Research Specialist Job Vacancy

Job Title: Research Specialist

Job Ref.: BMKL-283663

Location: Uganda

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: None

Job Summary: The role is responsible for providing evidence and knowledge that may be used by stakeholders to evolve policies, regulations, products services and institutional arrangements that can steer / guide / influence the financial sector towards meetings the financial needs of low income Ugandans. 

To contribute towards the development and implementation of the organisation’s Strategic and Operational plans; providing colleagues with foundational research and knowledge to ensure that strategies are informed and evidence based:
  • Liaise with colleagues in order to understand their needs and objectives
  • Participate in the development of the organisation’s plans and, in particular, the influencing & communications plan & bring research-based insights into the strategic planning process
  • Work with relevant partners to understand financial sector research needs
  • Develop research agenda and strategies in order to deliver against requirements from 1 & 2
To oversee the roll-out of the research agenda ensuring that research is valid, reliable, relevant & useful and produced in time to continuously inform the needs of stakeholders:
  • Keep abreast of current events and stakeholder needs in order to determine timelines and applications of research projects
  • Keep abreast of emerging research methodologies and tools and findings
  • Commission and manage research projects; ensuring quality control and timeliness
  • Review findings of research, consider implications, and determine key lessons learned
To build the capacity of colleagues and collaborators to conduct quality research following best practice:
  • Determine research capacity gaps and needs in reference to staff and other stakeholders
  • Develop strategies, plans and budgets for addressing development needs
  • Follow up coaching & other support that will develop capacity
  • Encourage requests for research proposals and support partners to access funding
To communicate and disseminate research findings in a way that will maximize utilization and potential to influence:
  • Tailor the output of the research so that it is relevant for the recipient (with reference to the influencing & communications strategy and ongoing stakeholder analysis)
  • Work with Communications Specialist to develop and implement innovative ideas for disseminating findings (including those of partners) in a way that will maximise uptake and impact
  • Work with communications specialist to produce and disseminate publications; including posting them on the organisation website
  • Organise and contribute to conferences & engage in public debates (including media/social media)
Requirements of the Role

Educational Qualifications:
  • Masters Economics, Business Administration, Finance or Statistics
  • PHD (as above) - as an added advantage
Job related experience and knowledge:
  • 8 years’ experience in applied research
  • 5 years’ experience in applied research - as added advantage
  • Knowledge of public sector management and operations
  • Knowledge of financial sector operations
  • Experience in disseminating research results
  • Experience in building and managing partnerships
Interested candidates who fully meet the above requirements should send their applications along with a detailed Curriculum Vitae indicating expected salary and their daytime contact, to eastafricaposting@gmail.com (Subject of the email should be the title of the POSITION APPLIED FOR + JOB REF) 

If you are not interested in this opportunity today, please refer any friend or colleague you know that might suit the required profile. 

Applications NOT MEETING minimum requirements will not be considered. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Note: We do not charge any fees for receiving and reviewing applications or for interviews