Responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives, overseeing daily operations to ensure alignment with organizational objectives, and managing project timelines and budgets. The role requires analyzing complex data to identify trends, generating actionable insights, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Additionally, the position entails leading process improvements, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Proficiency in industry-specific software and strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to evolving business needs.
The Researcher will spearhead and actively participate in high-caliber research initiatives exploring the convergence of education, technology, and digital advancements, with the goal of producing actionable insights to shape policy and practice within African education systems. Key responsibilities for this role include:
Strengthen AP HRC’s understanding of how technology is utilized in education, with a particular focus on the responsible adoption and expansion of AI and other educational technologies within Africa’s basic education systems.
Conduct or co-conduct comprehensive research initiatives, with a focus on thorough assessments of digital technologies (and other technological tools) in primary education across Africa.
Provide strategic support to project management, policy engagement, and planning initiatives within the Human Development Theme and the Center, with a focus on converting research insights into practical guidance for policymakers, educators, and developers of educational technology.
Develop and submit successful proposals to secure funding while cultivating and sustaining robust partnerships with both 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 role involves advancing AP HRC’s initiatives in education and technology, including those related to artificial intelligence.
Examine how digital learning platforms, mobile learning applications, and other technological innovations enhance foundational literacy and numeracy, bolster teacher effectiveness, and promote equity in education, while also assessing their adoption, utilization patterns, and overall impact.
To create structured frameworks that facilitate the incorporation of digital technology in educational settings, conduct comprehensive research synthesis, then collaborate with ministries of education, Edtech hubs, civil society organizations, and global partners to advocate for policy and practice grounded in research evidence.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties aligned with the role’s core objectives, ensuring adherence to organizational standards and operational efficiency. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance departmental performance, fostering collaboration across teams to achieve key milestones. Provide leadership in project management, monitoring progress, and mitigating risks to maintain timelines and deliverables. Maintain meticulous documentation and reporting to track performance metrics and identify areas for continuous improvement. Serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, addressing inquiries and facilitating transparent communication to support decision-making processes.
The scope of responsibilities for this position will vary based on the level of appointment, which may include Postdoctoral, Associate Research Scientist, Research Scientist, or Senior Research Scientist roles.
Offer strategic direction to scientific research teams or initiatives focused on education and technology, particularly artificial intelligence in learning environments. Supervise data integrity and analytical processes to uphold stringent, ethical, and scientifically rigorous research standards.
Spearhead the creation and enhancement of research proposals and fundraising initiatives for projects aligned with the Human Development Theme.
Mentor emerging researchers, including research officers and interns, by providing guidance and conducting instructional sessions within the Center’s training programs as required.
Secure and manage the essential human, financial, and material resources required to effectively execute the designated project and/or program.
Engage in policy development initiatives and participate actively in strategic planning processes for the Unit or Theme.
Represent the Center at prestigious national, regional, and international forums, including technical working groups and expert committees.
Prepare institutional publications such as policy briefs, research briefs, fact sheets, research reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing original content and ensuring accuracy and clarity throughout.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field required, alongside a minimum of five years of professional experience in software development or a closely related discipline. Proficiency in multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Java, Python, or C++, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality software solutions are mandatory. Experience with agile methodologies, version control systems, and collaborative development environments is highly desirable.
A doctoral degree in an applicable field is required, including but not limited to education and technology, machine learning in education, educational data science, curriculum and instruction with a technological emphasis, or a closely related discipline.
Seeking candidates with a demonstrated background in research institutions or analogous environments, focusing on education, digital technology, and/or AI with a commitment to excellence. Strong leadership and project management skills in research initiatives are required.
Strong quantitative and/or qualitative research expertise is essential, with mixed methods experience being particularly advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in key data analysis software applications, including STATE, SPSS, R, Python, Vivo, or ATLAS.ti.
Proven expertise in scientific writing is evidenced by a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and a history of securing grant funding.
Fluency in English is a non-negotiable requirement, while proficiency in French constitutes an additional benefit.
Exceptional proficiency in crafting winning proposals and a proven track record of securing research grants are essential.
Desirable
Experienced in performing impact evaluations of educational interventions, with a particular emphasis on those incorporating technology.
Possesses a strong understanding of African education frameworks, with particular expertise in evaluating foundational literacy and numeracy through established assessment instruments such as ERA and EMMA.
Proficiency in qualitative and mixed-method research methodologies is essential for assessing Edtech innovations.
Successful candidates may qualify for appointment at varying levels—Postdoctoral (up to two years post-PhD), Associate Research Scientist (three to five years post-PhD), Research Scientist (six to eleven years post-PhD), or Senior Research Scientist (twelve or more years post-PhD)—based on their experience and professional achievements. These roles fall under the category of Internationally Recruited Positions (IRP).
Prospective applicants are encouraged to forward the specified documentation, prepared in English, for consideration.
Qualifications
PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
2 - 12 years
