African Economic Research Consortium - Executive Director

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), established in 1988, is a public not-for-profit organisation devoted to advanced economic policy research and training. Its mission is to strengthen local capacity for conducting independent, rigorous inquiry into the problems facing the management of economies in sub-Saharan Africa. AERC is currently implementing an ambitious five-year Strategic Plan for 2010–2015 and is seeking to recruit a visionary Executive Director, who will not only maintain the Consortium’s record of excellence, but will also continually reposition and transform the organisation to ensure the relevance, utility and impact of its work.

The Executive Director has the overall primary management and leadership role in the organisation. His/her key responsibilities include leading the design and implementation of all strategic plans, programmes and activities; overseeing financial and local/international human resources to optimise the performance and effectiveness of the organisation; leading AERC’s public relations efforts; and fund-raising among current and potential donors. With the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the long-term sustainability of AERC and therefore supporting the regular review of the Consortium’s work.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Economics or a related field with significant experience in a senior management position.
The role requires someone with strong research credentials, leadership skills, financial acumen and substantial management experience in a not-for-profit environment. The candidate should be a strategic thinker with strong communication and networking skills.

To apply for this position or to receive further particulars of the appointment, please visit:

www.heidrick.com/AERC
Email: AERC@heidrick.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7075 4079
The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 March 2012.
For more information on AERC, visit www.aercafrica.org