Public Policy Consultancy Director for Technopolis Africa SARL

Permanent employee, Full-time · Cote D'ivoire

About this job

We are looking to recruit an Ivory Coast Office Director in Abidjan with Consulting expertise in one of the following thematic field: Research and Innovation, Private sector development, Climate and Environment, Education, Health or Digital transformation policies.

Our team of 10 consultants, plus 2 office managers, in Abidjan, is delivering policy studies and evaluations, as well as technical assistance services across the African continent for clients such as the African Development Bank, the European Commission, bilateral donor agencies, UN agencies, research and philanthropic organisations. 

You will work under the supervision of the Managing Partner of Technopolis Africa SARL (based in Europe) to whom you will report. Based in Abidjan, working in our premises, you will manage the team of policy consultants and provide leadership, coaching and coordination. You will contribute to the business development and sales for the office. You will work on consultancy projects for our clients, acting as project managers or team members within a project team, contributing to project delivery and deliverables drafting.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated team management experience and leadership skills; strong project management skills, analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication, an ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, with a strong commitment to our core values of quality and integrity. A demonstration of strong business development experience is expected. A practical knowledge of evaluation principles and methods is a nice to have. 

Your profile

We are looking for someone with about 10-15 years of professional experience, either in a consulting environment or an equivalent role in the charity sector, government department or related agency.

More specifically, you must have: 

  • An academic background in economics, political and social sciences, or engineering (Master level, PhD is a plus) 
  • A proven experience to coach and support a team of senior and junior colleagues
  • An ability to listen people and give constructive feedback within a non-hierarchical and international working environment and working culture
  • An ability to propose, sell and lead / manage policy studies and evaluations - A good command of qualitative and / or quantitative evaluation methods 
  • An ability to write well and to a professional standard, in French and in English 
  • Self-motivation, intellectual curiosity and an ability to work independently and across different disciplines
  • An ability to work within international teams, and to travel across Africa.
  • Proficiency in both French and English 

Other desirable attributes: 

  • An ability to prioritize and multi-task, and work under strict deadlines 
  • An ability to interpret data, present and synthesize information from a variety of sources 
  • An understanding of theory-based or realist evaluation methods 
  • Excellent oral communication skills 
Your responsibilities

Under the supervision of our Managing Partner based in Paris, as Ivory Coast Office Director of Technopolis Africa SARL, you will be in charge of:

  • Managing the 10 consultants in the Abidjan office, including work allocation, coaching and advising team members (30% of your time).
  • Leading business development activities (drafting technical and financial bids) (20% of your time). 
  • Provide a lead in conducting policy assessments, sectoral and technical studies, strategic support and consultancy projects for our main clients in Africa (50% of your time). 
  • Work on projects covering a wide range of sectors: Research and Innovation, Private sector development, Climate and Environment, Education, Health or Digital transformation policies.
Our offer
  • Salary range: depending on profile and years of experience. In addition, performance-related bonus scheme.
  • Opportunities for training, mentorship and career progression. Opportunity for staff to become shareholders as they progress to more senior levels. 
  • Strong corporate value: quality, methodological rigor, curiosity, entrepreneurship.
  • Positive, diverse and international working atmosphere with like-minded professionals working in Abidjan and Technopolis Group sister offices.
  • Varied projects conducted in an international environment and working closely with senior policy advisors in Donor organisations and EU institutions. 
  • Opportunity to travel internationally and work for some of the world’s most important and influential public bodies.
  • 3 days in presence in Abidjan office / 2 days per week remote

The position is full time, based in Abidjan. This will be a permanent position, following the successful completion of a 3-month probationary period renewable one time. 

Interested? Apply directly

Please upload a copy of your CV, together with a covering letter explaining your interest in the specific job, how your skills and experience meet our requirements and why you believe you would be a good addition to the Technopolis team. https://www.technopolis-group.com/vacancies/

For shortlisted candidates the assessment process will comprise three further steps: a short, informal telephone interview to discuss your ambitions; a more formal interview by videoconference or in presence with a selection panel and a test; and a final interview in person. 

We are always pleased to hear from international candidates; however, you must have the right to work in Ivory Coast. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. Technopolis is a privacy conscious organization, and your trust is paramount to us. 

Find out here how we use and protect your data. 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 15 February 2025. 

About us

Technopolis Group started as a consultancy firm for the evaluation of science, technology and innovation. While evaluation is still at the core of our company, we have over the years built up the know-how to support decision making on a broad range of topics. Our experts provide strategy and foresight, manage networks and provide project management support for even the most complex projects. We are acquainted with a wide range of quantitative methods and deliver advanced data analytics that is ahead of the curve. We evaluate policies, evaluate their impact and communicate them effectively to experts and the broader public. We never settle for out-of-the-box solutions but work with our clients to find the approach that best fits their needs.

We work with decision-makers in different levels and fields, from international institutions, such as the European Commission and multilateral development banks, to regional and local authorities. Our clients include universities and R&D centres, network organisations such as business associations, clusters and incubators as well as governments.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!
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