Position Title: Applied Research and Publications Manager

Reports to: Deputy CEO

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Contract Type: One-year Renewable

 

 

Job purpose

 

The Applied  Research  and  Publications  Manager   will lead AAIN’s  applied research agenda, knowledge generation activities, documentation,  and publication portfolio. The role supports evidence-based decision-making, influences policy dialogue, strengthens AAIN’s incubation ecosystem,  and enhances institutional visibility across Africa.

 

The Manager will oversee the design, management, and dissemination of high-quality research products focused on agribusiness incubation, technology commercialization, youth entrepreneurship, SME development,  and innovation systems. This position plays a  strategic role  in transforming data into actionable insights, developing research partnerships, and ensuring all publications meet international quality standards.

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

1. Research Strategy & Leadership

 

1. Lead the development and implementation of AAIN’s applied research strategy aligned with its four investment pillars.
2. Identify   research  priorities  and  emerging  trends  related  to  agribusiness incubation, innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and SME development.

iii.    Oversee the design and execution of research studies, assessments, case studies, and impact evaluations across member incubators and partner programs.

1. iv. Coordinate multi-country  research initiatives in  collaboration with regional partners, academic institutions, and development

 

 

1. Research Management & Quality Assurance

 

1. Develop research protocols, methodologies, data collection tools, and analytical frameworks.
2. Ensure research activities adhere to ethical standards,  data quality  assurance measures, and methodological rigor.

iii.    Manage research teams, consultants, enumerators, and collaborating institutions. iv.     Conduct advanced data analysis and interpret findings for program improvement

and policy influence.

 

 

1. Documentation, Publications & Knowledge Products

 

1. Lead the development of AAIN’s publications,  including policy briefs, technical reports, annual reports, working papers, innovation profiles, manuals, toolkits, and newsletters.
2. Establish and manage an editorial and peer-review process to ensure publication quality.

iii.    Oversee layout, design, editing, and branding compliance for  all knowledge products.

1. iv. Manage AAIN’s  digital knowledge  repository, ensuring content  is  updated, accessible, and well-organized.

 

 

1. Knowledge Dissemination & Thought Leadership

 

1. Facilitate knowledge-sharing  workshops,  learning events, and dissemination forums targeting incubators, policymakers, and ecosystem  actors.
2. Present research findings at conferences, policy  dialogues, and stakeholder forums across Africa.

iii.    Support communication teams with evidence-based content for articles, media releases, infographics, and digital platforms.

1. iv. Promote AAIN’s thought leadership in agribusiness incubation and innovation ecosystems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Partnerships, Resource Mobilization & Institutional Collaboration

 

1. Establish research partnerships with universities, think tanks, development partners, and private-sector actors.
2. Provide research inputs for concept notes, project proposals, and donor-funded programs.

iii.    Contribute  to   fundraising  efforts   for   research   projects,   surveys,  and knowledge-generation initiatives.

 

1. iv. Engage with policy institutions  to ensure research outputs inform policy and ecosystem

 

 

1. F. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Impact Analytics

 

1. Support data-driven   MEL  processes  by  designing indicators, data tools, and performance tracking mechanisms.
2. Generate impact analysis of incubation programs and enterprise growth across the continent.

iii.    Compile learning briefs, dashboards, and evidence-driven recommendations for program improvement.

 

 

1. Operational, Administrative & Supervisory Responsibilities

 

1. Manage budgets related to research and publication activities.
2. Supervise research interns, consultants, and collaborative research staff.

iii.    Prepare periodic  progress reports, annual knowledge reports, and research summaries for the Deputy CEO.

1. iv. Ensure compliance  with organizational standards and donor

 

 

Minimum Job requirements

 

1. Academic Qualifications

 

• Master’s degree  in  Agricultural  Economics,   Research   Methods,    Statistics, Development Studies,   Agribusiness, Economics,  Innovation  Studies,   or  related fields.
• A PhD is an added advantage, especially in fields related to applied research or agribusiness innovation.

 

 

2. Work Experience

 

• Minimum 5–7 years   of  relevant experience in applied research, publication management,  or knowledge management  within agribusiness, development,  or innovation ecosystems.
• Proven experience conducting multi-country research, impact assessments, or large-scale surveys.
• Demonstrated experience in producing high-quality publications (reports, policy briefs, journals, toolkits, etc.).
• Experience working with academic institutions, research think tanks, incubators, or development partners.
• Experience managing research  teams,  external  consultants, and  editorial processes.

 

• Experience in proposal writing, research fundraising, or resource mobilization is an advantage.

 

 

Key Skills and competencies

 

• Strong background  in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proficiency  in statistical and analytical software (SPSS, STATA, R, NVivo, etc.).
• Excellent writing, editing, and academic publishing skills.
• Strong understanding of  agribusiness ecosystems, innovation systems, youth entrepreneurship, and incubation models.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.

 

 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to design and lead a continental research agenda that influences policy and practice.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent ability to communicate research findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership & Team Management: Strong supervisory and coordination skills for research teams and contributors.
• Innovation & Analytical Thinking: Ability to conceptualize new research ideas and solutions.

 

• High-level  competence  in  research  design, data analytics, and publication management.
• Skilled in knowledge management systems and digital research repositories.
• Strong editorial and peer-review competency.
• Understanding of impact measurement, incubation performance indicators, and ecosystem analytics.

 

• High integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across diverse African contexts.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and results-driven.
• Ability to work  independently, meet  deadlines, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

 

 

How to apply: 

Applications should be marked “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ………………………..” and submit application and the necessary documents electronically to the following address:
The Director, Human Resources
African Agribusiness Incubators Network
E-mail: opportunities@aain.aain.africa

NOTE: Those who applied earlier need not reapply.

Questions? Email: opportunities@aain.africa