Position title: Research Assistant (postgraduate position)
Organisation: Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF)
Location: London (hybrid working – 2 days remote per week)
Reporting to: Research Director; Senior Researchers
Hours: 09:30-17:30 GMT, Monday-Friday
Start date: ASAP
Salary: £24,000

Working as part of a small research team, the Research Assistant will contribute to the production and delivery of two of the main initiatives of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation: the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) and the Ibrahim Forum Report, as well as other adhoc research work such as writing briefings, blogs and other research pieces.

The Research Assistant will assist the Foundation’s research team in its core work, contributing to all research but specifically in the production and refinement of the IIAG and the Foundation’s annual Forum Report (a research publication supporting discussions at the Foundation’s annual Forum, focussing on a different governance topic every year).

Day-to-day tasks include participating in desk-based research of governance topics, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, supporting the team’s researchers, analysts and senior managers in production of research publications and pieces. Research team staff also support all Foundation related events and activities, and Board members when required. The ideal candidate will be passionate about governance, data driven research and Africa, with experience in conducting research and analysis on governance and/or development issues.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Desk-based research involving data collection and the synthesis of information from relevant sources for research publications
  • Contribute to developing the Foundation’s research work around key governance issues of relevance to Africa Country, regional and thematic analysis
  • Contribute to identifying data sources for the IIAG and research publications
  • Assist with tracking media, reports and events related to African governance, as well as initiatives to strengthen data capacity on the continent
  • Assist in the delivery of the Foundation’s events and at other external engagements
  • Provide general assistance to the research team, including preparing presentations, writing briefings, and checking documents
  • Provide administrative and logistical support where necessaryProvide administrative and logistical support where necessary

Experience and qualifications

The ideal candidate should have:
• A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject or be enrolled in one
• Demonstrated interest in the international development sector, ideally with a focus on development and governance/public policies in Africa
• Experience in and/or a strong desire to carry out and learn data analysis and
quantitative data work

Person specification

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with managing and interpreting numerical data
• Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods/design is
advantageous
• Interest in using and learning data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel or Tableau
• Knowledge of MS Office
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills
• Highly organised, with the ability to work to deadlines under pressure
• Willingness to learn and ability to pick up new concepts and skills quickly
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to be diplomatic and deal with highlevel stakeholders and officials tactfully and effectively, in a multi-cultural environment
• The ability to join and contribute to the work of a small team
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of French, Arabic or Portuguese is
advantageous
• Candidates with knowledge of statistical packages such as Stata or R are
encouraged to apply

Application procedure
Please send up to date CV and a one-page covering statement outlining your interest in and suitability for the role to applications@moibrahimfoundation.org, with the job title in the subject line.

Please note that we are only able to contact candidates selected for interview.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled.
Please note that flexible working hours and international travel may be required for this position.

Candidates should have the right to work in the UK