Head of Research & Innovation West Africa

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Research & Innovation to lead the development, implementation, and management of cutting-edge research and innovation initiatives across our West Africa operations. This role is central to driving evidence-based strategy, product/service development, and regional impact through data, technology, and thought leadership.

The successful candidate will oversee cross-sectoral research, manage diverse stakeholder collaborations, and ensure the integration of innovative approaches into programs and services that respond to regional challenges and opportunities. 

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Management

• Lead the development and execution of the regional research and innovation agenda.
  

• Design and supervise qualitative and quantitative research projects aligned with organizational goals.
  

• Ensure rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting practices.
  

• Produce and disseminate research findings in ways that influence internal decision-making, partners, and policy.
  

Innovation Leadership

• Identify emerging trends and technologies relevant to the region’s sectors (e.g., education, agriculture, health, financial inclusion).
  

• Develop pilot projects, prototypes, or partnerships to test innovative approaches.
  

• Embed a culture of experimentation, design thinking, and learning across teams.
  

Team Development & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, analysts, and innovation leads.
  

• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., product, programs, M&E) to align research and innovation with operational needs.
  

• Build and manage regional partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, innovation hubs, and governments.
  

External Engagement

• Represent the organization at research and innovation forums, policy discussions, and with external donors or investors.
  

• Publish white papers, insights, and thought leadership pieces to enhance visibility and influence.
  

Monitoring, Learning & Impact

• Develop frameworks to monitor and evaluate the impact of research and innovation initiatives.
  

• Ensure knowledge transfer and scale-up of successful pilots or insights.
  

• Track regional and global trends and translate them into actionable organizational intelligence.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Engineering, Innovation Management).
  

• Advanced degree preferred (e.g., MSc, PhD, MBA).
  

• 10+ years of experience in research and innovation roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
  

• Demonstrate ability to lead research agendas and apply findings to real-world solutions.
  

• Strong grasp of West African sociopolitical, economic, and technological contexts.
  

• Track record of leading innovation initiatives from ideation to implementation.
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
  

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  

• Strong project management and budgeting capability
  

• Data-driven decision-making
  

• Passion for social impact, development, or systemic change
  

• Knowledge of agile methodologies, human-centered design, or systems innovation (preferred)
  

Benefits

What to Expect 

• Competitive salary
  

• Professional development and international exposure
  

• Opportunity to shape high-impact initiatives in West Africa
  

• Dynamic and mission-driven organizational culture