Head, Research and Advocacy at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Job Summary

The Head of Research and Advocacy provides strategic and operational oversight to the Research and Advocacy activities and programs, economic publications, and any other related activities that enhance or increase the visibility of the Chamber.

Reports to: Director General/Research and Advocacy Committee

To supervise: Research Managers, Assistant Research Manager, Senior Research Officers.

Responsibilities

• Leadership Supervisory Role : The Head of Research and Advocacy oversees the day-to-day activities of immediate subordinates to ensure smooth functioning of various Research and Advocacy services towards the attainment of the overall goals. He/she develops advocacy strategies and develop implementation plans to achieve them including performance measures
• Research and Economic Intelligence: Lead the Research and Advocacy Team and Develop/publish regular Economics and Business Intelligence Reports, position papers on economic and business issues for the Chamber, construct surveys, manage report and publications. The Job Holder conducts Industry Study, forecasts, Sectors’ trends and articulate emerging business opportunities for the Chamber.
• Business Policy Advocacy: Lead business policy Advocacy Department and Public Sector engagement of the Chamber such as Stakeholders’ engagement, Media engagement, Position papers, Memoranda to government policy and regulations affecting businesses. He or she creates platforms, fora, and alliances with donors and multilateral organizations.
• Special Projects & Donor Funds: Lead the team that organize the annual Commerce and Industry awards and other events/special programs. Develop proposals, concept papers, innovate projects, present and defend the proposals to attract funding partners and donor agencies for the Chamber’s projects
• Fund Raising : He or she sources for and attract funding for the Research and advocacy Departmental activities and projects
• Board Engagement : The Director ensures that all administrative arrangements are made for the meetings of the Research and Advocacy Committee. The Job Holder presents all matters requiring deliberations/decisions at these meetings; take necessary follow-up action on decisions reached.
• Budget Preparation, Review and Execution: Prepare the Research and Advocacy Department’s budget before commencement of annual activities and present for approval well in advance to ensure hitch-free activities in the year.

Job Requirements/Competencies

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Master’s degree in Economics is required . A doctorate degree in Economics will be an advantage.
• Experience : working experience in an Economic Research Capacity preferably at a senior position.
• Publications: The candidate must also have demonstrable track record of publications in economic analysis and economic policy advocacy.

Attributes/Skills

• Communication Skills : Excellent Communication skills (both in written and in verbal form).
• Ms Office : A candidate for the position must be highly proficient in the use of Ms Word, Ms Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Economic Statistics and Reporting: A candidate for this position must have the ability to report on economic trends.
• Project Management Skills: A candidate for this position must have the ability to lead projects from planning to implementation stage
• Analytical Skills: A candidate for this position must possess strong analytical skills as well as a demonstrated passion for research, data analysis, and the insights that are derived from it.
• Interpersonal Skills : A candidate for this position must have an ability to prioritize tasks completing multiple tasks in a timely manner, be flexible and welcoming to change, have an ability to work independently with minimal or no supervision, and be self-motivated. He must also be a prompt decision maker, be a strategic and creative thinker, have excellent problem-solving skills, have a positive and easy-going attitude, demonstrate strong work ethic and integrity, and demonstrate calmness and composure in times of uncertainty.
• Leadership/People Skills : The candidate must additionally demonstrate strong leadership qualities where he shows an ability to influence Team members, engage relevant stakeholders, target and manage customers.