Manages external relationships with: Academics, Market Research Firms, Research Partners, Consultants, National Bureau of Statistics, Media Organisations and Communication Companies.
JOB SUMMARY
The Head of Research will provide accurate, credible and relevant market information on the Nigerian financial sector by leading the implementation of the organisation’s research activities and the interpretation of research results. S/he will ensure the successful delivery of all strategic research goals across core programme areas; thereby sustaining organisation’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.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Principal Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The role will include, but not be limited to the following responsibilities and accountabilities:
Research Role
Management of Research Projects and Market Research Firms
Conceptualise and manage research related projects in line with organisation’s strategic objectives, to maintain organisation’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria
Contribute to organisation’s on-going strategic activities by generating and using research to identify the challenges faced by Nigeria’s unbanked and under-banked population
Work closely with the Programme Managers and Head of Innovation Funding to provide relevant market information to support the development of organisation’s programmes and strengthen the pipeline for grants
Prepare Terms of Reference for all research commissioned
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 organisation’s research is technically competent
Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer to 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 specified in their contracts, maintain high quality standards, and meet agreed objectives within the deadlines specified
Monitor and review monthly progress reports (prepared by the Research Officer), 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 organisation related policies and procedures
Review and finalise the quarterly progress reports prepared by the Research team
Management and Coordination of Organisation’s Specialised Surveys and Scoping Studies
Lead the implementation of all organisation’s specialised surveys and studies in line with the organisation’s annual business plan
Manage and approve desk research and literature reviews conducted by Research Officers
Approve the methodology for any qualitative and quantitative research
Prioritise and manage organisation’s various research projects, ensuring that they are delivered to high quality standards by the specified deadline
Data Interpretation
With support from the Research Officers, provide robust analysis of the data/results of organisation surveys and scoping studies conducted, ensuring interpretation is accurate
Manage Research Officers to ensure that reports received from market research firms are finalised and compelling
Synthesise lessons learned from research findings of organisation 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 Officers) for all customised requests received for analysis on the data from the organisation’s Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys
Provide insightful and meaningful data to the Programmes Team and Head of Innovation Funding to support the evaluation of proposals received
Develop and Maintain Linkages to the Wider Research Community
Continuously cultivate and maintain active relationships with external stakeholders including academia, market research firms and industry associations working on access to finance related initiatives
Maintain relationships with major research firms in financial sector development and keep abreast of access to finance related research in Nigeria as well as in other relevant jurisdictions
Contribute to the development of the financial sector and organisation’s position as a thought leader within it, by writing and publishing papers on key programme areas
Managerial Role
Staff Development
For all staff directly reporting to this position:
Lead, coach, and mentor the Research team to ensure customer focus and high standards of delivery
Ensure that any output from the Research team meets organisation’s high standards of delivery
Develop a learning culture by sharing best practices and successes between the Research Department and different parts of the organisation
Identify and provide on-going formal/informal capacity development opportunities
Monitor, manage and report on the performance including setting monthly performance objectives and timelines, as reflected in their annual job plan
Conduct monthly reviews
Conduct annual performance appraisals and ensure that their annual job plans are complete
Additional Responsibilities
Take responsibility for own continuous professional development by proactively identifying and participating in formal/informal learning opportunities
Create an environment in which all team members are committed to maintaining high standards of work in every aspect of organisation’s operations
Identify and take actions to mitigate any risks associated with the Research function
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the CEO
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Essential
Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Marketing, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy, or related field, from a reputable institution
Minimum of 10 years’ work experience at a senior level in the private sector, social sector or academic research environment
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in undertaking social research and managing research firms or departments, and the ability to conduct statistical modelling
Prior experience working in 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 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
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
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
Knowledge of and experience using a wide range of dissemination tools
Ability to use data to prepare presentations that effectively communicate key messages
Strong public speaking skills
Effective influencing and relationship building skills, including at senior levels
Strong competency in using statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, etc.
Advanced level competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Acces
COMPENSATION: Highly Attractive
Key Skills
Strong Primary Research Background, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Cost Planning, Report Writing & Presentation
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