IPAR (Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale) is a leading West African think tank, headquartered in Senegal. IPAR produces strategic analysis, policy-oriented research and facilitates dialogue on agricultural, food and territorial systems across West Africa.
As part of a new phase of institutional consolidation and research structuring, IPAR is seeking a Director of Research and Scientific Development to provide scientific, managerial and strategic leadership.

Position and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Research will :

• Defining and steering IPAR’s scientific and research strategy;
• Providing intellectual leadership on the institute’s priority themes;
• Coordinating and leading thematic research teams;
• Designing and structuring multi-year research programmes;
• Contributing actively to resource mobilisation and to IPAR’s institutional positioning at regional and international levels.

The position requires demonstrated capacity to lead complex research programmes and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, as well as strong potential to take on broader institutional responsibilities in close collaboration with the Executive Director.

Required Profile

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A PhD or equivalent degree in economics, social sciences, political science, geography, agronomy with a public policy orientation, or a related discipline;
• Approximately 8 to 12 years of relevant professional experience, including responsibility for coordinating research projects or programmes;
• Proven ability to design and manage complex, multi-partner initiatives;
• Strong knowledge of West African dynamics and public policy processes;
• Ease in working within institutional, partnership-based, and multi-stakeholder environments;
• Professional proficiency in both French and English, or a strong working capacity in both languages.

Terms and Conditions

• The position is open to both national and international candidates;
• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s profile, experience, and the agreed modality of engagement;
• IPAR is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application process

Interested candidates are invited to submit :

• A detailed curriculum vitae;
• Copies of academic diplomas and relevant work certificates;
• A cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the position;
• Contact details of three (03) professional referees (email addresses and phone numbers).

Applications should be sent by email, with the subject line “Call for Applications – Director of Research and Scientific Development”, no later than 13 February 2026 at 5:00 pm (UTC) to the following address: recrutement@ipar.sn.
A shortlist will be established based on a comparative review of applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview.
Shortlisted candidates will also be required, prior to the interview, to submit a detailed concept note outlining their vision for strengthening research and resource mobilisation within a think tank such as IPAR over the next three (3) years.