Private Sector Development (PSD) Research Analyst

Reporting to the Head of PSD, the Research Analyst will be responsible to coordinate and support the implementation of the unit’s ongoing workstream on sustainable economic processing zones. The analyst will also be responsible for researching and analysing reports and deliverables produced by various consultants and external researchers in support of the program.

Leveraging ACET’s research report on Sustainable Export Processing Zones (SEPZs) and working in the Private Sector Development (PSD) team, the PSD Research Analyst will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

1. Provide technical and managerial direction for the SEPZ program implementation, relying on the key recommendations of the SEPZ research report.
2. Identify and analyse trends and recommends improvements to the operationalisation of export processing zones in Ghana.
3. Keep up-to-date knowledge of the industry and related markets being researched and communicate with companies and agencies for relevant data.
4. Ensure effective liaison and maintain good communication with other stakeholders, including companies and agencies such as the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Ghana Export Processing Authority and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
5. Prepare and monitor the annual Work Plans and budget of the SEPZ program, based on proposed annual PSD work plans and budgets, and adhere to approval processes to ensure timely delivery.
6. Maintain records on technical and financial aspects of the SEPZ operation, including monitoring of project activities and their outcomes; as well as minutes, decisions and recommendations of meetings and workshops for support and guidance of PSD (or ACET) towards the export processing zones concept of the Government.
7. Provide suggestions on harmonising strategies, policies and regulatory recommendations based on the research work of ACET on sustainable export processing zones to make export processing zones in Ghana sustainable.
8. Perform other tasks as may be allocated by the Head of the PSD and other senior colleagues within the PSD and ACET in general where required.

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, particularly Business Administration, Economics
• A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in a commercial entity or a management consulting firm
• Relevant experience in Private Sector Development in the Ghanaian context
• Experience in applied research or data management an advantage
• Experience in development fields related to economic recovery, economic processing zones or agriculture enclave zone development is required
• Knowledge and experience in African economies

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with team objectives
• Ability to leverage learning from various sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight to model future developments and possible ways forward for SEPZ development.
• Strong communication, analytical, report writing, and interpersonal skills;
• A self-starter who can work independently with minimal support as well as within a team environment
• Ability to work under pressure to deliver on time with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good project management and organisational skills;
• Good knowledge of programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation techniques and practices
• Proficiency in French desirable.