1. Training Development and Implementation

• Design and implement a holistic training portfolio for GlobalDev, targeting social scientists in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
• Develop high-quality training curricula, materials, and formats to strengthen research communication skills.
• Ensure alignment of training programmes with GlobalDev’s vision, GDN’s mission, and the needs of Southern researchers.
• Oversee the delivery of training sessions, workshops, and online courses, collaborating with internal and external experts.
• Implement some of the training modules directly, if applicable.

2. Research Communication Strategy and Capacity Building

• Position GlobalDev as a key platform for research communication capacity-building, with a focus on development research.
• Foster a community of practice among Southern researchers to enhance their visibility and engagement in global development debates, leveraging GDN programmes, alumni and GlobalDev’s own alumni.
• Animate debates and data collection on research communication needs, in coordination with GDN’s Doing Research global initiative.

3. Partnership and Business Development

• Identify and engage potential funders, partners, and stakeholders to support and expand GlobalDev’s training initiatives.
• Manage partnerships and contractual agreements related to training implementation.
• Collaborate with GDN programme leads and external organisations to integrate research communication training into broader capacity-strengthening efforts.

4. Expert Network Management

• Build and manage a network of internal and external experts to design and deliver research communication training.
• Supervise and coordinate trainers, facilitators, and contributors involved in training programmes.

5. Programme Monitoring and Impact Assessment

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and impact of training programmes.
• Regularly assess and refine training content based on participant feedback and evolving needs.
• Report on programme outcomes to internal stakeholders, funders, and partners.

6. Collaboration on Major Events with the GDN Communications Unit

• Work closely with GDN’s Communications team to integrate research communication training into major events, conferences, and strategic initiatives.
• Support the design and delivery of communication-focused sessions, ensuring alignment with GDN’s broader outreach and visibility goals.
• Contribute to promotional efforts of GDN by developing content, materials, and messaging that highlight the impact of GlobalDev’s training programmes.

Duration of Assignment

The initial appointment is for an initial period of 12 months, renewable, conditional to a four-month probation period. The renewal is conditional on the availability of adequate financial resources and on the successful expansion of the initiative.

Eligibility and Desired Profile

Experience and Education

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (relevance to be discussed in the motivation letter). A PhD or first-hand experience of doctoral training programmes is an asset.
• At least five years of demonstrable project management experience.
• At least four years of experience working with trainings and research communications specifically.
• At least three years of experience working in a multilingual environment, including travel and event organisation internationally, and experience working with international partners, including donors.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English and French.
• Previous experience and a strong interest in editorial and publication work is a strong asset.
• Previous experience in international development and development research is an asset.
• Experience building and managing budgets, business plans and databases is an asset.

Soft Skills

• Communication skills: Clear and effective communication will be key to managing internal and external interactions.
• Collaboration and teamwork: The manager needs to coordinate between a group of part-time profiles, some of which are under time pressure, across several time zones.
• Adaptability and flexibility: GDN has a small and flexible team, and a largely horizontal work environment.
• Leadership and initiative: The person will have the freedom, and will be expected to, put forward creative ideas, take initiative and be a self-starter.
• Cultural sensitivity: With core staff spread across 10 countries GDN is an inherently multicultural and multilingual organisation. You will require empathy and a genuine interest in how others approach specific tasks and responsibility (differently than you).
• Problem-solving skills: You will need to think critically, find solutions and identify opportunities in your interactions with colleagues, donors, partners and external collaborators.
• Time management and organisational skills: Managing the training calendar and inputs from a range of different professionals will require time management and capacity to keep track of one’s own tasks, and often that of others.
• Attention to detail: Attention to detail is key to guarantee high standards of quality for all outputs and external communications.

Interested candidates should send the following documents (see below) in PDF format, as attachments to an email titled “Research Communications Specialist – GlobalDev – [YOUR NAME]”, to jobs@gdn.int by April 7, 2025, midnight Central European Time. The documents are:

• Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (no more than two pages)
• Motivation letter (no more than one page) that provides concrete and demonstrable examples of how your experience and capacity match the requirement for the position. Please do not repeat your CV – we will read both in detail.
• A short essay on the question: “What kind of research training can change North-South imbalances in international development debates?”
• Details of last salary and salary expectations for the position, along with a clear indication of the earliest start date. NB: GDN offers competitive salaries for the location in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and additional benefits for employees relocating internationally. The successful candidate will be employed under French labour law. Applicants are advised to read up on standard conditions applying to French law employment contracts. This is a mid-career position with potential for rapid growth based on successful performance.

For any queries related to the application procedure or the job posting, please write to jobs@gdn.int.

GDN is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in its staff. Female candidates from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.