Research and Communication Manager at Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA)

Job description

The Role

The Research and Communication Manager will provide accurate, credible and relevant market information on the Nigerian financial sector by leading the implementation of EFInA’s research activities and the interpretation of research results. The Research and Communication Manager will ensure the successful delivery of all strategic research goals across EFInA’s core programme areas; thereby sustaining EFInA’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria. This will include overseeing the production and dissemination of new research; and supporting a wide range of knowledge-sharing in financial inclusion in-country, regionally and internationally. It will also involve building market capacity to use data to spur both commercial innovation and policy reforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and manage research related projects in line with EFInA’s strategic objectives, to maintain EFInA’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria
• Contribute to EFInA’s on-going strategic activities by generating and using research to identify the challenges faced by Nigeria’s unbanked and under-banked population
• Manage all research projects conducted by EFInA in line with the organisation’s Annual Business Plan, including evaluating proposals for all research commissioned, actively liaising with market research firms, conducting quality assurance for fieldwork, ensuring adherence to agreed data collection methodology, and reviewing and finalising research reports
• Synthesise lessons learned from research findings of EFInA 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
• Provide insightful and meaningful data to the Programmes Team and Head of Innovation Funding to support the evaluation of proposals received
• Develop and ensure the successful implementation of EFInA’s communications strategy
• Ensure effective dissemination of all research undertaken by EFInA
• Manage the publication and promotion of EFInA’s materials, including design and printing
• Contribute to the development of the financial sector and EFInA’s position as a thought leader within it, by writing and publishing papers on key programme areas
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including academia, market research firms and industry associations working on initiatives related to financial inclusion

 This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background and Qualifications

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 Research and Communication Manager will draw on this background to establish, implement and continuously improve data collection and dissemination to effectively measure, monitor and communicate the impact of EFInA’s work. 

The Research and Communication Manger will ideally possess good knowledge of EFInA’s programme areas and financial inclusion in Nigeria. He/she will have the ability and curiosity to rapidly digest new information and identify and contribute to new and emerging thinking about ways to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria. He/she must also demonstrate the ability to effectively present EFInA’s research in an articulate and compelling manner. He/she will have the gravitas, credibility and ability to proactively build and maintain both existing and new relationships with key stakeholders in academia and with institutions in the public and private sectors working on access to finance related initiatives. 

The successful applicant will have a strong strategic focus, be results driven, and committed to high standards of performance. He/sh must be comfortable with negotiating change, taking responsibility and making complex strategic and operational decisions. Highly adaptable, creative, and used to delivering results in a dynamic and challenging working environment, the Research and Communication Manager will rapidly assume a wide range of responsibilities and be able to make decisive and tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation. 

Essential

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Communications, Marketing, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy, or related field, from a reputable institution
• Minimum of ten years’ work experience at a senior level in the private sector, social 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
• Prior experience working in a communications role in a fast-paced organisation
• Experience communicating large amounts of data in a compelling and innovative way
• Experience in implementing or leading large national surveys and research projects
• 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
• 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