About People and Partners Group

About The Role

The successful candidate will oversee cross-sectoral research, manage diverse stakeholder collaborations, and ensure the integration of innovative approaches into programs and services that respond to regional challenges and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Management

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  Lead the development and execution of the regional research and innovation agenda.

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  Design and supervise qualitative and quantitative research projects aligned with organizational goals.

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  Ensure rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting practices.

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  Produce and disseminate research findings in ways that influence internal decision-making, partners, and policy.

Innovation Leadership

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  Identify emerging trends and technologies relevant to the region’s sectors (e.g., education, agriculture, health, financial inclusion).

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  Develop pilot projects, prototypes, or partnerships to test innovative approaches.

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  Embed a culture of experimentation, design thinking, and learning across teams.

Team Development & Collaboration

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  Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, analysts, and innovation leads.

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  Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., product, programs, M&E) to align research and innovation with operational needs.

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  Build and manage regional partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, innovation hubs, and governments.

External Engagement

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  Represent the organization at research and innovation forums, policy discussions, and with external donors or investors.

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  Publish white papers, insights, and thought leadership pieces to enhance visibility and influence.

Monitoring, Learning & Impact

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  Develop frameworks to monitor and evaluate the impact of research and innovation initiatives.

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  Ensure knowledge transfer and scale-up of successful pilots or insights.

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  Track regional and global trends and translate them into actionable organizational intelligence.

Requirements

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  Master's degree in Food science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition or related field
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  10+ years of experience in research and innovation roles, preferably in an FMCG or diary industry.
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  Strong leadership and team management skills.
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  Knowledge of regulatory and quality assurance practices.
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  Strong communication and presentation skills.
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  Demonstrate ability to lead research agendas and apply findings to real-world solutions.
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  Strong grasp of West African sociopolitical, economic, and technological contexts.
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  Track record of leading innovation initiatives from ideation to implementation.
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  Ability to work in cross functional team environment.
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  Be comfortable with P&L.

Key Competencies

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  Strategic and analytical thinking

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  Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills

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  Strong project management and budgeting capability

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  Data-driven decision-making

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  Passion for social impact, development, or systemic change

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  Knowledge of agile methodologies, human-centered design, or systems innovation (preferred)

Benefits

What to Expect

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  Competitive salary

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  Professional development and international exposure

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  Opportunity to shape high-impact initiatives in West Africa

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  Dynamic and mission-driven organizational culture