Graduate in Training: Community and Development Researcher

Pele Energy Group’s Research Unit drives evidence-based community and developmental research that informs inclusive growth and sustainability. The Unit conducts studies such as Socio-Economic Needs and Assets Assessments (SENA) and social impact assessments generating insights that guide development strategies, policy, and responsible business practice in the renewable energy sector.

The Graduate Researcher will support the Research Unit in implementing socio-economic and community-based studies, including market research in the development and energy sectors.
The role will involve assisting with project design, data collection, analysis, and report writing, ensuring that outputs are rigorous, reliable, and aligned with community development and sustainability objectives.

Research Project Support

• Support the design and implementation of community and socio-economic research projects.
• Assist with market research and trend analysis in the development and renewable energy space.
• Support in developing and piloting research tools such as surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides.
• Support in coordinating and monitoring field data collection, ensuring adherence to research protocols.
• Participate in the recruitment and oversight of community data collectors and research assistants.
• Verify and consolidate field data for accuracy and completeness.

Data Management & Analysis

• Code, Clean, and manage datasets for analysis
• Conduct quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (thematic and narrative) analysis to generate clear, evidence-based insights from collected data.
• Use appropriate data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, SPSS, Power BI) and survey tools (SurveyCTO or SurveyMonkey).
• Generate tables, graphs, and summaries that present findings clearly.
• Store all data securely and in accordance with the organisation’s data management procedures.

Reporting & Presentation

• Draft research briefs, summaries, and full reports aligned to Pele’s research standards.
• Prepare presentations and infographics to communicate key findings to stakeholders.
• Support the dissemination of findings to internal teams, clients, and partner organisations.

Training & Capacity Support

• Support training data collectors and research assistants on data collection tools and ethics.

Ad-hoc Functions

• Travel to project sites as required to support field research.
• Participate in organisation-wide initiatives that align with research and sustainability objectives.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum Qualification: At least an Honours degree in Social Science, such as Development Studies, Sociology, Political Studies.
• Languages: proficiency in English and at least one or more African languages, preferably Setswana, isiZulu, or Sepedi.
• Strong interest in community and developmental research.
• Strong analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with data and research tools (e.g. Excel, SPSS, Power BI, or SurveyCTO) advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in diverse teams.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to constant change.
• Willingness to travel to field sites when required.
• Valid driver’s licence preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for community development and evidence-based decision-making.
• Detail-oriented and proactive in managing tasks.
• Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn.
• Ethical, professional, and respectful in all community engagements.