Policy Associate job at Ace Policy Research Institute

Background

Ace Policy Research Institute (APRI), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) under the Education Policy Lab (EPL), is implementing the Strengthening Systems for Foundational Learning Project. The project aims to enhance access to early and foundational learning, improve sector-wide policy coordination, and strengthen evidence-informed decision-making.

The Policy Associate will support the policy development cycle, stakeholder coordination, and translation of research evidence into practical and actionable policy and implementation strategies.

Purpose of the Position

The Policy Associate will support policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the development of policy products that advance foundational learning outcomes across Uganda. The role requires strong analytical, coordination, and communication abilities.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Analysis & Development

• Support policy reviews, policy development processes, and analysis of policy options for early and foundational learning.
• Prepare briefs, memos, situational analyses, and policy summaries for use by MoES leadership and EPL stakeholders.
• Assist in drafting guidelines, frameworks, and implementation plans.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Facilitate coordination among MoES departments, Agencies, Local Governments, and sector stakeholders involved in the EPL.
• Support the organization of technical working groups, consultation meetings, and policy dialogue sessions.
• Assist in documenting meeting proceedings, decisions, and agreed action points.

Research Uptake & Management

• Translate research findings into user-friendly formats, including briefs, presentations, and communication materials.
• Support dissemination of evidence through workshops, roundtables, and policy dialogues.
• Contribute to learning notes, case studies, and documentation of best practices.

Project Support

• Contribute to project planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Assist in tracking policy implementation progress and identifying gaps.
• Support preparation of donor reports, progress updates, and communication products.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in education policy, program support, research, or public sector coordination.
• Experience working with the Education sector, or development partners is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of Uganda’s education sector, reforms, and policy priorities.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong policy analysis and writing skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly.
• High level of initiative, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced and collaborative environments.

• Support policy reviews, policy development processes, and analysis of policy options for early and foundational learning.
• Prepare briefs, memos, situational analyses, and policy summaries for use by MoES leadership and EPL stakeholders.
• Assist in drafting guidelines, frameworks, and implementation plans.
• Facilitate coordination among MoES departments, Agencies, Local Governments, and sector stakeholders involved in the EPL.
• Support the organization of technical working groups, consultation meetings, and policy dialogue sessions.
• Assist in documenting meeting proceedings, decisions, and agreed action points.
• Translate research findings into user-friendly formats, including briefs, presentations, and communication materials.
• Support dissemination of evidence through workshops, roundtables, and policy dialogues.
• Contribute to learning notes, case studies, and documentation of best practices.
• Contribute to project planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Assist in tracking policy implementation progress and identifying gaps.
• Support preparation of donor reports, progress updates, and communication products.

• Strong policy analysis and writing skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly.
• High level of initiative, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced and collaborative environments.

• Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in education policy, program support, research, or public sector coordination.
• Experience working with the Education sector, or development partners is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of Uganda’s education sector, reforms, and policy priorities.