissemination and capacity building projects and activities on national and sub-national level even on district level with financial support of some donor agencies to reach the mandates.

AIRD works under the Local Governance Pillar of MRRD and based on the strategic objectives, the current Organizational Structure of the Institute consists of five main sections including Training and Education Unit, Research and Policy Unit, Survey Unit, Information Dissemination Unit, Rural Technology Park Unit and Scholarship and Fellowship Management Unit. The entire mentioned sections are properly operated and at the time.

Nature and Scope of Assignment

To expand the research activities of the institute in an evolving environment, a capable research manager who could formulate and manage the institute’s research program on the basis of the AIRD institutional vision and mission, taking into consideration all technical and logistical aspects in the context of current available resources and interests of all stakeholders. Therefore, the Sr. Research and survey Specialist Unit is expected to be responsible for the identification and prioritization of research topics, design, develop, organize and manage all research activities of AIRD. In addition, he (she) will manage preparation of research and academic articles for AIRD’s academic journal and other publication, seminars, conferences and presentations. He (she) will also liaise with similar national and international research institutions.

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities:

Direct and implement Institute of Rural Development's research and development policies, objectives, and initiatives.
Prepare and edit Research and Academic Articles compiled by Research Unit staff.
Assist in preparation and editing the Afghanistan Rural Development Report (ARDR).
Consult with top management and research team and make recommendations based on research findings and performances.
Identify research topics, taking into consideration MRRD policy needs and gaps.
Ensure research activities will maintain Institute's competitive position and profitability.
Prioritize research topics in close cooperation of MRRD national Programs.
Develop research tools, methodologies and research guidelines.
Develop the Institute’s external research portfolio, in line with Institute strategy.
Design and develop research proposals.
Responsible for exploring and setting key strategic objectives relating to long-term research plans.
Including review and development of strategic activities to increase research, study & awareness level.
Organize and manage research implementation processes.
Extract policy recommendations from research results for MRRD policy makers;
Monitor and evaluate research processes in the field;
Organize periodic presentations, seminars and conferences;
Assist AIRD Information Dissemination Unit through preparation of research rural Academic Articles for academic journal of AIRD and other AIRD publications.
Establish partnerships for knowledge sharing and research service with international research and development institution
Establish plans and develop programs for research considering the need of MRRD in key areas of concerns.
Manage and supervise research and survey team in field.
Perform any other task assigned by AIRD Director general

Job Requirements:

Experience, Skills and Qualifications Required:

Master’s degree in Economic/Statistic/Agriculture or Rural Development with 5 years of relevant work experience at any accredited organizations or Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of relevant work experience.

Proven abilities in preparation and compiling of research and academic articles, reports and books
Proficiency in conceptualizing and developing proactive prospecting methodologies using such tools as constituent list segmentation, data mining and electronic and peer screenings.
Ability to appropriately communicate sensitive information and to judge how and with whom this information should be shared.
Strong analytical abilities, policy formulation and policy research skills and experience in post conflict development
Proven leadership and team management experience and skills
Proven abilities in taking initiatives, setting priorities, building consensus, and troubleshooting
Good computer and writing skills in English, Pashto and Dari
Good inter-personal communication skills

 Reporting To: AIRD Director.

Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1476/020/HRCSD/AIRD/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted.

Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af