We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team in this pivotal position. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in [industry/field], with a minimum of [X years] of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include [responsibility 1], [responsibility 2], and [responsibility 3], with a focus on delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced environment. Essential qualifications include [requirement 1], [requirement 2], and proficiency in [specific skill/tool]. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are critical to excel in this role.
This is an entry- to mid-level research role situated within DAKOTA’s Customer Intelligence (CI) team. As a CI Research Associate, you will collaborate on the full spectrum of UX and product research—from study conception to insight dissemination—and work in close partnership with senior researchers and cross-functional colleagues. Your contributions will directly inform real-world solutions for actual customers, whose financial well-being hinges on seamless, functional experiences.
This hybrid position involves working from our offices in Kenya while collaborating with a multicultural team of colleagues spanning our offices in the UK, Europe, and Africa. Reporting directly to the Research Operations Lead, you will contribute to cross-regional projects and initiatives.
This position stands out distinctly from typical roles due to its unique blend of strategic impact and hands-on execution, offering an exceptional opportunity to shape high-stakes initiatives while directly contributing to tangible outcomes. The role demands a dynamic blend of analytical rigor and creative problem-solving, paired with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and drive cross-functional alignment. Unlike conventional positions, it places significant emphasis on measurable results, fostering an environment where innovation and accountability converge to deliver transformative results. Moreover, it provides unparalleled exposure to executive leadership, enabling professionals to influence decision-making at the highest levels while honing their leadership capabilities.
In this role, you won’t remain confined to a purely supporting capacity; instead, you’ll engage with groundbreaking products designed for first-time smartphone adopters, first-time borrowers, and first-time digital finance users across five distinct markets. The research challenges are intricate, the impact is immediate and substantial, and the team upholds a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship.
What You’ll be doing
Executing moderated usability tests, semi-structured interviews, and surveys, you will oversee the full spectrum of fieldwork logistics for both remote and in-person sessions, guaranteeing that every session is structured to yield high-quality data from the outset.
Crafting qualitative data through coding and synthesis within established frameworks to generate affinity maps, curated lists of insights, and meticulously structured reports, thereby converting research findings into coherent, actionable deliverables for your team and key stakeholders.
Contributing to the team’s established research processes, identifying ambiguities in briefs, and leveraging AI-assisted tools—such as Claude and Notion AI—while exercising discernment to determine when human review of the is necessary.
What You’ll bring
Demonstrated proficiency in conducting UX research methodologies—such as moderated usability testing, semi-structured interviews, and survey design—along with a clear comprehension of selecting and applying the most appropriate techniques based on specific research objectives.
Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing qualitative data, including coding responses, recognizing recurring patterns, and creating synthesis deliverables—such as affinity maps and insight lists—through a systematic, organized methodology.
Possesses a solid understanding of DAKOTA’s target markets or the broader landscape of first-time digital financial services consumers, coupled with a strong interest in addressing the unique usability challenges inherent in that domain.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND