Bilingual Research Assistant: International Desk at CDD-Ghana

Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) is a non-governmental, non-partisan civil society think tank that has been working since 1998 to advance democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in Ghana and the rest of Africa through research and analysis, policy and civic engagement, and strategic interventions and partnerships. The Center harnesses the power of evidence-informed analysis and ideas to stimulate public dialogue and inform and influence public policy in furtherance of its mission and vision.

Job Description

Purpose

CDD-Ghana is seeking the services of a Bilingual Research Assistant to support its International Desk in conducting comprehensive research and policy analysis on the activities and impacts of international actors on democratic consolidation and inclusive development in West and Central Africa. The Research Assistant will assist in generating evidence-based research and policy analysis across various thematic areas to facilitate advocacy engagement with regional and international stakeholders.

Background

In recent years, democratic progress is waning across the continent. Representative governance and accountability have suffered setbacks with nine registered coups since 2020 on the continent. Exogenic crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukraine war, and Israel’s war with Hamas have worsened economic progress and created more opportunities to roll back civic freedoms in Africa as many nations have used that as a justification to postpone elections to stay beyond their mandated terms while at the same time contending with the escalating threat of violent extremism.

Amidst these challenges, many African governments have welcomed renewed international solidarity and support from bilateral and multilateral economic and political engagements. These engagements have taken the form of international summits accompanied by state visits where infrastructure investments, trade facilitation, military and security aid, and economic recovery support are often on the agenda.

The retreat of multilateralism, rise of nationalism in a multipolar world has reshaped Africa's geopolitical landscape. Given the rapid pace of global affairs and its impacts on democratization, it has become imperative for African think tanks to actively engage in analyzing and understanding global dynamics to inform regional and local policy decisions, as part of efforts to counter democracy decline.

In light of this, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) as part of its mission to promote democratic governance and development has established an International Desk to explore the activities and actions of various global and regional powers, their interests, dynamics, and impacts on democratic consolidation and inclusive development.

Scope of Work

The Bilingual Research Assistant, under the supervision of the Desk Director and other supervisors, will assist in conducting research and policy analysis on global and regional powers’ influence in West and Central Africa, focusing on their impact on democratic consolidation and inclusive development. This will involve examining trends, dynamics, and implications across thematic areas such as democratic governance, human rights and rule of law, media and the civic space, peace/security, political transitions, migration, climate change, international trade and investment, technology, and digital governance among others.

The responsibilities of the Research Assistant will include:

• Assist in conducting literature reviews on the activities and actions of global and regional powers, including their interests, dynamics, and impacts on democratic consolidation and inclusive development in West and Central Africa.
• Support in monitoring, collecting, and analyzing data from various sources, including research-based institutions; case studies, and comparative studies, to understand the political economy surrounding international engagements and their implications on democratic processes in West and Central Africa.
• Contribute to the quarterly assessment of the general state of transitional governance in West and Central Africa, and assist in the review of transitional frameworks and processes used by juntas per regional and sub-regional protocols on democracy and good governance, and other international standards and best practices to inform policy uptake.
• Support in drafting research reports, policy briefs, and analytical documents while assisting in the publication and dissemination of research findings.
• Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the supervisors.

Required Skills or Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in conducting research on international affairs, democratic governance, or related fields (focus on West or Central Africa is an advantage)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze international engagements and trend analysis, and their impact on democratic consolidation and inclusive development.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to assist in producing high-quality research reports and policy briefs.
• Ability to work remotely, independently, and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in English and French is required.

Duration

This will be a full-time position for an initial period of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

Remuneration

Attractive, commensurate with experience and qualification.

Location

The primary location for this position is CDD-Ghana. However, the Research Assistant may have the option to work remotely