Responsibilities include providing strategic oversight for project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to allocate resources efficiently, mitigate risks, and resolve operational challenges. Conducts performance evaluations, implements process improvements, and maintains compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Tracks key performance indicators to assess team productivity and project outcomes, providing regular progress reports to stakeholders. Additionally, fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous development within the team.
The Researcher will spearhead and actively engage in top-tier research initiatives exploring the convergence of education, technology, and digital advancements, with the goal of producing actionable insights to guide policy formulation and implementation within African education systems. Key duties associated with this role include:
Enhance AP HRC’s understanding of the application and influence of technology in education, with a specific focus on the responsible integration and expansion of AI and other educational technologies within African primary and secondary education systems.
Spearhead or collaborate as a key contributor on research initiatives, conducting thorough assessments of the integration of digital technologies—and other innovative solutions—within the foundational education systems across Africa.
You will play a key role in advancing project management, policy engagement, and strategic planning initiatives for the Human Development Theme and the broader Center, with a focus on converting research insights into practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and education technology innovators.
Develop and submit compelling proposals to secure necessary funding while cultivating and sustaining robust collaborations with local and international stakeholders.
Assess the effectiveness, fairness, and ethical considerations of digital technology, with a focus on low-resource settings. This role involves advancing AP HRC’s initiatives in education and technology, as well as contributing to AI-related projects.
Examine how digital learning platforms, mobile learning applications, and other technologies are adopted, utilized, and assessed for their influence on foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher performance, and educational equity.
Leverage research findings to construct comprehensive frameworks that facilitate the incorporation of digital technology in educational systems, while fostering collaborations with ministries of education, Edtech hubs, civil society organizations, and international partners to advocate for evidence-driven policy development and implementation.
Key duties involve managing and overseeing daily operational activities to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. The role requires coordination with cross-functional teams to facilitate seamless workflow, execution of strategic initiatives, and monitoring of performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Additionally, the position entails leading process enhancements, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and maintaining compliance with established protocols and industry standards.
The scope of responsibilities for the Researcher will vary according to the specific appointment level, which may include Postdoctoral, Associate Research Scientist, Research Scientist, or Senior Research Scientist positions.
Deliver strategic direction to scientific research teams or initiatives focused on education and technology, particularly in AI applications for learning. Supervise data integrity and analytical processes to uphold rigorous, ethical, and high-quality research standards.
Spearhead and actively participate in crafting research proposals and securing funding for initiatives under the Human Development Theme.
Mentor emerging researchers, including research officers and interns, and lead instructional sessions within the Center’s training programs as required.
Secure and allocate the required human, financial, and material resources for the designated project and/or program while ensuring optimal management and utilization.
Engage in policy discussions and assist with the strategic planning initiatives of the Unit or Theme.
Serve as the Center’s ambassador at prominent national, regional, and international forums, engaging in technical working groups and expert committees.
Prepare institutional publications such as policy briefs, research briefs, fact sheets, research reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles, ensuring accurate content development and timely contributions.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field required. Minimum of four years of relevant work experience in IT infrastructure, network administration, or cybersecurity. Proficiency in Windows Server and Linux environments. Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure is a plus. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are essential. Excellent communication abilities to collaborate across teams. Experience with scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) is preferred. Familiarity with virtualization technologies and network security protocols is advantageous. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
A doctoral degree in a pertinent field, including education and technology, machine learning applied to education, educational data science, curriculum and instruction with a technological emphasis, or an equivalent discipline, is required.
Proven experience in research institutions or comparable environments, focusing on high-quality studies related to education, digital technology, and/or artificial intelligence is required. A demonstrated background in leading or overseeing research programs or initiatives is also necessary.
Strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills are essential, with expertise in mixed methods considered a valuable asset. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in key data analysis software, including STATE, SPSS, R, Python, Vivo, or ATLAS.ti.
Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing, evidenced by a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and the successful acquisition of grant funding.
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French is highly desirable.
A demonstrated proficiency in crafting compelling proposals and a proven track record of securing research grants are essential.
Desirable
Proficiency in executing impact evaluations of educational interventions, with a particular emphasis on those incorporating technology.
Proficiency in African education frameworks, particularly in evaluating foundational literacy and numeracy using assessment tools such as ERA and EMMA, is essential.
Proficiency in qualitative and mixed-method research methodologies is essential for assessing the effectiveness and impact of educational technology innovations.
Successful applicants will be considered for appointment at varying levels—Postdoctoral (0-2 years post-PhD), Associate Research Scientist (3-5 years post-PhD), Research Scientist (6-11 years post-PhD), or Senior Research Scientist (12+ years post-PhD)—based on their qualifications and professional achievements. These roles are designated as Internationally Recruited Positions (IRP).
Qualified applicants are encouraged to forward the following materials in English:
Qualifications
PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
2 - 12 years
