RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER

By Appointment Africa

Project Research Manager


VACANCY: RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER

JOB REF: BA/RPM/13

Our client is a start-up revolutionizing education across Africa with a truly unique business model. The company has launched a large-scale franchise-like network of ultra low-cost for-profit private primary schools across Africa. Our schools profitably deliver high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, enabling local school managers to operate their school businesses profitably, while creating a highly successful business at the central level. We have launched our first 10 schools in Kenya, have 15 more opening in January and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students.

About this position

We have and are continuing to develop one of the most sophisticated approaches to providing affordable education to MILLIONS of children in one of the most challenging environments in the world!

A central part of this approach is played by our Research Department, which has core responsibility for conducting research, analyzing and providing critical analysis, insight, reports and data to the rest of the company about:
• Socio-economic conditions of neighbourhoods where we are considering locating new schools
• Competitive landscape of schools in the neighbourhood (including pricing, offering and local perception)
• Plot-specific research regarding security and neighbourhood perception of suitability
• Population Density analysis and calculation of normal walking distance of children
• Research at our existing schools to determine why parents choose or don’t choose our school

Our Research Department uses a number of tools and resources to conduct this research
• Household surveys conducted on the ground by Research Associates
• Handheld GPS machines for calculating distances, catchments, population density info
• GIS Satellite Mapping software system
• Excel for data entry
• Automated analysis of data to quickly identify key metrics
• Systematized rating system for new potential plots

The Research Project Manager is responsible for:
• managing and training our team of full time or contracted Research Associates
• setting up each research project in terms of setting up neighbourhood analysis in GIS mapping system, modifying and preparing household survey instruments, ensuring that Research Associates are familiar with the protocols, managing logistics, etc
• scheduling and project managing all of the field research and data entry to ensure effective utilization of our staff
• Using tools in GIS mapping software to conduct final data analysis using points brought from Research Associates
• Review and manipulation of excel data analysis sheets to determine if there are data errors and identify new trends
• Preparation of overall research reports based on template, using data from excel and GIS system.
• Communicating findings to other members of the Company

About You
• You have minimum of 5+ years experience in conducting or managing field research
• You have 2+ years experience in project management (in any field, including Research)
• You have experience managing small teams of people
• You are experienced and familiar using Excel for both data entry and some data analysis
• You are very good at interpreting and using maps, and connecting what you see on a map with the realities when on the ground
• Familiarity or experience with GIS mapping software is a plus
• You are very familiar with slums and informal settlements
• You are extremely analytical, and excited about using data
• You have experience or training in setting up research studies
• You are very experienced with using various software packages
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelors or Masters degree (degree in Sociology, Demography, or Anthropology a plus)

To apply for this position, please forward your application letter, in line with the job description, your C.V. (in word format) and a recent photograph of yourself to info@byappointmentafrica.com quoting the Job Reference as listed above.


Date: 21 December 2010
City/Town: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi Area
Wage/Salary: negotiable
Start: immediately
Duration: 2 yeear contract