Job Title: Research and Evaluation Specialist
Organisation: ForAfrika
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
ForAfrika is an African-led humanitarian and development organisation, originally established as Joint Aid Management (JAM) in 1984. ForAfrika was founded by Peter and Ann Pretorius in response to a severe famine in Mozambique. The organisation initially provided emergency food relief and has since expanded to include broader community development initiatives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Master’s in economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related quantitative field with demonstrated research experience
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
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
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
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
- 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
- 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
How to Apply:
All applicants should apply online at the link below
Deadline: 25th June 2025
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Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 60