Evidence-based research is a key pillar in the formulation of public policy; its impact can be far-reaching and it can help inform decisions being made by the government and its development partners for national development and economic growth.

To further the national agenda for development, in 2016 the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on a 12-month graduate research programme that gives the graduates intensive on-the-job training and the opportunity to network with their counterparts from all over the world.

“The country has good and well-articulated economic strategies and policies, but the onus is on the citizens and institutions to ensure implementation. There is a real opportunity for the country, working in close collaboration with ESEPARC, to ensure implementation of such policies. The UNDP and ESEPARC share aligned goals aimed at generating evidence and knowledge on economic policy effectiveness to enable informed decision making in the Kingdom of Eswatini,” says Sithembiso Gina, UNDP Programme Specialist.

The graduate research programme offers an opportunity to young researchers who have a strong dedication to producing quality work and want to make an impact on public policy in Eswatini. This research programme is a powerful tool to harness human capital resources and promote career orientation, research skills, personal development, and leadership competencies.

Since its inception in 2016, nine Masters and Bachelors graduates have been attached to ESEPARC. The graduates have conducted and completed studies in various policy areas including Science, Technology, and Innovation; Energy; Entrepreneurship; Disaster Risk Management; Agriculture; and Education.

ESEPARC is now recruiting the next cohort of graduate researchers for 2018/19. Not only must the graduates have a strong dedication to producing quality work, they must also be motivated, driven, and dedicated individuals with leadership potential for policy research.

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a recent graduate of no more than two years;
  • Be an Eswatini citizen;
  • Must possess a Bachelor’s, Masters or PhD degree in the following policy areas: Sustainable Energy; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Industrial Policy; Private Sector-led Growth; Disability and Inclusive Development; Trade; Gender Equality; Sustainable Environment and Climate Change; Disaster Risk Management; Sustainable Natural Resource and Conservation Management; Governance and Accountability; or Participatory Development.

We are looking for three (3) individuals with an above average academic record, good communication and writing skills, leadership potential, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, quick and innovative thinkers with a high level of integrity, and research skills. Applicants must be computer literate and have a working knowledge of statistical and econometrics software such as SPSS, STATA, R, SAP, and e-Views. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal would be an added advantage.

The graduate research programme offers qualified and eligible candidates the unique opportunity to acquire practical experience in policy analysis and research work under the direct supervision of experienced ESEPARC researchers. Successful candidates will undergo intensive on-the-job training to build their capacities in research skills, personal development, and leadership. The programme provides candidates with a solid foundation to pursue research careers and generate the necessary data and information for innovative policy solutions geared towards achieving national sustainable development.

To apply, interested candidates must submit a concept note of not more than two pages, curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic qualifications, and transcripts to recruitment@separc.co.sz by the 27th of October 2018, titled ESEPARC/UNDP Graduate Research Programme. Late applications will not be considered, and correspondence will only be limited to shortlisted candidates.