Research Officer at Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA)

Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) is a leading financial sector development organisation working to promote financial inclusion in Nigeria. Established in late 2007, EFInA’s vision is to be the leader in facilitating an all-inclusive and growth-promoting financial system. EFInA is funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

EFInA is well renowned within Nigeria’s financial sector for providing thought leadership in financial inclusion and championing the unbanked. Through funding and catalysing innovation, providing cutting-edge research, advocating for enabling inclusive policies and building capacity, EFInA has built a reputation as an “honest broker” amongst both the private and public sectors. Data from the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys was a key source of information in the development of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy; and is also widely used by a diverse range of stakeholders, including regulators, as a benchmark for financial inclusion in Nigeria, Furthermore, financial services providers use EFInA’s research to develop a range of relevant financial products through gaining insights and understanding of consumers’ needs.

EFInA is seeking to recruit dynamic, strategic, and committed individuals to newly defined roles to build on its current achievements and accelerate the impact of financial inclusion in Nigeria. EFInA is a rapidly growing organisation with considerable influence in the financial sector. Employment with EFInA offers an exceptional and challenging opportunity for the right candidate.

Job Title: Research Officer

Location: Lagos

The Role
The Research Officer will provide accurate, credible and relevant market information on the Nigerian financial sector by supporting the implementation of EFInA’s research activities and interpretation of research results.

The Research Officer will provide effective and timely delivery of relevant and high-quality research information to support EFInA’s strategic, advocacy and capacity building initiatives. He/she will leverage knowledge of research methodology and best practices to support planning, design, implementation and dissemination of research conducted by EFInA. The Research Officer will conduct insightful and compelling analysis to provide external stakeholders and other EFInA departments with relevant, credible information that can be used to promote Financial Inclusion in Nigeria.

The successful applicant will have a strong research foundation and the desire and ability to quickly learn about EFInA’s strategic areas. He/she will be results driven and committed to high standards of performance. They will be adaptable, creative, and used to delivering results in a dynamic, fast-paced and fluid working environment.

Primary Relationships
Reports to: Head of Knowledge and Evidence
Department: Research

Principal Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The role will include, but not be limited to the following responsibilities and accountabilities:

Implementation of EFInA Surveys and Scoping Studies

• Support EFInA’s specialised surveys and scoping studies throughout the project lifecycle, including initial planning, procurement and contracting of research house services, development of methodology and research tools (questionnaires, discussion guides, etc), fieldwork, data collection and analysis, and compiling the final report
• Conduct desk research and literature reviews and produce relevant reports

Project Management

• Coordinate the development of work plans for each research project and track project status against agreed timelines
• Ensure that credible standards and methodology are used in all of EFInA’s research projects
• Monitor adherence to guidelines, methodology, approach, and quality assurance measures stated in the contract for surveys undertaken by market research firms. Conduct field visits and deliver reports on any issues observed during fieldwork
• On completion of each project, provide a written report with an assessment of the research firm throughout the entire project cycle, including methodology used, data collection process, quality control, data processing and management
• Prepare post-project evaluation reports for sign off by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence, and share lessons learned with other technical staff in EFInA

Analyse and Interpret Data

• Undertake robust and insightful analysis on data collected from EFInA’s specialised surveys and scoping studies. Provide reports that include conclusions that are actionable, impactful and accessible to stakeholders
• Review and interrogate data sets from EFInA surveys and scoping studies in order to ensure the accuracy of data collected
• Analyse data from the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys for internal and external customised requests
• Support the Head of Knowledge and Evidence in converting EFInA’s research into a widespread tool for decision making in the financial sector
• Proactively identify opportunities for leveraging research findings to stimulate innovation, and provide stakeholders with evidence that supports the case for financial inclusion

Disseminate Research Findings

• Contribute to the writing of relevant research presentations such as research reports, policy briefs and strategy/technical notes
• Present research findings in a compelling, informative and timely manner that clearly conveys the methodology, results and recommendations
• Linkages to Wider Research Community
• Keep abreast of local and international research related to financial inclusion
• Produce quarterly summaries of relevant research in Nigeria and abroad, drawing out any implications for EFInA’s work
• Support the Head of Knowledge and Evidence in maintaining active relationships with academia, first-rate research houses, and associations working on projects related to Financial Inclusion

Additional Responsibilities

• Create a well-organised archive of all EFInA data and reports and a user-friendly, searchable database of all research information, including but not limited to EFInA research
• Respond to and track requests for the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys or other EFInA data; prepare data user licence agreements as needed
• Provide regular updates on the effectiveness of all EFInA research projects and their impact on financial inclusion in Nigeria
• Submit monthly progress reports of research activities to the Head of Knowledge and Evidence
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence

Job Competencies and Capabilities
Qualifications & Experience
Essential

• Master's Degree in Statistics, Economics, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy or related field, from a reputable institution
• Minimum of five years’ relevant work experience, including two years’ experience in conducting research
• Experience in desk research, handling a variety of information sources and producing relevant reports
• Proven ability to synthesise implications and identify market opportunities from data
• Experience in statistical analysis using software such as SPSS, Stata, etc.

Desired

• Practical experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including experience in designing research guides, survey tools and questionnaires, and conducting fieldwork
• Prior experience in financial inclusion and/or the Nigerian financial sector
• Knowledge of socio-economic trends in Nigeria

Skills

• Strong analytical and modelling skills with the ability to evaluate and synthesise information
• Ability to collate and interpret large amounts of data
• Proven ability to produce concise, well-structured, and very high quality reports and presentations
• Strong project management, time management and planning skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Works independently and as part of a team
• Very high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Very strong verbal and written communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Highly numerate
• Advanced level competency in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, PowerPoint and Project

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda
• Energetic, proactive approach to work
• High levels of initiative
• Enterprising attitude that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems
• Committed to delivering high quality results, with cost-effective use of resources
• Positive, flexible, supportive attitude towards work
• Can-do approach
• Driven and a self-starter
• Exhibits helpful behaviour beyond strict job requirements
• Works well under pressure and meets deadlines
• Multi-tasks effectively
• Integrity and high personal ethical standards
• Innovative
• Confident
• Resilient and able to work well under pressure

Remuneration: Competitive

Application Closing Date
30th September, 2014

How To Apply
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: [email protected] by 30 September 2014, ensuring that you state which role you are applying for and where you saw this advertisement.

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