Research Analyst

About Cenfri

Cenfri is a not-for-profit think tank and development consultancy based in Cape Town and Kigali. Through our work, we contribute to building welfare-enhancing digitalised economies and sustainable economic growth in emerging markets (particularly in Africa). Typically, we collaborate with partners to deliver impact through research, innovation strategies, capacity-building, technical assistance and convening. Cenfri has worked across more than 40 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

We are a diverse team of around 50 curious, adventurous, caring and impact-driven economists, lawyers, data specialists, accountants, communicators, and innovators. The team is exposed to a range of projects and thematic areas that leverage our expertise in payments, insurance, financial integrity, data-driven decision-making and tech ecosystems. We work collaboratively to develop ‘insights for action’ across these areas.

Cenfri is looking for Research Analysts to help solve development problems through financial and digital inclusion in developing economies, with a focus on African countries.

Role Summary

We are looking for curious, purpose-driven and self-motivated individuals to join our team as a Research Analyst. Joining Cenfri will give you the opportunity to build insights in multiple countries across a variety of thematic areas. You will be contributing positively to development outcomes by informing public and private decisions towards inclusive innovation. You will also have significant opportunities to grow your own capabilities towards the next phases of your career with our team.

Your responsibilities as a Research Analyst will include:

• Doing rigorous primary and secondary research across a range of projects to develop credible, meaningful insights that help to solve development problems


• Developing effective written documents and presentations that communicates insights identified


• Presenting research work both internally and externally


• Engaging with external stakeholders – regulators, policymakers, private sector players, donor organisations and/or development partners


• Contributing to proposals


• Coaching and mentoring more junior team members (Interns)

Requirements:

• A completed Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, finance or other related fields


• A strong interest in research-related activities and passion for achieving for positive impact in the world


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Good quantitative and analytical skills


• The willingness and ability to travel within South Africa and abroad


• At least 1 year of research experience would be to your advantage

Advantageous experience, not required:

• French speaking


• Experience with Stata


• Exposure to development or behavioural economics, financial inclusion or international development

Our core shared values, Cenfri’s DNA, drives everything we do at Cenfri:

• Caring about the person


• Growing ourselves and others


• Applying systems thinking


• Generating insights that matter to development outcomes


• Quality in all we do


• Taking ownership


• Having patience to pursue impact

Location

Cenfri is based in Cape Town, South Africa, with an office in Kigali, Rwanda. Given the extent of teamwork for this CPT based role, it is ideal to be based locally, within our hybrid work environment.

Application instructions

If you identify with our values, are excited about impactful research and would like to contribute to our success, we would love to hear from you.

Preference will be given to candidates currently residing within South Africa, and Employment Equity candidates.

Closing date: 23 May 2025