ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Micro Investment Consultancy Services Ltd (MICS) is a social enterprise specializing in investment, development and management consulting and business advisory services to international investors and SMEs in various sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa. MICS seeks to link micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs), credit unions, co-operative groups, rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), women's groups, and MFIs with public and private funding sources. MICS assists the MFIs and SMEs in identifying the best investors in the sector and the most suitable funding instruments as well as negotiating for the chosen funding instrument tailored to the standard of the MFIs or SMEs including the best market rates. MICS also has a track record of providing technical assistance and capacity building strategies to multi-sector SMEs for improved efficiency and greater outreach. In addition, MICS provides a wide range of investment advisory services to all classes of investors. Based on an excellent knowledge of the local markets and economies, MICS identifies strong investment opportunities and provides professional financial services to create exceptional value for our investors.
ABOUT THE JOB:
MICS seeks a Research Associate to help develop, prepare, conduct and present research, write research papers, analyzing trends and trajectories about topics like microfinance, socio-economic development, education, agriculture etc. The position will involve both quantitative and qualitative analyses as well as statistical and field research. Moreover, the Research Associate maintains and provides databases, suggests cultivation strategies and identifying individual, corporate and foundation prospects to support the company’s advancement efforts.
Specifically MICS Ltd. is currently undertaking research in the field of group dynamics in the disbursement of loans by MFIs. Any specific experience on previous research in the area will be of advantage.
The assignment is for 6 months with starting date as soon as possible and possibility of extension.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Defining, developing, and undertaking creative research using your own original research;
- Work closely with MICS’ local and expatriate staff to carry out research projects;
- Publishing in working papers, briefings, journal articles and press releases targeted to policy makers, academics and the general public for greater outreach;
- Tracking policy developments and socio-economic trends in relevant areas and identifying new investors and business opportunities;
- Executing on-line searches on news, biographical, financial, business and foundation databases; explore new database opportunities, and attend training sessions;
- Engaging in related policy outreach activities and speaking engagements;
- Participating in the preparation of foundation and other types of grant proposals.
Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in economics, international development, political science or a related discipline;
- At least 1-3 years of relevant experience in a research environment or in an institutional setting or policy organization;
- A record of applying quantitative research methods to real-world problems to identify practical and action-oriented solutions;
- Demonstrated ability to take a project to completion;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to work independently within a small, closely-knit organization and to contribute to the development of new initiatives;
- In-country development experience and/or experience in an operational development organization a plus;
- Experience in writing and editing logical and detailed reports;
- Must be highly organized, analytical, accurate and detail oriented;
- Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines; must be able to analyze and prioritize assignments.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter and a research paper sample to the attention of Mr. Franklin Odoemenam, MICS’ Executive Director at info@micsafrica.com. Please use “MICS Research Associate” in the subject line of email correspondence.
