Senior Research Analyst

Job Description

Position Title: Senior Research Analyst

Organisation: Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Location: Marylebone, London

Reporting to: Executive Director of Research & Policy

Hours: Full time

Salary: Consistent with the market for an organisation of this size

Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was 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 all tangible, shared and sustainable improvement in the quality of life of African citizens.

The Foundation is a non-fundraising and non-grant making organisation consisting of a small team of less than 20 people.

About the role

The Foundation has a reputation for integrity, impartiality and technical excellence in our published reports. Our work is based on robust research and data analysis, culminating in two key annual reports; the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), an annual assessment of the quality of governance in every African country and the Ibrahim Forum Report which accompanies the Foundation’s annual event, which focuses each year on a key issue for the African continent. Previous topics include Regional Economic Integration, Agricuture, Youth and Urban Dynamics.

This newly-created role within the Foundation will strengthen the analytical capacity of the research team. Africa is experiencing a data revolution, characterised by a huge increase in the volume of data, speed of data production and number of data producers. There do however remain significant challenges with the use of data to measure key issues on the continent. The Senior Research Analyst will be required to keep abreast of the latest developments in the African data landscape and ensure that the Mo Ibrahim Foundation is at the forefront of these developments.

Working as part of a small research team, this position will lead on the successful production of data driven research publications, primarily on the delivery and dissemination of the Ibrahim Forum Report.

Key responsibilities

The candidate will be required to work alongside the Senior Programme Manager who is responsible for the annual production and refinement of the IIAG. Together these two positions will lead on the creation of research tools that feed the Foundation’s wider work in improving governance and leadership, and be overseen by the Executive Director of Research & Policy.

The Senior Research Analyst will spend a significant amount of time surveying the data landscape helping to

ensure that the IIAG and Foundation’s research remain a leading tool for assessing and strengthening governance and leadership on the continent.

The successful candidate will have knowledge and willingness to learn more of the global data landscape. Knowledge of African development issues and the data landscape is a significant advantage. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills and have a background in data analysis. The successful candidate will have to be able to demonstrate experience in completing and managing production of research publications.

Please note this is a position which requires active participation in producing research work and candidates must demonstrate experience of having worked first-hand with data on international development issues. The research team at the Foundation annually produces both the Ibrahim Forum Report and the IIAG, alongside other research as required. As time is constantly split between various projects, this role requires a self-starter who is able to produce a clear plan of work and deliver it working on his/her own, for large periods of time.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about data, have a fine eye for detail, understanding of research methods and an interest in Africa, with solid experience in conducting research and/or evidence-based policy analysis on development issues.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead on the production of the annual Ibrahim Forum Report and other publications, producing quantitative analysis and written analytical insights, at a country and thematic level.
• Desk-based research involving data analysis and synthesis of information from relevant sources for the Ibrahim Forum Report.
• Produce other required publications, compiling data and producing written research covering a variety of issues related to governance on the African continent.
• Work with the Senior Programme Manager, to conceptualise and conduct detailed analysis of data that could improve the IIAG.
• Research and become a lead on issues related to the African data landscape, including those covered by the IIAG such as (but not limited to) security, rule of law, democracy and participation, economic opportunities, health and education.
• Based on this work, pro-actively provide input and insight for the work of the Executive Director of Research & Policy and others, such as briefing papers, and attend events and meetings related to the Foundation’s work.
• Have oversight of key issues relating to governance and development on the African continent.
• Assess the robustness of data measuring key issues relating to governance and development on the African continent, such as poverty and employment.
• Explore new methods of measuring key issues relating to governance and development on the African continent.
• Disseminate research publications, including representing the Foundation at external and hosted events.
• Tracking African governance, and initiatives to strengthen data capacity on the continent.
• Provide general assistance to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, including preparing presentations, writing briefings and editing documents.

Required Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in development studies, social science, economics, statistics or related field; research design and methods component preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in relevant roles, with experience in research and/or evidence-based policy.
• Experience in quantitative research design and methods.
• Experience conducting quantitative analysis and writing research reports for publication, including ability to present data.
• Ability to communicate numerical findings in clear and concise manner to diverse audiences.
• Understanding and knowledge of the international development sector. Strong knowledge of the the data landscape in Africa is an advantage.

Skills and competencies

• Advanced level of Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of statistical packages (SPSS, Stata) is an added advantage.
• Good skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly numerate, comfortable interpreting numerical data and presenting findings to non-technical audiences.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to consistently generate work with the highest degree of numerical and factual accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritise work load under pressure with a proven ability to meet hard deadlines.
• Comfortable working as part of a team but also able to work well independently.

• 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.

• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of French, Arabic or Portuguese is an advantage.

Application Procedure

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter of maximum two pages to applications@moibrahimfoundation.org.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is looking to fill this position as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please note that due to the high number of applications we receive we are only able to respond to candidates that are invited for interview.

Only candidates eligible to work in the UK should apply.

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

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

About the Organization

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was 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 all tangible, shared and sustainable improvement in the quality of life of African citizens.

The Foundation is a non-fundraising and non-grant making organisation consisting of a small team of less than 20 people.

More information