Myanmar Development Institute

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Myanmar Development Institute (MDI) is an economic think-tank to strengthen the analytical capacity of the government of Myanmar.

No. of Position(s): 1
Duration of Contract: One year (Extendable). Anticipated start date of November 1, 2018
Closing Date: 23rd September 2018

The Research Advisor is a mid-level position that supports the Executive Director in developing and implementing high level research and policy analysis for input to government decision making processes, including building the capacity of MDI staff to provide effective research and policy analysis as prioritized by MDI leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Serve as a research and policy advisor who can provide expert advice to senior level policy makers and provide strategic guidance to MDI research teams.
• Provide strategic advice and research inputs on specific technical areas of expertise.
• Support MDI leadership in identifying potential sources of external support for MDI and negotiating arrangements for financial and/or technical assistance from domestic or international partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison between MDI leadership and its research staff.
• Determine the appropriate use of external researchers, consultants, and other experts to leverage the work of the Institute’s professional staff and oversee arrangements for engaging outside experts for this purpose.
• Develop training materials and arrange for or provide training directly on specific capacity needs of the research staff and potentially government officials.
• Review, analyze and provide feedback and technical guidance on research proposals.
• Oversee and contribute to the design, implementation, and quality control for the Institute’s data and analysis products.
• Develop professional working relationships with the government and other stakeholders.

Requirements:
• PhD in a relevant field.
• At least 6 years of demonstrated experience in developing research and policy analysis and participating in policy decision processes, including as possible experience working in policy think-tanks, government agencies, and/or academic positions; teaching and/or research management experience is a plus.
• Strong research and writing skills as demonstrated through the publication of academic and/or policy papers, and demonstrated experience participating verbally in policy engagements.
• Proven ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels, with specific experience working with high-level government officials.
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Knowledge of Myanmar socio-political and economic issues a plus.
• Burmese language skills a plus.