Head of Research (m/f/d)

Research Design and Implementation

• Lead the design and implementation of high-quality research studies — including impact evaluations — that inform the development, refinement, and scale-up of EIDU's education programmes.

• Develop research protocols and methodologies appropriate for diverse cultural and regional contexts.

• Ensure research activities are delivered to high methodological, ethical, and quality standards.

• Lead impact evaluations to explore the effects of EIDU's interventions on literacy, numeracy, and transition outcomes for children in our programmes.

• Collaborate with external researchers and research collaborators on EIDU’s impact evidence generation.

Translating Research into Programme Decisions

• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to generate actionable insights that improve programme effectiveness and implementation.

• Translate research findings into practical recommendations that support programme improvement and organisational learning.

• Produce high-quality research reports, technical briefs, and evidence summaries for internal and external audiences.

• Develop and maintain systems for documenting, synthesising, and sharing evidence and lessons learned across programmes and countries.

• Support the Chief Impact Officer with research, analyses, and evidence that inform organisational impact priorities and decision-making.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the research team, promoting technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Partner with programme, product, government, communications, and fundraising teams to ensure research is integrated into programme implementation and organisational priorities.

• Build and manage relationships with research institutions, evaluation partners, and technical experts to strengthen EIDU's research capacity.

• Work closely with the Head of Measurement & Evaluation to ensure research questions are matched by the data and measurement infrastructure needed to answer them.

Research Communication and External Engagement

• Lead the preparation of research publications, policy briefs, and technical presentations that communicate evidence to policymakers, donors, practitioners, and academic audiences.

• Represent EIDU in research collaborations, technical working groups, conferences, and other knowledge-sharing forums.

• Provide fundraising and communications teams with robust evidence, analyses, and research outputs that strengthen donor reporting, external communications, and organisational thought leadership.

• The desire to use your skills to bring about positive social change.

• Ph.D. or advanced degree in the social sciences / data science / education, or 8 years of equivalent professional experience.

• Successful track record of developing a portfolio of applied research projects; experience securing funding opportunities is desirable.

• High level of experience and knowledge of statistical skills, and ability to accurately interpret research findings from studies and raw data using appropriate quantitative methods.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.

• Great interpersonal skills to collaborate with people at all levels of the organisation and from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Interested in contributing to others' success.

• Ability to work in a start-up environment navigating complex and fast-changing circumstances.

• Highly organised person with strong attention to detail and process management skills.

• Ability to work reliably and have end-to-end project ownership.

• Work on one of the biggest problems in the world: ensuring every child gets the education they deserve.
• Being a part of an international and passionate team located in Kenya, Germany and Nigeria.
• An open environment where feedback is welcomed, promoting mutual growth.
• High degree of flexibility with regard to working hours and vacations.