Responsibilities include managing daily operations, overseeing project execution, and ensuring adherence to company standards and timelines. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align objectives and resolve operational challenges is essential. Conducting performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering professional development opportunities for staff members are key duties. Additionally, the role involves monitoring budgets, tracking financial performance, and optimizing resource allocation to meet organizational goals. Maintaining compliance with industry regulations and internal policies is also required, along with identifying process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are necessary to drive team success and achieve strategic objectives.
The Researcher will spearhead and collaborate on cutting-edge research initiatives examining the convergence of education, technology, and digital advancements, with the goal of producing actionable insights to shape policy and enhance practice within African education systems. Key responsibilities for this role include:
Enhance AP HRC’s expertise in understanding the role, application, and consequences of technology in education, with a particular focus on the responsible deployment and scaling of AI and other educational technologies within African primary and secondary education systems.
Conduct or collaborate as the principal investigator on research initiatives, focusing on comprehensive assessments of digital technologies (and other innovations) in primary and secondary education 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 strong focus on converting research insights into practical, policy-relevant recommendations for decision-makers, educators, and developers in the education technology sector.
Develop and submit compelling grant proposals to secure funding, while cultivating and nurturing collaborative relationships with local and global partners to strengthen mutual objectives.
Assess the effectiveness, fairness, and ethical considerations of digital technology, with a focus on applications in low-resource settings. This involves supporting AP HRC’s initiatives in education and technology, as well as contributing to AI-related projects.
Examine the uptake, utilization, and consequences of digital learning platforms, mobile learning applications, and related technologies designed to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher performance, and educational equity.
To craft evidence-based frameworks that facilitate the integration of digital technology in education, this role involves synthesizing research findings and collaborating with ministries of education, Edtech hubs, civil society organizations, and global partners to advance policy and practice grounded in solid evidence.
Oversee and execute core duties essential to the role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Manage critical tasks related to [specific function, e.g., project delivery, team leadership, or operational efficiency], while maintaining adherence to established policies and quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, resolve challenges, and drive measurable outcomes. Take ownership of assigned projects, tracking progress, mitigating risks, and delivering results within specified timelines. Leverage analytical and problem-solving skills to assess performance metrics, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategic initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous development within the team or department.
The scope of responsibilities for the Researcher will vary based on the specific appointment level, which may include Postdoctoral, Associate Research Scientist, Research Scientist, or Senior Research Scientist.
Offer strategic direction to scientific research teams or initiatives focused on education and technology, with an emphasis on AI in educational settings. Supervise data quality assurance and analytical processes to uphold rigorous, ethical, and robust research standards.
Direct and actively lead the preparation of research proposals and secure funding for initiatives under the Human Development Theme.
Mentor emerging researchers, including research officers and interns, and lead training sessions within the Center’s programs as required.
Acquire and oversee the essential human capital, financial assets, and material supplies required to successfully execute the designated project and/or program.
Facilitate the development and implementation of policy engagement strategies while participating in the Unit or Theme’s strategic planning initiatives.
Represent the Center in high-level national, regional, and international forums, such as technical working groups and expert committees.
Prepare and disseminate institutional publications such as policy briefs, research briefs, fact sheets, research reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the field, complemented by a degree in a related discipline. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ideal applicant will demonstrate exceptional communication abilities and the capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment. Prior experience managing projects or leading initiatives is highly valued. Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements is also required.
A doctorate in a closely aligned field is required, including—though not limited to—education and technology, machine learning applied to education, educational data science, or curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on technological integration.
Demonstrated success in conducting rigorous research within academic or research-focused environments, particularly in education, digital technology, and/or artificial intelligence, is required. Prior leadership or management of research initiatives or projects is a necessity.
Proficiency in relevant data analysis software such as STATE, SPSS, R, Python, Vivo, or ATLAS.ti is a requirement, along with strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills—experience with mixed methods is particularly advantageous.
Skilled in crafting high-quality scientific documents, evidenced by a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and funded grant proposals.
Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in French is considered beneficial.
Proven expertise in crafting compelling proposals and a track record of securing research funding through grants.
Desirable
Proven expertise in executing impact evaluations of educational interventions, with a particular emphasis on those incorporating technological components.
Possesses a strong understanding of African education frameworks, with a particular focus on foundational literacy and numeracy evaluation instruments such as ERA and EMMA.
Proficiency in qualitative and mixed-method research methodologies is required for assessing the effectiveness of educational technology innovations.
Successful candidates 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 professional experience and demonstrated achievements. These roles are designated as Internationally Recruited Positions (IRP).
Professionally interested applicants are encouraged to forward the following materials in English:
Qualifications
PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
2 - 12 years
