Job Summary

The Data Research Lead will play a pivotal role in building data collection, management, and research capabilities within the country team, while actively contributing to business development through the preparation of technical and financial proposals. The role entails leading the full lifecycle of data collection exercises, managing internal and external client communications, and ensuring seamless project coordination. Operating within an agile and adaptive management framework, the Data Research Lead will have significant independence and responsibility to shape the organization’s capabilities, collaborate with colleagues across Uganda and Rwanda, and take on client-facing responsibilities to drive the organization’s growth and impact.

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery (50%)

• Lead and quality assure survey related workstreams including  research designs, data quality management, and reporting.
  • Contribute to project’s research design and sampling strategy, including the development, piloting and programming of electronic survey instruments using an ODK based platform
  • Support management in supervising and training the enumerator/moderator teams
  • Supervise data collection and implement a variety of quality checks to ensure that the highest data quality standards are met
  • Support the write-ups of quantitative and qualitative research
  • Assist in overseeing that timelines and benchmarks are being met for our clients
  • Provide support on project proposals and pro-actively seek independent research
• Project Management 
  • Be Scrum Master on relevant projects
  • Client Communication: Assist client communication, providing updates as needed.
  • Budget and Financial oversight: Support the tracking of project budgets and expenditures, providing updates as needed.
  • Maintain project documentation, including work plans, timelines, and reports, ensuring completeness and accessibility.

Capacity Strengthening (30%)

• Support the recruitment process of relevant technical staff in Uganda in collaboration with a recruitment firm and VE staff. This includes Data Analysts, Survey Coordinators, Field Supervisors, Impact Monitoring Officers, Enumerators, and others.
• Review and quality assure survey processes across the organization.
• Provide trainings and develop training materials where needed.
• Develop personal capacities according to personal ambition and the current needs of the organization. Develop a personal capacity building plan in collaboration with the direct manager.

Business Development (20%)

• Proposal Development: Assist in preparing and coordinating proposals and bids for large-scale research programs, working with Rwanda office and technical teams to ensure alignment with client needs and organizational goals.
• Market Research: Continuously track market trends and competitive analysis, sharing insights with the team to inform strategy.
• Monitor relevant economic and public policy news in the country on a regular basis that may have implications for our research projects.
• Expand our brand and exposure through participation in events, social media updates, and other publication.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field. An MSc in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
• Advance training or Certifications in data analysis, research methodologies or project management is an added advantage.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in designing and managing surveys, conducting data analysis, and contributing to research projects, preferably in a consulting or development environment.
• Experience leading teams
• Proven record of accomplishment in designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research projects.
• Experience with Open Data Kit (ODK)-based platforms or similar electronic survey programming tools.
• Demonstrated expertise in implementing quality assurance protocols and ensuring the integrity of survey processes and data collection.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., R, STATA, SPSS, or Python).
• Strong understanding of sampling strategies and survey design.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

Competencies

• Leadership: Proven experience in supervising, mentoring, and coordinating teams effectively.
• Planning and Organizing: Excellent at prioritizing and delivering high-quality results within deadlines.
• Strategic Perspective: Capable of aligning project goals with organizational objectives.
• Analysis and Judgment: Proficient in interpreting data and making sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Interpersonal Sensitivity: Empathetic and adept at fostering positive relationships within teams
• Adaptability and Resilience: Flexible and able to perform under pressure and in fast-paced environments.

Benefits

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefit packages.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A chance to make a meaningful impact by contributing to transformative projects that drive development across various sectors in Africa.