EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Terms of Reference for the Executive Director

The Center for Development Policy (CDP) is a Pan-African and non-partisan think tank headquartered in Rwanda, focusing on Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. CDP is officially registered with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). The center contributes to the development of African countries through policy analysis, research, and capacity strengthening. We prioritize evidence-based development solutions and promote empirically tested interventions that address the real needs of Africa’s population, contributing to the continent’s inclusive development. The center works with local partners to study, document, and share lessons and best practices that influence development outcomes in Africa. Our uniqueness lies in offering policy advice and analysis to organizations while building their capacities through training and technical support to undertake evidence-informed development interventions. Our areas of research include but not limited to financial sector development, environmental and climate change, gender and women empowerment, agriculture, disability, digitalization, labor and employment, poverty, inequality, social protection, trade and regional integration, migration and development. These areas are delivered by a diverse pool of experts – both local and international associates as well as research fellows who have extensive experience in Africa’s development contexts, challenges, and prospects. CDP has a subsidiary consulting wing (CDP Consult Ltd) that focuses on consultancy services to our partner organizations. For detailed information about our work, please refer to our website: www.cdpafrica.org

Vision

We aspire to be a source of credible evidence and expertise that drives inclusive development in Africa.

Mission

We influence development outcomes by promoting evidence-based interventions that reflect the real needs of African citizens driven by capable organizations.

About the Position

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Center for Development Policy. He works closely with the Founder and President of CDP and reports to the governing Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has the authority to recruit the Executive Director on basis of his/her technical competence.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the execution of the CDP Board of Directors’ decisions as well as those of the general assembly;Communicate with the Board and provide in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions;Oversee and deploy appropriate resources to ensure effective operations of CDP;Work with the Board and CDP staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreachMobilize resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the CDP organization;Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of CDP;Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations, institutions (local and international), stakeholders and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance CDP’s mission;Lead and mentor young researchers and young professionals to grow into research fellows and associate experts; Develops and coordinate the implementation of CDP capacity building interventions and training plans implemented by CDP;Serve as CDP’s primary contact person and spokesperson to the organization’s constituents including the media and the general public;Establish CDP employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the daily operation of the organization;Make use of the CDP Consult Ltd to mobilize resources for the center through consulting services;Review and approve contracts for servicesPerform other duties as assigned by the Founding President and the Board of Directors;Implement the strategic and action plans of CDP as approved by the board of directors;Prepare for the board meeting, and serve as the secretary to the board, with no voting rights;Closely collaborate with the Founding President to keep the vision and mission of the center, and to prepare and organize the general assembly of CDP

Key Deliverables

The performance of the Executive Director will be assessed based on the following key components.

Implement CDP Strategy

With the guidance and support of the founding president and the governing board, the Executive Director is expected to operationalize the five-year strategy of the Center for Development Policy; Attract, train and assemble the team of research assistants, research fellows and expert associate teams that reflect a diversity of characteristics, perspectives and expertise to drive the growth of the center and its subsidiary consulting wing;

Drive and Oversees Research Portfolio

Initiate and attract research projects and initiatives th…