Background

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) is Zambia’s leading public policy think tank, dedicated to producing high-quality, evidence-based research that informs national development. ZIPAR provides a platform for dialogue, capacity building, and policy analysis and research, contributing to Zambia’s socio-economic transformation and regional integration. The Institute is seeking dynamic and talented graduates to fill the positions of Policy Analysts.

Contract Duration:

Up to 5 Years

Salary Scale:

Z5

Reporting to:

Assistant Director of Research

Job Purpose:

The Policy Analyst will support ZIPAR’s research programmes by providing rigorous data analysis, policy research, and evidence-based insights. This entry-level role is designed to nurture young economists and social scientists into future policy leaders, offering exposure to applied research, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Undertake literature reviews and contribute to research design, data collection, and econometric analysis.
• Support the production of policy briefs, commentaries, working papers, and consultancy reports.
• Develop statistical models, simulations, and visualisations.
• Ensure quality assurance in research outputs through data verification, proofreading, and peer review.
• Maintain accurate records of research processes, datasets, and technical minutes.
• Support the production of policy briefs, commentaries, working papers, and consultancy reports.
• Develop statistical models, simulations, and visualisations.
• Ensure quality assurance in research outputs through data verification, proofreading, and peer review.
• Maintain accurate records of research processes, datasets, and technical minutes.
• Contribute to the dissemination of ZIPAR outputs through presentations, infographics, and public dialogues.
• Participate in national and regional policy forums, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
• Support the preparation of advocacy materials that translate complex research into accessible insights for policymakers, media, and the public.
• Assist in building and maintaining institutional networks and stakeholder relations.
• Contribute to policy dialogue and ZIPAR’s visibility by engaging in thought leadership and policy commentary.
• Support training activities for internal staff, interns, and external stakeholders on policy analysis methods and tools.
• Participate in institutional learning and professional development programmes.
• Assist in mentoring junior researchers and supervising data collectors.
• Contribute to model-building and simulation exercises that enhance institutional capacity.
• Support ZIPAR’s business development initiatives, including proposal writing and consultancy services.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent;
• A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field from a recognised institution.
• A master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance or Statistics will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong grasp of economic and social development theory.
• Knowledge of the Zambian economy and contemporary policy issues.
• Technical proficiency in statistical and econometric software.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and professional ethics.
• Self-motivation, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

• Undertake literature reviews and contribute to research design, data collection, and econometric analysis.
• Support the production of policy briefs, commentaries, working papers, and consultancy reports.
• Develop statistical models, simulations, and visualisations.
• Ensure quality assurance in research outputs through data verification, proofreading, and peer review.
• Maintain accurate records of research processes, datasets, and technical minutes.
• Support the production of policy briefs, commentaries, working papers, and consultancy reports.
• Develop statistical models, simulations, and visualisations.
• Ensure quality assurance in research outputs through data verification, proofreading, and peer review.
• Maintain accurate records of research processes, datasets, and technical minutes.
• Contribute to the dissemination of ZIPAR outputs through presentations, infographics, and public dialogues.
• Participate in national and regional policy forums, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
• Support the preparation of advocacy materials that translate complex research into accessible insights for policymakers, media, and the public.
• Assist in building and maintaining institutional networks and stakeholder relations.
• Contribute to policy dialogue and ZIPAR’s visibility by engaging in thought leadership and policy commentary.
• Support training activities for internal staff, interns, and external stakeholders on policy analysis methods and tools.
• Participate in institutional learning and professional development programmes.
• Assist in mentoring junior researchers and supervising data collectors.
• Contribute to model-building and simulation exercises that enhance institutional capacity.
• Support ZIPAR’s business development initiatives, including proposal writing and consultancy services.

• Strong grasp of economic and social development theory.
• Knowledge of the Zambian economy and contemporary policy issues.
• Technical proficiency in statistical and econometric software.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and professional ethics.
• Self-motivation, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

• Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent;
• A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field from a recognised institution.
• A master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance or Statistics will be an added advantage.