Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties to ensure operational efficiency and team productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to align projects with organizational goals, fostering clear communication and coordination. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and drive continuous improvement across all assigned responsibilities. Prepare detailed reports, analyze performance metrics, and present actionable insights to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making. Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards while maintaining high ethical and professional conduct. Actively participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
The Researcher will spearhead and participate in high-quality research initiatives focused on exploring the convergence of education, technology, and digital advancements, with the goal of producing actionable insights to guide policy and practice within African education systems. Key responsibilities of this role include:
Strengthen AP HRC’s expertise in understanding how technology, particularly AI and other educational tools, is utilized and its effects on African basic education, with an emphasis on responsible implementation and effective scaling.
Orchestrate or collaboratively guide research initiatives, encompassing thorough assessments of the integration of digital technologies—and supplementary technological tools—within the foundational education systems of African nations.
You will play a key role in advancing project management, policy engagement, and strategic planning initiatives within the Human Development Theme and the broader Center, with a strong focus on converting research insights into practical, actionable recommendations tailored for policymakers, educators, and developers in the education technology sector.
Develop successful proposals to secure funding while cultivating and sustaining robust partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Assess the effectiveness, fairness, and ethical considerations of digital technology, with a focus on its application in low-resource settings. This involves supporting AP HRC’s initiatives in education and technology, as well as contributing to projects centered on artificial intelligence.
Examine how digital learning platforms, mobile learning applications, and related technologies are adopted, utilized, and evaluated to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills, strengthen teacher performance, and promote educational equity.
Leverage research findings to design and implement strategic frameworks that facilitate the incorporation of digital technology in educational systems, while collaborating with education ministries, Edtech initiatives, civil society organizations, and global partners to advance evidence-based policies and practices.
Key Duties include managing daily operations to ensure efficient workflow, overseeing project timelines and deliverables, coordinating cross-functional teams to align on strategic goals, and maintaining strict adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Responsibilities also encompass analyzing performance metrics to identify improvement areas, fostering a collaborative work environment, and providing leadership to drive team productivity and innovation. Additionally, the role requires evaluating operational challenges, implementing corrective measures, and ensuring seamless communication between departments to uphold organizational objectives.
The scope of responsibilities for the Researcher will vary according to the specific appointment level, including 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, with an emphasis on AI in education. Supervise data quality and analytical processes, fostering robust, ethical, and stringent research methodologies.
Drive the creation and execution of research proposals and fundraising initiatives for projects under the Human Development Theme.
Mentor emerging scholars, including research officers and interns, and lead training program sessions in the Center as required.
Efficiently acquire and oversee the essential human, financial, and material resources required for the designated project and/or program.
Facilitate policy engagement and contribute to the strategic planning initiatives of the Unit/Theme.
At the Center, you will engage in prominent national, regional, and international forums—such as technical working groups and expert committees—representing the organization at the highest levels.
Craft and deliver institutional publications, such as policy briefs, research briefs, fact sheets, research reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
We seek candidates with a robust academic background and relevant professional experience in the specified field. Applicants must hold a degree in a related discipline, complemented by at least [X] years of hands-on experience in a comparable role. Key requirements include proficiency in industry-standard tools and software, as well as a strong understanding of [specific skills or methodologies]. Additionally, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a track record of delivering high-quality results, adhering to deadlines, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
A doctoral degree in an applicable field is required, including education and technology, machine learning applied to education, educational data science, curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on technology, or a closely related discipline.
A strong background in conducting high-quality research on education, digital technology, and/or AI within a research institution or comparable environment is required. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a proven ability to lead or manage research programs or projects effectively.
Proficiency in relevant data analysis software, including STATE, SPSS, R, Python, Vivo, or ATLAS.ti, is required, along with strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills, where experience in mixed methods approaches is advantageous.
Proven expertise in scientific writing is evident through a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and the successful acquisition of grant funding.
Fluency in English is a non-negotiable requirement, while proficiency in French is highly desirable.
Proven expertise in crafting compelling proposals and securing competitive research grants is required.
Desirable
Proficiency in executing impact evaluations of educational interventions, with a particular emphasis on technology-based initiatives.
Proficiency in African education systems, particularly regarding foundational literacy and numeracy assessment instruments such as ERA and EMMA, is essential.
Proficiency in qualitative and mixed-method research methodologies is essential for assessing Edtech innovations.
Experienced candidates may 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 fall under the category of Internationally Recruited Positions (IRP).
Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit the following materials in English:
Qualifications
PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
2 - 12 years
