Junior Research / Analyst

Job Description

Job summary

Working as part of a small research team, the Junior Researcher / Analyst will play a key role in contributing to the production, delivery and dissemination of two of the main initiatives of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation: the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) and the Ibrahim Forum Report.

Specific responsibilities

The successful candidate will assist the Foundation’s Research Team in its core work, contributing to all research but specifically in the annual production and refinement of the IIAG, participating in the calculation of the Index and conducting analysis of results, alongside providing research support for the Ibrahim Forum Report, and all related events and activities. The ideal candidate will be passionate about governance, data and Africa, with some experience conducting research and analysis on development issues.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Desk-based research involving data collection and the synthesis of information from relevant sources.
• Data collection and calculation of the IIAG.
• Analysis of IIAG findings, at country and thematic level.
• Contribute to identifying new data sources for the IIAG.
• Contribute to developing the Foundation’s research work around key governance issues of relevance to Africa.
• Tracking media, reports and events related to African governance, as well as initiatives to strengthen data capacity on the continent.
• Supporting the dissemination of research publications, including representing the Foundation at external and hosted events
• Provide general assistance to the Research Team, including preparing presentations, writing briefings and editing documents.
• Providing administrative and logistical support where necessary.

Experience and qualifications

The ideal candidate should have:

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject
• Knowledge of the international development sector, ideally with a focus on African development and governance/public policies. Experience in the thematic areas of participation, rights, democracy, gender, environment, health, education and/or welfare will be advantageous.
• 1-2 years’ work experience, including at internship level, in a similar position. Candidates without work experience should not be deterred from applying if they are able to demonstrate their ability to learn quickly, and their inclination for research, analysis and attention to detail.
• Experience of, or desire to learn, statistical methods/analysis, and index calculation.
• Experience in conducting analysis and writing and editing research reports for publication.
• Experience in presenting research findings to diverse audiences.

Skills & competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly numerate, comfortable with managing and interpreting numerical data.
• Experience or background in quantitative research methods/design is advantageous.
• Intermediate/advanced level of Microsoft Excel and other MS Office programmes (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of statistical packages such as Stata or R is advantageous.
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to work to deadlines under pressure.
• Willingness to learn and ability to pick up new concepts and skills quickly.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to be diplomatic and deal with high-level stakeholders and officials tactfully and effectively, in a multi-cultural environment.
• The ability to join and contribute to the work of a small team.
• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of French, Arabic or Portuguese is advantageous.

Please note that flexible working hours and international travel may be required for this position.

More information on the IIAG and Ibrahim Forum can be found at: http://www.moibrahimfoundation.org

Application procedure:

• Please put your name and “Junior Researcher/Analyst application” as the subject line of your message. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Candidate should have the right to work in the UK or be eligible to apply for the appropriate visas.

About the Organization

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) is an African foundation, established in 2006 with one focus: the critical importance of governance and leadership in Africa.

It is our belief that governance and leadership lie at the heart of any tangible and shared improvement in the quality of life of African citizens.

Leadership is about making choices, defining priorities, and taking risks.

Governance is about properly documenting and effectively implementing these choices.

Africa has made considerable progress over the last decade. However, the continent still faces a number of complex and massive challenges in most areas. How can it translate its wealth of resources into improved quality of life for its citizens, in an equitable and sustainable way? What should governments do to make sure that their GDP growth is matched by employment gains? Why are political and human rights still lagging in many areas, despite significant economic progress?

These challenges pose a threat to Africa’s success and potential transformation in the long-term. But all of these challenges can be met through sound leadership and governance on the continent.

African countries need to define a strategy – a ‘business plan’ – built on an inclusive vision which assesses and prioritises challenges, makes the best use of human, natural and financial resources and closely monitors results in order to ensure efficient and tangible implementation.

The Foundation, which is a non-grant making organisation, focuses on defining, assessing and enhancing governance and leadership in Africa through four main initiatives:

• Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG)
• Ibrahim Forum
• Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership
• Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships.

More information