Research Associate at Elnuk Nigeria

Position Overview

• The Research & Systems Strengthening unit of the think tank has a mandate to conduct thorough data driven research/studies and provide support to collaborators in study design methodology, sampling protocols, survey development, data collection, data management/analysis & research publications.
• The RSS unit will also conduct internal assessments & evaluations of the organization projects to monitor progress and measure impact in line with overall organizational goals.
• The Research Associate will work directly with the Executive Director to support various research activities across various disciplines.
• Responsibilities will include but not limited to research proposal development, literature mapping & reviews, research writings & reviews, support research publications efforts and other research activities as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
To perform excellently on this role, the candidate must be able to perform each of the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct preliminary studies and other fact finding assignments to facilitate research activities.
• Development of robust technical research proposal across multiple disciplines and subject matter that is of interest to the think tank.
• Perform high quality, scholarly literature searches and/or systematic reviews of scientific literatures, including article retrievals
• Uses creative strategies to comprehensively identify and clearly synthesize complex information about various research studies; develop publishable articles based on rigorous scientific evidence, policy issues, program evaluations.
• Work on IRB applications, publication writing processes, identify appropriate Journals and follow up with submission process.
• Maintain a database and calendar of relevant workshops and conferences; prepare abstracts, posters and presentations.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Position has no day to day supervisory duties but will be required to supervise ad-hoc field research staff from time to time.

Education and Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of academic or professional experience in research field.
• Masters Degree from university in a Science/Social Science program; PhD degree will be a distinct advantage.
• Strong writing skills (grammatically and creatively) and detail-oriented; ability to multi-task and complete time-sensitive tasks.
• Must have knowledge of diverse literature, or an interest in learning about the various fields; preference for applicants with prior scientific writing experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Knowledge of research ethics and experience with IRB duties with evidence of previous research publications in reputable journals.
• Must be able to work independently, with minimal direct supervision, and participate in check-ins via Skype/Hangout/Bluejeans with Executive Director.
• Good learning ability, action oriented and resilient in a fast-paced environment.

Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodology
• Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft office suite, SPSS, STATA, Tableau etc
• Transcribing Skills
• Online researching skills
• Knowledge of proof reading and referencing
• Knowledge of field-work implementation
• Flexibility and working under pressure
• Good computer skill
• Planning and Organizational skills
• Excellent time management skills

Functional Requirements:

• Knowledge Management and Learning
• Shares knowledge and experience and contribution to the organization Programme areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
• Ability to support top quality policy support services on education, economic and global health issues
• Practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
• Development and Operational Effectiveness
• Good knowledge of education, economics and global health and current development issues particularly those pertinent to the organization.
• Ability to assist in analysis of data, application of conceptual models, policy frameworks
• Ability to assist in formulation and evaluation of development programmes and projects
• Ability to support the RRS and apply relevant theories to carry out high-quality research
• Management and Leadership
• Focuses on impact and result and responds positively to critical feedback
• Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with within and outside the organization

Key Performance Indicators:

• Ensure adherence to schedule of work for publication within the stipulated time frame.
• Evidence of high quality and scholarly writing
• Accuracy of data and literature (both Primary and Secondary)
• Strong data analysis capability using latest version of softwares and tools
• Robust research writing skill and competence
• Numbers of targeted vs accepted articles in a particular time frame.