We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team in a dynamic role that offers significant opportunities for growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing key operational tasks, ensuring seamless execution of projects, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives. This position requires a proven track record in [specific field/industry, if mentioned], along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Applicants must possess [specific degrees, certifications, or years of experience required] and demonstrate exceptional communication and leadership abilities. Additionally, the role entails managing [specific responsibilities, if listed], monitoring performance metrics, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive efficiency and innovation within the department.
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—from initial study design to final insight delivery—while collaborating closely with senior researchers and cross-functional partners. Your work will involve conducting practical research on tangible products for real customers, whose financial well-being hinges on seamless, effective experiences.
This hybrid position requires on-site work from our Kenyan office while collaborating with colleagues from our varied offices across the UK, Europe, and Africa. You will report directly to the Research Operations Lead.
This position stands out due to its unique blend of responsibilities and impact within the organization. Unlike conventional roles, it demands a strategic mindset alongside hands-on execution, requiring the ability to navigate complex challenges while driving measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess a rare combination of technical expertise and leadership acumen, ensuring alignment between high-level objectives and day-to-day operations. Additionally, this role offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and cross-functional collaboration, making it an ideal fit for individuals seeking to expand their influence and make a lasting contribution.
In this role, you won’t remain confined to a purely supportive capacity; instead, you’ll contribute to groundbreaking products designed for first-time smartphone users, first-time borrowers, and first-time digital finance customers across five distinct markets. The research challenges are intricate, the outcomes carry real-world impact, and the team prioritizes excellence in execution.
What You’ll be doing
Convene moderated usability tests, semi-structured interviews, and surveys, overseeing end-to-end fieldwork logistics for both remote and in-person sessions while establishing optimized setups to guarantee high-quality data collection from the outset.
You will code and synthesize qualitative data by applying established frameworks to create affinity maps, insight lists, and structured reports, effectively translating findings into clear, actionable outputs for your team and key stakeholders.
Contributing to team research methodologies, posing inquiries when briefs lack clarity, and utilizing AI-assisted tools—such as Claude and Notion AI—with the discernment to recognize when human oversight is necessary for the output.
What You’ll bring
Experienced in executing UX research methodologies such as moderated usability testing, semi-structured interviews, and survey design, with a keen ability to discern the optimal methods for specific research objectives.
Demonstrates a strong track record in handling qualitative data, including coding responses, recognizing recurring patterns, and developing synthesis artifacts such as affinity maps and insight lists through a rigorous, systematic methodology.
Acquaintance with DAKOTA’s markets or the wider landscape of first-time digital financial services consumers is essential, along with a sincere interest in addressing the usability challenges inherent in this domain.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
