Researcher - Kenilworth

The Researcher will design research projects relevant to our internal and external agenda. This role will provide critical information about trends, risks and opportunities in the literacy sector. The researcher will analyze all sources of data to better understand behaviours, practices, attitudes and perceptions.

**Key responsibilities**:
Research Design and Planning
- Write research and funding proposals and obtain research funding.
- Developing & maintaining a deep understanding of our target audiences, their behaviours, needs, goals, passions and expectations and disseminating this knowledge throughout the business
- Lead development of annual research agenda for internal and external purposes
- Conducting tactical and strategic research projects from scoping through to implementation, creatively making use of the most appropriate methods and tools
- Plan project baselines, midlines and endlines evaluations
- Conduct community profiling and user research, usability testing, surveys for various projects
- Build academic partnerships with top institutions

Data Collection from secondary information sources
- Conducting desktop research, and using books, journal articles, newspaper sources, questionnaires, surveys, polls, and interviews to gather data.
- Analyzing and interpreting patterns and trends
- Recording findings by taking written notes and using appropriate software

Manage and lead national and local research projects
- Lead design, tool development and implementation of internal research projects, which may include conducting research and data analysis from time to time.
- Develop terms of reference (TORs) for external evaluations, as necessary.
- Review and interrogate external evaluation report drafts, give feedback to contractors to ensure quality and relevance, and develop and execute dissemination plans
- Implement and oversee all aspects of research projects including:

- Developing a question bank with important & relevant questions;
- Obtaining ethical approval;
- Writing research protocols and SOPs;
- Developing and designing research tools;
- Coordinating fieldwork (data collection, interviews, etc.);
- Monitoring research progress;
- Writing progress reports to stakeholders including networks and funders;
- Training research staff;
- Conducting data analysis and writing up results.

Internal and External writing to influence learning and innovation
- Translating research findings into easily communicable artefacts, user journeys, videos, storyboarding, to bring findings to life
- Develop annual papers and thought pieces informed by research findings
- Oversee publication processes
- Helping the field and leadership teams to deliver insights into designs, experiences and communication by using research to inform priorities and support innovation

**Requirements**:

- Master’s Degree in statistics/research methodology/ data management/economics or other social science
- Postgraduate research or certification will be advantageous.
- At least six years’ research experience in the education or community development sector.
- Strong background and practical experience in designing, implementing and improving large-scale monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Excellent research skills, including the ability to design, conduct, interpret and communicate both quantitative and qualitative research; experience managing external research projects desirable.
- Familiar with donor monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements.
- Excellent research methodology skills
- Strong data analysis, interpretation, visualization and communication skills.
- Advanced MS Excel skills and strong quantitative data analysis skills required.
- Experience using Salesforce cloud-based platform for monitoring and evaluation strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with Statistical Software Packages an added advantage.
- MS Office (Word, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.)
- Excellent English report writing skills and presentation skills.
- Facilitation and training skills.
- Valid driver’s license strongly preferred.
- Fluency in English and another South African language is advantageous.

**Person spec**:

- Independent and driven self-starter, able to work proactively and solve problems independently.
- Focused, efficient person, able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, with strong time management skills.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to summarise disparate information in a clear and concise manner.
- Strong planning, decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Eager to learn, and ready to develop and master new skills.
- A team player, with well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude