Job Title: Trainee Research Analyst

Development Initiatives (DI) works to end extreme poverty by 2030 by making data and information on poverty and resources transparent, accessible and useable. We help decision-makers use information to increase their impact, for the poorest people in the most sustainable way. We work at every level:

• Supporting local partners in East Africa and Nepal to use data
• Providing information and analysis to inform national and regional decision-making.
• Offering technical and political support to help improve international systems.
• We are an international organisation with staff in Brazil, Kenya, Nepal, Uganda, the UK and the US. This model allows us to be agile and flexible in our approach to drive change.

Job Summary: The Trainee Research Analyst will significantly contribute to a growing team of analysts in our regional programme, and will play an important role in our work with governments, multilateral organisations, agencies and NGOs. The job holder will be a junior member of the analytical team who should possess excellent statistical and spreadsheet skills and good understanding of the principles of economics. This particular post will be located in Kampala, Uganda and will be an important contributor to a range of our programmes of work in the Africa region and globally, including: The East African programme, the Better Data Better Aid programme, detailed analysis of financial flows and capacity building activities under the aid info programme, as well as statistical advice to bilateral and multilateral donors under DI’s Global Humanitarian Assistance programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Technical Duties:

• Gather and evaluate data on resources in the East Africa region, specifically Ethiopia and Somalia
• Support DI’s partnership with DRT and work relating to Open Data in Uganda
• Carry out analysis and interpretation
• Significantly contribute to the written and/or graphic format of data which includes producing high quality policy brief and research papers on key themes and issues in East Africa
• Build and maintain on-going relationships with key stakeholders in government ministries, research organisations, NGOs and other relevant organisations in Ethiopia and Somalia
• Offer timely analytical support to UK data team
• Provide data and analyses for core chapters within the East Africa Chronic Poverty
• Report as well as other activities including planning, outreach, engagement, distribution and design
• Promote ongoing work through writing of blogs and opinion pieces for regional newspapers
• Provide helpdesk support and response to helpdesk requests as and when required

2. General Responsibilities:

• Be aware of and take personal responsibility for any health and safety issues and obligations
• Uphold all aspects of Company policies and procedures and legal requirements in relation to personal conduct
• Organize and prepare for and engage in 1:1 meetings and performance management appraisals
• Maintain personal professional development and personal development plans
• Be willing and committed to take on new work as and when required and to be proactive

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The applicant should hold at least a 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Mathematics or Social science subject (with quantitative training) is desirable
• Working experience in the field of analysis
• Computer literacy skills i.e. advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is absolutely essential
• Highly numerate with an aptitude for analysing numerical data
• Quantitative skills for analysis
• Proven research skills using a combination of both the internet and desk-based research
• Creative writing/presentation style with the ability to convert numerical data and research into a meaningful format
• Excellent written and spoken English essential
• Additional language skills would be an advantage
• A keen interest in development policy

Personal Competencies:

• Rigorous and Conscientious with the ability to see a task through to completion and overcome obstacles
• Ability to work on multiple projects under pressure yet deliver on time with attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with multiple assignments
• Confident with clear communication skills
• Have a friendly manner and the will to be persistent and see any task through to completion
• Highly creative and able to question the validity of information and offer up ideas and solutions
• Possess the ability to work independently as required, but also as part of a team
• Willingness and ability to travel is essential
• Highly creative and innovative in developing new ways of accessing and interpreting data;  Ability to identify data needs and create and seize opportunities to put ideas into practice
• Highly investigative by nature and persistent in obtaining new information and data. Able to question the validity of information and offer ideas and solutions
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills coupled with the ability to build strong and lasting relationships with stakeholders, clients and colleagues
• Considerate and Supportive: A self-starter who is able to work collaboratively within and across teams

How to apply for the job: 

All candidates should send updated CVs (no more than 3 pages) and covering letter which should detail your skills and evidence of experience and how it relates to the job description, should be emailed to: Mariam Ibrahim (Office Manager) at HR.Africa@devinit.org, quoting ref: JRA Uganda in the email subject line. Your letter should also include your salary expectations, notice period/available start date and where you saw the job advert.

Interviews: first week of August 2014

NB: We find it helpful for all applicants to complete our Diversity Monitoring Form found on our web page at www.devinit.org/about/working-us/

Deadline: 28th July 2014

  job, JOBS, Research