Making a World of Difference
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian crown corporation, is one of the world’s leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges of international development.
We are seeking a highly skilled professional to join IDRC’s Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) Program Area based in Montevideo, Uruguay:
Program Officer – Institute for the Connectivity in the Americas (ICA)
Job Overview
The Institute for the Connectivity in the Americas (ICA) plays a unique and important role in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to implement strategic networks and scale up innovative technology initiatives.ICA fulfills a critical role in the LAC region by facilitating the coordination, collaboration, and sharing of efforts across countries for a number of key projects.
The information and communications technologies (ICTs) for the development field has evolved from its early focus on technical challenges to those posed by the unprecedented social implications created by the significant levels of ICTs adoption across the developing world. Against the backdrop of this transformation we are seeking professionals with a solid understanding of the deep social transformations that these technological innovations are bringing to developing countries.
Reporting to the Regional Director and the Director of Program Area, the Program Officer will work under the guidance of the Program Leader. Major responsibilities will include managing grant competitions, monitoring grants and awards, assisting with institutional capacity development activities and building linkages and synergies across teams. She/he will also contribute to ICA’s evaluation and learning activities and promote its models and concepts across research communities in Latin America.
Candidate Profile
·  Masters degree and a record of research and publication in a relevant social science discipline such as economics, political science or sociology and/or businesses development and management.
·  This position requires a minimum of three years relevant in the field of information and communications technologies for development, which includes:
·  conducting research and managing research or capacity building projects
·  establishing and building partnerships with research users from management
and policy perspectives
·  working in developing regions
·  A superior knowledge of English is essential for this position
·  Proficiency in Spanish is essential
·  Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered as an asset
·  A solid knowledge and understanding of emerging key development trends and priorities, and institutions in the field
·  A good knowledge and understanding of information and communication technologies and their transformative role in the development process
·  Basic knowledge of the political economy of development in Latin America and the Caribbean
·  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (orally and in writing
·  Superior planning, organizing, coordinating and negotiation skills under pressure
·  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
·  Initiative, sound judgment and flexible team player
·  Ability to establish, manage and monitor relationships with partners and other constituents
·  Ability to provide specialized advice and professional guidance to external contacts
·  Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team including diverse cultures, expertise and experiences
·  Capacity for increased initiative, independent action and program level responsibility
·  Awareness of and sensitivity to individual, gender and cultural differences
Additional Information
This position requires travelling up to 70 days per year.
The closing date for these positions is August 25 , 2009.
To learn more about these career opportunities and how to apply, visit our website at www.idrc.ca/careers.