Senior Analyst Foresight and Technology horizon scanning Contrat : CDD

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

About Africa Initiative:

The Africa Initiative is UM6P's transformative endeavor dedicated to promoting sustainable development and innovation across the African continent. To address its mission, the Africa Initiative implements five workstreams:

• Aligning the research agenda to SDGs, Continental and other stakeholders (e.g. OCP) priorities
• Envisioning African futures in science, technology & education
• Fostering academic excellence through partnerships and Networks, and enhanced interdepartmental collaboration
• Translating innovation into impact in collaboration with UM6P entrepreneurship ecosystem and other stakeholders
• Communication, outreach & resource mobilization

We are seeking skilled and motivated staff to join our dynamic team and contribute to impactful initiatives that address key challenges and opportunities for Africa's growth at present and in the future.

To strengthen its teams, Africa Initiative is recruiting senior analyst foresight and technology horizon scanning :

Responsibilities:

The main role of the Post-doc is to assist the Director of Africa Initiative (IA) in accomplishing its mission, with a focus on foresight and technology horizon scanning . The candidate is expected to work with the entire AI team when executing the tasks listed below. He or she is expected to take the lead in initiating analytical studies, coaching team members during implementation and advising the Director on current and emerging operational and strategic issues. The following is the list of tasks to be executed by the candidate.

Research and analytics:

• Identify problems and formulate relevant research questions pertaining to the current and future trends in science and technology applications in education, research, development, and innovation in Africa.
• Desing research methodologies and protocols to address the research questions.
• Organize, plan and contribute to the data collection of primary and secondary data to operationalize the research.
• Design, populate and maintain a comprehensive database of collaborations and partnerships between UM6P and African universities and research centers on technology foresight.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses, communicate findings as publications, policy briefs and executive summaries.
• Contribute actively as a team member to the design, planning and implementation of the various workstreams and tasks such as Envisioning the Africa futures in science, technology and education, Exploring R4D frontiers towards SDGs, Linking Innovation to entrepreneurship, etc.

Collaboration and insight generation:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define data requirements and the objectives for sustainable development projects at UM6P and across Africa.
• Contribute to the collection, cleaning, and analysis of diverse datasets to derive meaningful insights and trends using standard statistical tools and advanced techniques including modeling to create actionable insights.
• Develop and maintain data portals and dashboards for effective communication of findings.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of visually compelling reports to aid decision-making processes.
• Articulate, scope, and prioritize research and analytics needs, gather relevant information using appropriate sources and write well-structured technical reports and briefs.

Horizon scanning and strategic support:

• Ability to conduct horizon scanning techniques and foresight studies to detect mega trends and possible science and technology futures in major socio-economic sectors in Africa.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of data-driven strategies, supporting the overall goals of sustainable development projects.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Modeling or related fields, with experience in research, development and innovation.
• Strong knowledge in science, data processing, and innovation for sustainable development.
• Proven experience as a Data Analyst with a focus on applied research and sustainable development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and critical analysis.

Desired experience and skills:

• Passion for contributing to sustainable development goals in Africa.
• Ability to work within intercultural teams or independently with excellent communication oral and written skills.
• Motivation and quick learning ability, with a strong willingness to understand research and innovation for sustainable development in Africa.
• Ambition and ability to contribute to the development of high-level strategic plans and studies.
• Experience in a consulting firm or advanced research institution.
• Versatility and mastery of multitasking and delivering under strict and tight deadlines.
• Good capacity of elaborating synthesis reports and briefs highlighting salient and actionable findings.
• Proficiency in writing and speaking English; working knowledge of French will be an asset.

Applications and selection procedure:

Interested candidates will submit a single electronic zipped folder with the job title in the mail subject, containing a cover letter, detailed CV, and a motivation letter.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.