Research and Evaluation Manager

36 month fixed term-term contract (with possibility of extension)

Location: London WC1H (We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with 40% of your time per month being office based)

Join the ACU as Research and Evaluation Manager and use your experience of managing and evaluating programmes to help us build a better world through international collaboration in higher education.

The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the higher education sector. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 500 universities in 50 countries. Championing the power of higher education to improve lives, we support our members – and our people – in contributing to sustainable development across the Commonwealth and beyond.

The role

As the Research and Evaluation Manager, you will manage the ACU’s overall contribution to the AU EU International Research Consortium (IRC). The IRC is a new bi-continental platform for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA). It was launched in 2022 and is closely linked to the main policy process of the AU-EU cooperation on Research and Innovation- the High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD). The implementation of the FNSSA Roadmap is expected to be improved through the IRC platform which is aiming to provide a long-term and sustainable governance and funding mechanisms, and a knowledge management and communication system that will inform policy makers and other major FNSSA actors.

The ACU is one of the founding organisations of the IRC. The role holder will be responsible for partnership management and the development and implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks for two Horizon Europe funded programmes which will be contributing to the establishment and maintenance of the IRC.

Key tasks will include developing participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) frameworks, data collection and analysis systems as well as project management including reporting to Horizon Europe programme coordinators based at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Ghana.

Who are we looking for?

The role of Research and Evaluation Manager will require experience in developing participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) frameworks, data collection and analysis systems. As well as a good understanding of the research and innovation landscape of food and nutrition security as well as sustainable agriculture in Africa and Europe.

You will need:

• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) skills in the context of sustainable agriculture and food security, including design of framework, data collection tools, and analysis.
• Research impact analysis skills.
• Administrative and interpersonal skills including verbal and written communications.
• Experience of managing internationally based projects and stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Working in large international multi-level partnerships.

What to expect:

We see equality, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find more about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website). We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive.

We offer a fantastic package of benefits including:

• 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays (pro rata - part time employees) and 4 Christmas closure days
• Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Significant investment into your personal and professional development
• Regular social activities
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Give as you earn charitable donations scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Interest-free travel season ticket loan

How to apply:

Click on the apply button to visit our recruitment portal, submitting your CV (maximum 2 pages) and online application form (maximum 1000 words) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria for the role. Please include your motivation for applying.

Closing date: 1st July 2024

Interviews will take place from 5th July 2024

If we receive sufficient applications before the closing date, interviews may take place earlier, so you are encouraged to apply early.

Interviews will take place virtually or in person.