Senior Research Specialist

Our organization specializes in delivering high-end research and evaluation services to clients in the development sector.

With a strong theoretical foundation, we deliver rigorous, theory-driven insights that inform decision-making.

Our team of experts spans monitoring and evaluation (M&E), impact assessments, primary and secondary research, and high-quality field data collection.

As a leader in our field, we strive to set benchmarks for quality and credibility in the research and consulting ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

We are seeking an exceptional professional to lead our team in delivering high-impact projects and driving business growth. Key responsibilities include:

• Business Development & Institutional Growth:
  • Conceptualize and design proposals, pitch decks, and capability statements tailored to client needs.
  • Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with NGOs, research institutions, and ecosystem actors to expand our footprint.
• Project Design, Management & Implementation:
  • Lead the design and delivery of impact evaluations, landscape studies, needs assessments, and strategy advisory projects.
  • Oversee end-to-end project delivery, including workplans, methodologies, stakeholder engagement, field data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Monitor project teams on ground, assign responsibilities, and troubleshoot to ensure timely and quality delivery.
• Research, Evidence & Knowledge Translation:
  • Translate academic and theoretical frameworks into actionable strategies and recommendations for clients.
  • Produce high-quality reports, strategy notes, policy briefs, and impact communication materials that inform decision-making.
  • Contribute to our knowledge assets by developing case studies, thematic notes, and sector insights.
• Data Management & Analytics:
  • Clean, manage, and analyze large datasets using advanced Excel, R, and/or Python.
  • Develop and implement data quality protocols to ensure reliable and valid insights from field data.
  • Support dashboards, data visualizations, and evidence-based recommendations for clients.
• Organizational Strategy & Growth:
  • Work closely with senior management to shape our growth strategy, five-year vision, and annual operating plans.
  • Design organizational structures, verticals, and role definitions to strengthen internal capacity.
• Team Leadership & Capacity Building:
  • Build, manage, and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning.

Qualifications:

We are looking for candidates who possess:

• 4–7 years of relevant experience in research, analytics, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields.
• A strong theoretical foundation with the ability to apply frameworks to practical client needs.
• A proven track record in proposal development, project design, and research execution.
• High-level data analysis skills, including Excel (pivot tables, lookups, dashboards), and proficiency in R or Python for cleaning, analysis, and data management.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively within small, agile teams.
• Familiarity with development sector stakeholders; networks in NGOs, CSR foundations, and donors will be an added advantage.

Why Join Us?

You will have the opportunity to work directly with senior management in a dynamic startup environment, gaining unparalleled exposure, ownership, and accelerated career growth. You will contribute across diverse sectors while building expertise in research, strategy, and impact advisory with real on-ground impact.

Professional Benefits:

Our organization offers competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Opportunities for Advancement:

We believe in promoting from within and offer opportunities for career advancement based on performance and contribution.