Research Assistant Opportunity
The Institute of African Studies and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs are working to establish an Africa Policy Implementation Impact Lab. Based at the Institute of African Studies, the Lab will be dedicated to finding solutions to the challenges of policy implementation in Africa and build research capacity on filling policy gaps in the implementation of various decisions, protocols and treaties. The Africa Policy Implementation Impact Lab is a form of Living Lab that is geared toward using technology such as Virtual Collaborative Tools (Virtual Reality Projects), Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence among others in tracking decisions made at the African Union and Regional Economic Communities levels with the aim of ensuring full implementation. Through digital technology, the Lab will facilitate multi-stakeholders’ engagement with the processes geared toward the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Agreement. among other socioeconomic and political issues.
The Position
The Lab requires a Research Assistant who will support the Lab Coordinator in execution of the pilot project. Ideally, the Research Assistant should be a graduate student in Economics with a focus on international and development economics, or political economy of development in Africa.
Job Description:
The roles and duties for this position include:
- Mapping of the existing protocols and treaties of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement
- Mapping the seven pillars of Boosting Intra-African Trade
- Identifying the political economy factors responsible for hindrances to the implementation of treaties and protocols of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities
- Identifying policy implementation think tanks in Africa
- Identifying similar Labs in other regions as well as the work that they perform.
- Conducting library research on theory and practice of policy implementation.
- Interprets, synthesizes and analyzes data.
- Scheduling, organizing and reporting on status of research activities.
- Writing and editing materials for publication and presentation.
- Meeting with faculty supervisor on regular basis to maintain ongoing communication regarding the quality of the assistant’s performance.
- Performing other related duties as required
The successful candidate may be able to use the learning experience as a credit in a course to be mutually agreed.
Skills and Attributes
This position requires an extensive knowledge of the political economy of development in Africa. It also requires excellent oral/written communication skills to discuss and document research progress. The ideal candidate would possess an ability to work independently, accurately and problem solving in areas of technical and methodological issues that arise during the course of the research. The candidate will also have ability to apply sound research techniques, methodology and logical critical analysis. Strong organization and interpersonal skills are essential assets for this position.
How to apply
Interested candidates should send up to date resumes to African_Studies@Carleton.ca. with the email subject “Research Assistant Policy Lab” on or before October 20, 2021.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.