We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team in this pivotal role. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing key operational processes, collaborating with cross-functional departments, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. They will analyze performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the role requires strong problem-solving skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a proven track record in leadership. Proficiency in relevant software tools and adherence to industry best practices are essential.
This role is an entry- to mid-level research position on DAKOTA’s Customer Intelligence (CI) team. As a CI Research Associate, you will contribute to comprehensive UX and product research initiatives—from initial study design to final insight delivery—while collaborating closely with senior researchers and cross-functional partners. You will conduct practical research on live products for actual customers, whose financial well-being hinges on functional and effective experiences.
This hybrid position involves working from our offices in Kenya while collaborating with a multicultural team of professionals from our offices spanning the UK, Europe, and Africa. You will report directly to the Research Operations Lead.
This position stands out due to its distinctive blend of responsibilities, requiring a unique combination of skills and expertise. Unlike traditional roles, this position demands a deep understanding of [specific industry or field, if mentioned], along with the ability to [key responsibility or requirement, if mentioned]. The successful candidate will be tasked with [specific duty or project, if mentioned], while also collaborating closely with [teams or departments, if mentioned] to achieve [specific goal or outcome, if mentioned]. Additionally, this role offers the opportunity to [unique benefit or advantage, if mentioned], making it an ideal fit for professionals seeking both challenge and growth in their careers.
In this role, research associates engage with groundbreaking products designed to serve first-time smartphone users, first-time borrowers, and first-time digital finance customers across five distinct markets. The challenges are multifaceted, the impact is immediate, and the team upholds a commitment to excellence in their work.
What You’ll be doing
Convene moderated usability tests, semi-structured interviews, and surveys, overseeing the complete logistics of fieldwork for both remote and in-person sessions while establishing structured setups to guarantee high-quality data collection from the outset.
Qualitative data is coded and synthesized through established frameworks, resulting in the development of affinity maps, insight lists, and structured reports that effectively communicate findings as clear, actionable insights for both your team and stakeholders.
Contributing to established team research protocols, posing thoughtful inquiries when project briefs lack clarity, and effectively utilizing AI-enhanced tools—such as Claude and Notion AI—while exercising discernment to determine when human oversight is necessary for optimal outcomes.
What You’ll bring
Professional rewrite:
Proven track record in executing UX research initiatives, encompassing moderated usability testing, semi-structured interviews, and survey design, alongside a strategic grasp of method selection based on context and objectives.
Demonstrates strong proficiency in analyzing and interpreting qualitative data through systematic processes such as coding responses, detecting recurring themes, and developing synthesis deliverables—including affinity maps and insight lists—using a rigorous, organized methodology.
Possesses a strong understanding of DAKOTA’s target markets or the broader landscape of first-time digital financial services users, coupled with a keen interest in addressing the usability challenges inherent to this sector.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
