JOB DETAILS:

Key Responsibilities
1. Advanced Quantitative Analysis and Research Leadership
Statistical Modelling and Analysis
-Implement sophisticated statistical models to analyse longitudinal data across eight countries, including multilevel modelling, time series analysis, and causal inference techniques
-Conduct advanced econometric analysis to identify causal relationships between market interventions and household decision-making patterns

-Develop and validate predictive models to assess the sustainability and scalability of market-based interventions
2. Research Design and Methodology
-Lead the development of robust research protocols that would meet academic publication standards whilst maintaining operational feasibility across diverse African contexts
-Design sampling strategies and power calculations for multi-country longitudinal studies, ensuring statistical validity and generalisability

-Develop innovative methodological approaches for combining quantitative data with qualitative insights from the Qualitative Impact Protocol (QuIP)
-Establish rigorous data quality assurance frameworks and validation procedures for multi-country data collection efforts
3. Knowledge Product Development and Dissemination
Academic and Policy Publications
-Lead the development of peer-reviewed publications suitable for top-tier development economics and social science journals
-Produce comprehensive analytical reports that would translate complex statistical findings into actionable insights for policy makers and development practitioners

-Develop policy briefs and thematic papers that would demonstrate the broader implications of research findings for market-based development approaches

-Create compelling data visualisations and interactive dashboards that would effectively communicate research insights to diverse stakeholder audiences
4. Technical Documentation and Capacity Building
-Document research methodologies and analytical frameworks to ensure replicability and knowledge transfer across the organisation

-Develop technical training materials and capacity building programmes for country-level DMEAL teams

-Establish standardised analytical protocols that could be adapted and implemented across different country contexts
-Create comprehensive metadata and documentation systems that would support long-term data management and future research initiatives
Research Coordination and Quality Assurance
5. Multi-Country Research Management
-Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for data collection activities across Angola, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya
-Coordinate with country-level DMEAL managers to ensure consistent application of research protocols and data quality standards

-Design and implement inter-country comparison frameworks that would account for contextual differences whilst maintaining analytical rigour
-Lead regular technical review meetings and learning sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across country teams
6. Partnership and Collaboration Management
-Serve as the primary technical liaison with external research partners, including Bath Social & Development Research for QuIP implementation and Rural Senses for AI-powered qualitative analysis
-Collaborate with the Multidimensional Index Specialist to enhance the theoretical and methodological foundations of the SLI framework

-Engage with academic networks and research communities to ensure ForAfrika's research contributions would be recognised and integrated into broader development discourse
-Represent ForAfrika at academic conferences, research symposiums, and policy forums related to market-based development approaches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Educational Background
-Master's in economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related quantitative field with demonstrated research experience
2. Professional Experience
-Minimum 5 years of experience conducting advanced quantitative research in development economics, social policy, or related fields
-Proven track record of publications in reputable journals and/or knowledge platforms
-Demonstrated experience in managing multi-country research projects or large-scale data analysis initiatives
-Substantial experience with longitudinal data analysis, causal inference techniques, and impact evaluation methodologies
3. Technical Expertise
-Advanced proficiency in statistical software packages (R, Stata, Python, SPSS) with particular strength in econometric analysis and machine learning applications
-Extensive experience with survey design, sampling methodologies, and data quality assurance procedures
-Demonstrated capability in developing and implementing complex statistical models including multilevel analysis, time series analysis, and structural equation modelling
-Proven experience with large dataset management, data cleaning, and preparation for statistical analysis
4. Research and Analytical Capabilities
-Strong background in development economics theory and empirical methods, particularly related to market mechanisms, household decision-making, and poverty alleviation
-Demonstrated ability to design and implement quasi-experimental research designs and natural experiments
-Experience with mixed-methods research approaches and triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data sources
-Proven track record of translating complex analytical findings into accessible policy recommendations and practical guidance
5. Core Competencies and Personal Attributes
-Analytical and Strategic Thinking
-Exceptional analytical capabilities with the ability to identify patterns, relationships, and insights from complex, multi-dimensional datasets
-Strategic thinking skills that enable the connection of research findings to broader policy implications and organisational learning objectives
-Innovative problem-solving abilities, particularly in addressing methodological challenges in multi-country research contexts
-Critical thinking skills that ensure research maintains scientific rigour whilst remaining operationally relevant
6. Communication and Leadership
-Outstanding written communication skills with proven ability to produce high-quality academic and policy publications
-Excellent verbal communication capabilities for presenting complex research findings to diverse audiences including academics, policy makers, and development practitioners
-Strong leadership skills with experience in managing technical teams and coordinating multi-stakeholder research initiatives
-Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across cultural and geographical boundaries
7. Ethical and Professional Standards
-Strong commitment to research ethics, data protection, and responsible research practices
-Professional integrity and commitment to producing unbiased, evidence-based research outputs
-Cultural sensitivity and understanding of ethical considerations in development research across diverse African contexts
-Alignment with ForAfrika's values of excellence, accountability, and transformational impact