Head of Knowledge and Evidence at SENCE Nigeria

Roles and Responsibilities    

• The Head of Knowledge and Evidence will provide accurate, credible and relevant market information on the Nigerian financial sector by leading the implementation of research activities and the interpretation of research results. In accordance with the company’s five year strategy, the Head of Knowledge and Evidence will ensure the successful delivery of all strategic research goals across The Company’s core programme areas, by sustaining The Company’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria. This will include overseeing the production and dissemination of new research; showcasing innovation; and supporting a wide range of knowledge sharing activities in-country, regionally and internationally. It will also involve building market capacity to access and use The Company’s research to spur both commercial innovation and policy change and bringing rigour to methods of measuring the impact of financial sector programmes.
• The role demands a highly analytical and strategic thinker who is able to articulate the role of data in deepening financial inclusion.
• He/she will have very strong experience and capability in undertaking both qualitative and quantitative research, and will be familiar with current research trends in financial sector development.
• The Head of Knowledge and Evidence will draw on this background to establish, implement and continuously improve research systems and use them to effectively measure, monitor and communicate the impact of The Company’s data.

The role will include, but not be limited to the following responsibilities and accountabilities:
• Management of Research Projects and Market Research Firms
• Conceptualise and manage knowledge-based projects in line with The Company’s strategic objectives, to maintain The Company’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria
• Establish, implement and continuously improve monitoring and evaluation systems and use them to effectively measure and communicate the impact of The Company’s data
• Contribute to The Company’s ongoing strategic planning by generating and using research to identify the challenges faced by Nigeria’s unbanked and under-banked population
• Work closely with The Company’s Head of Programmes and Head of Innovation Funding to provide relevant market information to support the development of The company’s programmes and strengthen the pipeline for grants
• Prepare Terms of Reference for all research commissioned, for the CEO’s approval
• Evaluate proposals for all research commissioned, in conjunction with the relevant Programme Manager, and make recommendations to the CEO
• Ensure that any market research firm appointed to conduct The company’s research is technically competent
• Collaborate with the COO, prepare all relevant engagement contracts with appointed research firms and consultants, for the CEO’s signoff
• Manage the relationships with appointed market research firms, research partners and relevant consultants
• Ensure all market research firms appointed adhere to research protocols, maintain high quality standards, and meet agreed objectives within the deadlines specified
• Monitor and provide monthly progress reports on research projects against agreed timelines and milestones
• Actively liaise with market research firms, conduct quality assurance of their fieldwork, and ensure adherence to agreed data collection methodology
• On completion of each research project, review and finalise the report (prepared by the Research Officer) on the assessment of the market research firm. The report should cover the entire research cycle – i.e. evaluation of the methodology used, the data collection process, quality control issues, data processing, data management and the quality of the report
• Ensure that all procurement, management and evaluation of research contracts is carried out in compliance with The Company’s related policies and procedures
• Review and finalise the quarterly project monitoring reports prepared by the Research Team Management and Coordination of The Company’s Specialised Surveys and Scoping Studies
• Lead the implementation of all The Company’s specialised surveys and studies in line with the organisation’s five year strategy. This includes responsibility for The Company’s nationwide Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys, which cover more than 20,000 respondents
• Manage and approve desk research and literature reviews conducted by Research Officers
• Approve the methodology for any qualitative and quantitative research
• Provide insight, evidence and meaningful data to The Company’s Head of Programmes and Head of Innovation Funding to support the evaluation of proposals received4 Dissemination of The Company’s Research
• Ensure e Prioritise and manage The Company’s various research projects, ensuring that they are delivered to high quality standards by the specified deadline Data Interpretation
• Provide robust analysis of the data/results of the company surveys and scoping studies conducted, ensuring interpretation is accurate
• Manage Research Officers to ensure that reports received from market research firms are finalised and are compelling
• Synthesise learnings from research findings of the company surveys and scoping studies conducted and draw implications and/or conclusions that are actionable, impactful and accessible to stakeholders, in the form of policy/strategy/technical notes
• Review and finalise the reports (prepared by the Research Officer) for all customised requests received for analysis on the data from the company Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys
• Represent The Company at public events and in public communications, as directed by the CEO
• Maintain relationships with major research players in financial sector development and keep abreast of access to finance related research in Nigeria as well as in other relevant jurisdictions

Skill set    

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy or related field, from a reputable institution
• Minimum of ten years’ work experience at a senior level in a large private sector or academic research environment
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in undertaking social research and managing research firms or departments, and the ability to conduct statistical modelling
• Strong experience/capability in directing large national surveys and research projects and knowledge of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods with extensive experience in: - Conducting fieldwork such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions - Designing research guides, survey tools and questionnaires - Developing analysis frameworks - Research and survey administration, data management and data analysis
• Track record of publishing papers and articles
• Strong knowledge and understanding of research trends in financial sector development
• Strong understanding of the different approaches for measuring and evaluating impact
• Demonstrated experience in a complex or pioneering environment and of managing or facilitating change
• Supervision and leadership experience
• Strong relationship management experience with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of senior stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors
• Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda Desired
• Knowledge/experience in the financial sector and/or financial inclusion
• Familiarity with major Nigerian players in financial sector development research (research institutions, funders, etc.)
• Project management experience with relevant certification
• Highly numerate, with excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong competency in using statistical software such as SPSS, State, etc.
• Advanced level competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Access
• Fluency in other languages desirable

Personal Qualities:
• Energetic leader with a strong vision and passionate commitment for The Company’s strategic objectives, who will drive sectorial changes
• Strategic thinker who keeps abreast of international trends in research
• Leader with a strong vision for delivering The Company’s programmes
• Gravitas, credibility and ability to initiate and develop strategic partnerships and alliances
• Driven and a self-starter
• Highly organised and efficient; able to multi-task effectively and prioritise work based on minimal direction and multiple competing priorities
• Works well under pressure and meets deadlines
• Can-do approach
• Driven and a self-starter
• Innovative
• Committed to delivering high quality results, with cost-effective use of resources Demonstrates high levels of initiative
• Enterprising attitude that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems
• Positive, flexible, supportive attitude to work
• Exhibits a helpful behaviour beyond strict job requirements
• Discreet and respects confidentiality
• Integrity and high personal ethical standards
• Confident
• Resilient

Work experience    

• Minimum of 10 years