Intern - Research Analyst at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)

The incumbent will provide critical support in designing, executing, and disseminating research initiatives that drive evidence-based decision-making and inform AECF’s programs and strategic initiatives. The role holder will focus on analyzing data, monitoring market trends, and generating insights to enhance AECF’s interventions across sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Research and knowledge management

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses on investment trends, impact investing ecosystems, and innovative financing mechanisms aligned with AECF’s thematic focus areas.
• Support the development of research outputs that contribute to AECF's knowledge management objectives, particularly in advancing solutions for agriculture, renewable energy, and inclusive finance.
• Contribute to implementing knowledge-sharing activities, including drafting briefs, case studies, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support for research and data collection related to financing strategies and private sector development in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Contribute to AECF’s knowledge management initiatives by developing and maintaining a repository of research materials.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with program teams to integrate research findings into program development and execution.
• Build partnerships with research institutions, donors, and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Represent AECF at workshops, conferences, and other forums to share research outcomes.

Administrative and logistical support

• Coordinate travel arrangements, venue bookings, and other logistical details to ensure seamless workshops, training sessions, and conference implementation.
• Provide organizational support for AECF-hosted events, including identifying and securing venues, managing event invitations, participant registration, and liaising with speakers and attendees.

Suitable candidates should:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in economics, development studies, statistics, or any other related field.
• Possess at least 2 years of experience in research, data analysis, and impact evaluation, preferably in development programs.
• Be proficient in data analysis tools such as SPSS, Stata, R, or similar software.
• Possess a strong understanding of development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, with expertise in agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, or gender inclusion considered an advantage.
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex data and insights clearly and concisely.
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
• Be an analytical thinker and problem-solver with strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in data analysis.
• Have strong project management and organizational skills.
• Have the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.