Research and Policy Lead Asia

Oxfam, one of the leading global development organizations, mobilizes the power of people against poverty. We are a diverse confederation of 17 strongly interconnected national affiliates working in over 90 countries, either directly, or with partners to enable transformational change, using a unique combination of long-term development, campaigning and humanitarian programs.

We are looking for a Research and Policy Lead Asia - National position for a period of two years

Purpose of the Position

To strengthen Oxfam’s position as a thought leader in Asia and at the international level by conducting, managing and communicating high quality research, policy analysis and policy positions on key poverty, inequality, food security, climate change and other development trends in the region, especially in relation to Oxfam’s Vision 2020 for Asia.

Main Tasks

• Lead the development and delivery of a research strategy on poverty, inequality, food security, climate change and other key development trends in Asia in support of Oxfam’s thought leadership and influence on these issues.
• Monitor economic, social development and vulnerability trends and provide briefings on relevant issues in support of programme, policy advocacy and campaigns. This also includes monitoring influential research produced by others (e.g. ADB, World Bank, UN) that are relevant to Oxfam’s interests, and providing timely written critiques and responses.
• Lead and manage the writing and production of policy briefing papers, policy statements and public communication materials on advocacy and campaign priorities.
• Ensure that the Asia region contributes strongly to the development of Oxfam’s global briefing papers and briefing notes.
• Coordinate regional research and policy priorities with country teams, and provide technical advice and management support.
• Collaborate and work effectively with other key staff in the Asia region, notably the Campaigns and Policy Team and other regional thematic groups.
• Support country teams and develop their skills and capacity for research and policy analysis.
• Engage in high-level lobbying and represent Oxfam in Asia at critical policy and research forums when appropriate.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key research groups, academic institutions and policy think tanks in the region, and draw external expertise or develop partnership for Oxfam’s research and policy work.
• Ensure the high standard of Oxfam’s research and policy products.
• Serve as the primary focal point for linking and collaborating with research and policy counterparts in Oxfam House and Oxfam International, including its affiliates, towards optimising synergies between the regional and global level.

Job Requirements

Essential

• A strong thinker on development, humanitarian, gender and diversity issues; strong grasp of major economic, social and political issues related to development and humanitarian trends in Asia.
• At least 5 years of experience and proven track record in producing and managing high-quality research and policy papers, including managing commissioned researchers and writers and ensuring high standards of delivery.
• Thorough understanding of research methodologies and skills with an ability to train/coach and transfer skills to others.
• Experience and understanding of using evidence and research to influence political agendas.
• Experience in high-level lobbying and representation.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with an ability to simplify complex concepts in order to present persuasive arguments and influence others.
• Has a well-developed network of relevant contacts with research groups, academic institutions and policy think tanks to draw upon.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong inter-personal skills.
• Ability to travel for a significant percentage of time.
• Computer literate in word processing and excel.

What we offer

We are looking for national candidates of one of the following Asian countries who will be based in one of the locations mentioned: Dakha/Bangladesh, Phonm Penh/Cambodia, Hong Kong, Delhi/India, Vientiane/Laos, Yangon/Myanmar, Kathmandu/Nepal, Islamabad/Pakistan, Manila/Philippines, Colombo/Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Hanoi/Vietnam or Bangkok/ Thailand.

We will offer a competitive and fair national pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors.

Are you the Research and Policy Lead Asia we’re looking for?

Please submit your application here and include your motivation letter and CV. Your application must be received by March 10, 2017 at the latest. Please note that only applications received via the link provided can be taken into consideration.