Executive Director : J-PAL Africa, SALDRU, School of Economics, Faculty of Commerce

University of Cape Town; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cape Town seeks an Executive Director for J-PAL Africa, tasked with leading and overseeing research and operations to maintain high standards in development economics. Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree in a related field along with extensive experience in research management and policy outreach.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant work experience, including 5 years in research management.
• Proven track record in managing operations and teams.
• Advanced writing and presentation skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead J-PAL Africa ensuring work is delivered to high standards.
• Oversee financial management and fundraising activities.
• Support policy outreach and develop partnerships with global policymakers.

Skills

Research management

Quantitative research

Financial management

Development Economics

Policy outreach

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Masters in Public Policy or Economics

Job description

Job title : Executive Director : J-PAL Africa, SALDRU, School of Economics, Faculty of Commerce

Job Location : Western Cape, Cape Town Deadline : August 08, 2025 Quick Recommended Links

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Requirements for the position :

• A Masters (or higher) in Public Policy, Economics, or another similar social science including graduate-level (Honours and up) courses in econometrics / statistics, microeconomics, or development economics
• Interest in and understanding of Development Economics, particularly randomised evaluations of social policies / programs
• 10 years of relevant work experience with at least 5 years of relevant experience in research management, operations, policy outreach, or a combination of these. At least some of this experience should have been gained in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Proven track record of managing day-to-day operations of a large organization, and supporting teams across different work streams in achieving results, especially in detailed oversight of operations, HR, and financial management and reporting.
• Experience writing and managing budgets, fundraising, and managing grants and donor relationships
• Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate findings from rigorous quantitative research in external events, and training courses run by J-PAL.
• Experience in managing policy outreach, including strategically identifying and mobilising appropriate policymakers and developing and maintaining these relationships
• Self-motivated and able to take direction, formulate a plan of action, and mobilize teams to execute while maintaining high-quality work
• Advanced writing and oral presentation skills in English.
• Position is based at UCT in Cape Town and is not eligible for fully remote work in a another city

The following will be advantageous :

• Ability to speak fluently in French

Responsibilities include (please review the full job description for full details of responsibilities) :

• The main responsibility of this senior executive position is to lead J-PAL Africa by ensuring its work across Africa is delivered to the highest international standards. This involves overseeing the Research, Policy, Education & Training, Finance & Operations functions.
• The role includes working with J-PAL’s global network of researchers and offices and contributing to international thinking about evidence-informed policymaking. Some specific responsibilities include :
• Work closely with all stakeholders, especially the Scientific Directors of J-PAL Africa who provide close guidance and oversight on the Africa strategy of the office; the Global Executive Director who supervises and coordinates with all regional Executive Directors on the strategy and operations of J-PAL worldwide; and with the Senior Management Team of the Africa office to manage the day-to-day operations of the office to ensure the strategy is implemented effectively, timely and with fidelity.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of HR, Finance and Operations, support the day-to-day and operations management of the office. Dive deep into finances of the center and its different verticals, create robust internal and external financial reporting and management structures. Proactively identify and resolve problems to help the team achieve its goals.
• Support the Associate Director of Research, manage high level contact and coordination with Principal Investigators (PIs) to contribute to the design and planning of prospective research projects and in the implementation of J-PAL Africa’s research projects in South Africa and beyond to ensure high quality randomised evaluations are conducted in the field
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Education & Training, identify opportunities to conduct training courses or conduct other forms of capacity building that support the research and policy goals of J-PAL Africa.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Policy, support and actively participate in J-PAL Africa’s policy outreach and funding activities across numerous countries in Sub Saharan Africa, including developing strong partnerships with global policymakers, practitioners and funders at the highest level to initiate and deliver new projects.
• Help recruit, manage, and retain outstanding and highly motivated and committed team members at all levels, including J-PAL Africa’s Senior Management Team.
• Ensure J-PAL Africa is in a sound financial position through proactive fundraising by building and cultivating relationships with diverse and increasing numbers of donors, foundations and other development organizations, and strong planning and management of grants and finances.
• Represent J-PAL Africa at high level external events and in meetings with senior members of various governments, NGOs, and other development organizations; and at donor convenings, academic conferences, policymaker engagements and training courses.
• Build relationships with the other seven J-PAL regional offices and , especially in MENA (Cairo) and Europe (Paris), global network of top researchers from universities around the world, and with colleagues at SALDRU and UCT.