The position involves overseeing key operational duties and strategic initiatives to ensure organizational success. Responsibilities include managing team performance, driving project execution, and maintaining alignment with company objectives. Candidates must possess strong leadership skills, relevant industry experience, and the ability to analyze complex data to inform decision-making. Additionally, proficiency in communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration is essential. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a track record of achieving measurable results while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
This role is an entry- to mid-level research position within DAKOTA’s Customer Intelligence (CI) team. As a CI Research Associate, you will contribute to comprehensive UX and product research initiatives, overseeing projects from initial study design to final insight delivery while collaborating closely with senior researchers and cross-functional partners. You will conduct meaningful research on tangible products for actual customers whose financial well-being relies on seamless, functional experiences.
This hybrid position requires in-person work at our Kenya office, where you will collaborate with a multicultural team comprising colleagues from our various offices across the UK, Europe, and Africa. Reporting directly to the Research Operations Lead, you will play a key role in driving cross-regional initiatives and fostering collaboration within the organization.
In what ways does this position stand out from others? This role distinguishes itself by offering a unique blend of challenges and opportunities for professional growth. It requires a candidate with a strong background in [specific field/industry], along with proven expertise in [key skill or responsibility]. The ideal applicant will possess exceptional analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include [list key duties, e.g., developing strategic plans, leading cross-functional teams, or analyzing complex data].
This position offers more than just supportive responsibilities; instead, it centers on pioneering products designed for first-time smartphone users, first-time borrowers, and first-time digital finance customers across five distinct markets. The research challenges are multifaceted and consequential, with tangible impacts driving the team’s commitment to meticulous execution.
What You’ll be doing
We oversee the entire process of planning and executing moderated usability tests, semi-structured interviews, and surveys, handling fieldwork logistics seamlessly for both remote and in-person sessions to guarantee high-quality data collection from the outset.
Crafting qualitative data into structured, insightful deliverables involves applying specific frameworks to analyze and synthesize findings, resulting in affinity maps, curated insight lists, and detailed reports that effectively communicate actionable takeaways to your team and key stakeholders.
Contributing to collaborative research frameworks, proactively identifying ambiguities in briefs, and leveraging AI-powered tools—such as Claude and Notion AI—while exercising discernment to determine when human oversight is necessary for the results.
What You’ll bring
Experienced in executing UX research initiatives—such as moderated usability testing, semi-structured interviews, and survey design—with a keen ability to determine the appropriate methods and their strategic application.
Demonstrates a track record of effectively handling qualitative data, including coding responses, discerning recurring themes, and creating synthesis deliverables such as affinity maps and insight lists through a systematic and disciplined methodology.
Proficient understanding of DAKOTA’s operating markets or the overarching landscape of first-time digital financial services consumers is required, alongside a keen interest in addressing the unique usability obstacles inherent to this segment.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
