Research Associate at R-DATS Consulting

R-DATS Consulting (‘R-DATS’) is a research, evaluation, data collection and statistical services firm. R-DATS uses advanced and innovative research, evaluation, and statistical methods to gather high quality data and generate strong evidence for impact and improved policy decisions. We support both local and international organizations, businesses, government ministries and agencies, and non-profits. The research, evaluation and data processing activities at R-DATS Consulting are guided by core ethical principles and data privacy standards of our organization, the organization we work for and the country where we are to carry out the assignments.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Associate

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Reporting Line: Research Manager / Project Manager, RPMU
Employment Type: Full-time (Initial short-term contract with the possibility of long-term extension based on performance and project needs)

About the Role

• We are seeking a Research Associate (RA) to play a hands-on role in research, evaluation and field studies. The RA will work closely with the R-DATS Research and Project Management Unit (RPMU) to execute research and evaluation projects, ensure high-quality data collection, and liaise with local and international stakeholders as applicable.
• This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and analytical, with the ability to work independently in dynamic field settings. You will help design and implement studies, monitor data quality, and engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that research findings translate into meaningful result and action.
• The position offers an opportunity to gain deep experience in field research and policy engagement while contributing to a major global development challenge through evidence generation.
• You should be comfortable working in fast-paced environments, solving logistical problems, and taking initiative when challenges arise.
• This role will support both domestic and international assignments, contributing to high-impact research in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, peacebuilding, and governance, primarily in Nigeria and across Africa as may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of field studies, including developing research protocols to ensure that data collection and implementation adhere strictly to the intended study design.
• Manage data collection processes, including training and monitoring enumerators, overseeing survey administration, and ensuring data integrity.
• Troubleshoot field challenges, such as unexpected logistical or operational issues, in collaboration with the Research Manager and other senior members of our RPMU.
• Ensure high-quality documentation, including maintaining field notes, study protocols, and survey records.
• Monitor and clean data to ensure accuracy and completeness before analysis.
• Coordinate with research and survey team, local authorities, and other research partners to ensure smooth study execution.
• Build relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders to facilitate research and interventions.
• Contribute to improving R-DATS internal research processes, documentation, and best practices.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience ‘managing’ field research and data, including designing and piloting surveys, organizing training and logistics for data collection, and quality control of the data collected.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex field logistics and research protocols.
• Analytical thinker with a curious mindset, eager to question assumptions and ensure research findings are accurate.
• Critical thinking and adaptability in field settings.
• Teamwork and collaboration across multicultural contexts.
• Independent problem solver, able to work autonomously in diverse field settings.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to navigate unpredictable challenges in field research.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate technical research into clear insights for policymakers and partners.

Preferred but Not Required:

• Background in economics, statistics, demography, public health, sociology, international development or a related field.
• Strong familiarity with quantitative research methods and causal inference concepts.
• A very good knowledge of the following Technical Tools:
• Survey Data Management Platforms: SurveyCTO, KoboCollect, ODK, CSPro, Advanced Excel etc.
• Statistical Software: Stata, R, Python and SPSS.
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI and Excel
• Experience working with government agencies, survey firms, or public health organizations.

Compensation
Competitive salary

Application Closing Date
4th August, 2025.