Research Officer at Africa Management Solutions Limited (AMSOL)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Officer is a member of Programmes Team. They will report to the Director of Programmes (DoP).

Their key duties and responsibilities will be:

Research project co-creation and support

• Collaborate with senior leadership to continue and expand on existing research projects, as well as plan new research activities that promote Mawazo’s strategic mission.
• Support senior leadership with managing relationships and communications with research participants, research stakeholders, contract research assistants, consulting experts, external research reviewers, and academic and non-academic publishers.

Data collection and analysis

• Manage the day-to-day execution of research activities as directed by senior leadership.
• Identify, review, and summarise institutionally-relevant findings from peer reviewed and grey literature as requested by staff.
• Support in the creation and administration of research instruments and data collection tools (e.g. surveys, questionnaires, etc).
• Monitor the collection of research data both from Mawazo’s staff and beneficiaries and third-party research participants.
• Clean and organise research data to ensure data quality, including through data validation and verification.
• Communicate research data using a diverse range of visualisation techniques and descriptive statistics.
• Apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as needed for specific projects and outputs.

Research communication and dissemination

• Support in drafting research reports, scientific publications, white papers, and conference presentations.
• Assist communications team to develop content for opinion editorials, policy briefs, blogs, newsletters, newspaper articles, and annual and donor reports as needed.
• Assist team to develop and facilitate research dissemination events with stakeholders audiences, including workshops, conferences, and webinars.

Other cross-programme responsibilities

• Assist with writing grant proposals, specifically by providing data and evidence that makes the case for the value of interventions.
• Coordinate the maintenance and expansion of the Institute’s database of contacts and stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with monitoring, evaluation, and learning staff to support in data analysis and interpretation.

Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree (Bachelors required, MA or MSc preferred) in either the natural or social sciences. Prior experience working in an institution supporting the higher education or the research sector in Africa would be an added advantage.
• Proven track record and experience in applied gender research
• At least 5 years post-bachelors or 2 years post-masters experience working in a research role at a non-profit/NGO, research institution, institution of higher learning, development agency, consultancy, or think tank.
• Demonstrated competence in supporting research projects and collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Good command of either French, Portuguese, or Arabic would be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with expertise in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets as well as other diverse data analysis tools.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as R, Stata, or SPSS, and qualitative data analysis software such NVivo or ATLAS ti would be an added advantage.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Curious individual with ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to seek assistance with projects as required.
• An interest in continual learning and professional growth.
• The ability to thrive in a role with a great deal of autonomy in an environment that is highly collaborative, communicative, and team-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a diverse and inclusive setting.
• Commitment to the Institute’s mission and values.