Research Data Analyst at FSD Africa (FSDA)

SCOPE OF WORK

• The data analyst will report to FSD’s Research specialist, and closely collaborate with the Research team members in responding to FSD Kenya’s data needs (both internal and external facing). Key tasks for the role include:

Support demand-side and supply-side data analysis for FSD Kenya and its partners:

• Undertaking analysis of granular demand-side (especially FinAccess) and supply-side data for the FSD teams (including the Results function), and FSD’s partners in line with specific requests and areas of interest. The scope and format of the analysis will be agreed upon before the analysis is undertaken. This could, for instance, include basic descriptive analysis or more complex econometric analysis. The data analyst will be expected to deliver the analysis in table format, chart formats or data visualisation as required. Where complex variables are analysed, the syntax or the explanation of how the analysis is done may be required for future use.

Support FSD’s work on data quality and standardisation

• This requires working closely with FSD’s Research specialist and external researchers to improve the quality, standardisation and usability of FinAccess and related (e.g. MSE Tracker) datasets.

Support initiatives to facilitate the communication, use and accessibility of data

• Sharing of data and driving the use of the data is a key element of the Research function. As part of her/his role, the data analyst will help to ensure that analytical outputs are availed to as many users as possible (within the confines of data privacy and confidentiality). These could be through avenues such as the FSD website and FSD events as well as external platforms such as KNBS data visualisations. Achieving this may require close collaboration not just with internal FSD teams, but also with FSD partners, such as the CBK and KNBS. The format and the platforms to be used will be agreed upon with the team.

Partnership management

• Collaborating internally within FSD teams and fostering partnerships with entities that FSD closely partners with, such as CBK, KNBS, CRBs, KBA, SASRA, AMFI, CIS Kenya, are integral aspects of the role.

CONDUCT OF THE WORK

• The data analyst will report directly to the FSD Research Specialist, working closely with the FSD Research team. From time-to-time s/he will work closely with other FSD project teams and their partners as shall be agreed with the Research Specialist. Working arrangements will be flexible with the approach taken, driven by the demands of the role. Guidelines on effective remote working and flexitime are set out in FSD’s policies and procedures, which should be strictly adhered to. Use of timesheets is mandatory, and salaries will only be processed upon updated timesheets by the 20th of each month. Successful remote and flexible working requires liaison with members of the team and the full adoption of FSD’s technology-based communication tools. Communication and collaboration are of paramount importance to the FSD team’s effectiveness.

OUTCOMES AND DELIVERABLES

The key outcome sought from this work is high quality analysis of demand-side, supply-side and real economy data as shall be required.

Specifically,

• Data analytics in line with the scope required including the agreed format such as tables and charts. The scope will be agreed upon for each request including the data source for analysis
• Documentation of any analysis especially where complex analysis has been undertaken for future use. This could be in the form of a syntax or any other understandable format.
• Communication outputs in user-friendly and compelling formats accessible to stakeholders. This includes high-quality PowerPoint presentations as well as data visualisation.

REQUIREMENTS

Mandatory requirements

• A relevant qualification in social science (minimum bachelor’s degree, master's preferred)
• Excellent data analysis skills, including high levels of competency in using statistical packages such as SPSS, STATA, R or other applicable statistical packages
• Ability to interrogate and triangulate different data types – demand-side (e.g. household surveys), supply-side (e.g. financial institution data) and real economy data (e.g. administrative data, spatial data etc.) to derive meaningful insights (experience with financial inclusion data such as FinAccess preferred)
• Ability to visualise data in a compelling way and to communicate data to general as well as specialist audiences
• Ability to work independently and deliver against deadlines.
• Excellent spoken and written English.