The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Crown corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Our support is directed toward creating and supporting local research communities whose work will build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

IDRC is guided by a 21-member, international Board of Governors and reports to the Canadian Parliament through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2008/09, IDRC received CA$ 168.8 million in funding from the Parliament of Canada.

The Centre supports research under the following broad themes:

• Environment and Natural Resource Management
• Information and Communication Technologies for Development
• Innovation, Policy and Science
• Research for Health Equity
• Social and Economic Policy

IDRC is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to fill the senior position of Director of the Social and Economic Policy Program Area, based at IDRC headquarters in Ottawa.

The Social and Economic Policy Program Area focuses on public policies that can help to reduce poverty and enhance social equity in developing countries. It works to strengthen long-term research capacities, to support policy-relevant research on issues of immediate concern, and to facilitate public accountability by helping researchers and civil society organizations participate effectively in debates at the local, national, and international levels. Current Program Area themes are as follows; however, as IDRC is in mid strategic planning for the period 2010-2015 it is likely that some of core directions will change:

• Globalization, Growth and Poverty
  Program aims to enable developing countries to design appropriate domestic policies and international integration strategies for promoting more inclusive and equitable growth.
• Peace, Conflict and Development
  Program supports research to understand the causes and consequences of violent conflict, and to strengthen transitions from conflict to lasting peace.
• Think Tank Initiative
  New, multi-donor program initiative dedicated to strengthening independent policy research institutions – or “think tanks” – in developing countries, enabling them to better provide sound research that both informs and influences policy.
• Women’s Rights and Citizenship
  Program supports research geared to understanding – and eliminating – the barriers to women’s exercise of their rights as citizens.

The Director of the Social and Economic Program Area is accountable to the Vice-President of the Program and Partnership Branch for providing strategic intelligence, intellectual leadership and overall development and management or Program Area and its personnel (30 - 35 staff).

Education & Knowledge:
• PhD in a discipline directly related to the Program Area (e.g. economics, international relations and affairs, political science, law) OR a Master’s degree and significant relevant experience
• Knowledge of policies and programs of major international agencies related to the Program Area
• Knowledge of the key government actors in the field of development aid and research support
• Knowledge of emerging issues in Canadian foreign policy and international development
• Knowledge of critical issues facing developing regions

Experience:
• Extensive experience developing, planning, implementing and managing research programs related to the Program Area
• Senior level experience providing strategic direction and maintaining and expanding partnerships with Canadian and international development organizations
• In-depth experience leading and managing a highly skilled multidisciplinary team and administering financial resources
• Proven track record as an articulate spokesperson on social and economic policy research for development matters
• Experience working in Canadian and international development research or research funding organizations and in a developing region

Competencies:
• Management Excellence: implements human resources and other corporate strategies that meet current and future organizational needs and effectively communicates and supports corporate decisions
• Strategic Agility: determines how social, political and economic factors can affect programming and resource management strategies; formulates innovative approaches to improve programs and processes; and takes timely action to leverage opportunities, generate new partnerships or expand resources
• Engagement: reinforces collaboration and creates a sense of direction and purpose to inspire, motivate and guide team towards Centre’s vision
• Value-Based Leadership: champions change in a positive manner, effectively represents IDRC values, and knows when to hold firm or to concede on an issue to move forward
• Passion for IDRC’s Values, Vision and Mandate: engages actively in the development of IDRC’s vision for the future and supports corporate strategies

Languages:
• Bilingual position (English and French) at an advanced level