We seek a highly motivated professional to join our team in this critical role, where you will play a key part in driving our organizational objectives forward. The position demands a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. You will be responsible for executing core responsibilities that include [insert responsibilities here] while ensuring adherence to industry standards and company policies. The ideal candidate will possess [insert requirements here], along with a track record of delivering measurable results in similar capacities. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and work alongside a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
The Research Lead will spearhead the strategic direction of IIF’s research and knowledge development initiatives, delivering high-caliber studies, insights, and publications to enhance the impact investing landscape in Nigeria and Africa. This position will drive policy engagement, ecosystem intelligence, institutional thought leadership, and evidence-based research to shape sustainable development priorities and elevate the quality of investment decisions and outcomes across the market.
The Research Lead will assemble and oversee a high-performing research team, which includes interns and volunteers, while cultivating an environment characterized by excellence, teamwork, and innovation within the department. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position will maintain close collaboration with program, partnerships, communications, and external stakeholders.
Oversee and execute the essential duties associated with the role, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Deliver consistent performance in fulfilling core functions, including but not limited to operational management, team coordination, and strategic planning. Maintain accountability for results while adhering to established policies, procedures, and industry standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement across all assigned responsibilities.
Direct the development, execution, and ongoing enhancement of IIF’s research agenda to ensure full alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities and ecosystem objectives.
Develop and oversee comprehensive research initiatives spanning impact investing, sustainable and blended finance, ESG, philanthropy, and adjacent topics, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results. This includes conducting the annual market sizing study of Nigeria’s impact investment landscape, publishing the Nigerian Impact Economy Index, and producing quarterly economic outlooks.
Craft and implement robust research frameworks, methodologies, work plans, and quality-assurance protocols tailored to both quantitative and qualitative studies, including surveys, interviews, desk reviews, ecosystem mapping, and data analysis.
Develop and adapt research findings into practical knowledge tools—the Nigeria Impact Economy Index, reports, policy briefs, market intelligence, ecosystem analyses, insights papers, and thought leadership content—to guide program design, advocacy initiatives, and informed decision-making among stakeholders.
Foster the growth and performance of a top-tier research team and external collaborators by providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship, ensuring timely project delivery, fostering accountability, and cultivating a dynamic culture of excellence, continuous learning, and innovation.
Develop and cultivate strategic alliances with academic institutions, development collaborators, researchers, policymakers, and key ecosystem stakeholders to enhance collaborative knowledge sharing and institutional impact. Represent IIF’s research externally at conferences, policy forums, stakeholder meetings, and high-profile platforms, ensuring all research outputs reinforce the Foundation’s reputation, credibility, and leadership within the ecosystem.
Maintain institutional learning by preserving and updating knowledge management systems and repositories, fostering cross-team collaboration, and ensuring research outputs align with IIF’s institutional objectives.
What We’re Looking For
A master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Finance, Research, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related discipline is required; a PhD represents an additional benefit.
Seeking a candidate with at least a decade-and-a-half of pertinent professional experience, encompassing demonstrated leadership in research, policy formulation, strategic planning, or ecosystem cultivation.
Proven track record in leading research projects and delivering high-quality research reports and knowledge products.
Thought Leadership & Knowledge Translation – Demonstrates exceptional research, analytical, writing, and presentation capabilities, with a strong aptitude for transforming data into engaging narratives.
Proficient in navigating the impact investing ecosystem, blending finance strategies, sustainable development principles, ESG criteria, philanthropic mechanisms, and development finance tools, with a strong grasp of global frameworks such as the SDGs, IRIS+, GAIN, IFC Operating Principles, and OECD guidelines.
Professionals should possess a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s and Africa’s investment landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and key market stakeholders.
Analytical proficiency in policy landscapes and regulatory changes is essential, along with a keen understanding of how policy frameworks impact capital allocation and market growth. The role further requires the capacity to interpret complex ecosystem interactions and translate them into practical, strategic recommendations.
Market intelligence gathering and monitoring entails accessing and leveraging datasets from reputable sources, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as other relevant databases.
Proven track record in leading and overseeing teams, executing projects, mentoring interns, and facilitating research collaborations.
Proven skill in distilling intricate data and concepts into concise, practical recommendations that drive informed decision-making.
Strong abilities in stakeholder engagement and clear communication are essential for this role.
A commitment to unwavering integrity, professionalism, and alignment with IIF’s mission is essential.
Proven expertise in [relevant skill/area] is essential, along with a strong ability to [specific task or responsibility]. The ideal candidate must demonstrate [key requirement], ensuring [specific outcome]. Responsibilities include [task 1], [task 2], and [task 3], with a focus on [specific aspect or goal]. Additionally, the role demands [requirement], enabling effective [related responsibility]. The position requires [qualification], supported by [additional skill or experience], to deliver [expected result] in a [specific context or environment].
The position demands that the Lead Researcher possess strong proficiency in the following areas:
Proficiency in advanced analytics is required, utilizing tools such as R, Python, or State. Additionally, expertise in statistical modeling with SPSS or SAS is essential, along with advanced capabilities in Excel for financial and market modeling.
Skilled in creating data visualizations using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Looker Studio, or Excel dashboards.
Research and knowledge management responsibilities include conducting qualitative analysis using specialized software such as Vivo, Atlas. Ti, or Depose, along with proficiency in survey tools including KoboToolbox, Qualtrics, and SurveyMonkey.
Skilled professionals seeking this opportunity are invited to forward their updated curriculum vitae along with a tailored cover letter to hr@impactinvestorsfoundation.org, ensuring the subject line clearly states, “Application – Research Lead.”
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
10 - 15 years
